Characterized by an oblong head and tightly packed, pale green to white crinkled leaves. NapaÍs mild flavor is similar to a cross between cabbage, iceberg lettuce, and celery. Texture is tender-crisp. Napa may be used cooked or uncooked. Also known as celery cabbage or pe-tsai. Napa is native to China, where is has been consumed…
Although there are many varieties of carrots, they are generally sold according to size. Carrots are characterized by a firm, smooth exterior, orange to orange-red color, and crunchy texture. Carrots are a root vegetable originating in the Middle East and central Asia. The ancestor of the carrot we know today was purple in color, verging…
Cauliflower is mostly known for it’s creamy white curds, but did you know there are purple, orange and green varieties I available too? A versatile vegetable, cauliflower can be steamed, mashed, pureed, made into casseroles, fried, or topped with cheese.
A biennial garden vegetable native to the Mediterranean area and grown for its stalks (also called ribs), leaves, roots and seeds. Celery leaves were originally used for their medicinal properties. The Greeks used celery leaves like bay leaves, to crown victorious athletes, and to whom celery wine was also served. During the Middle Ages an…
Clementines are tiny, easy to peel oranges that are members of the mandarin family. They are so easy to peel, they are also known as “kid glove oranges” as it is told that a lady could peel them with out dirtying her gloves. Great for small, single servings in children’s lunchboxes, they are generally seedless…
There are two main categories of grapefruit: seeded and seedless. TheyÍre also broken into color classifications: white, which has a yellowish-white flesh, and pink, the flesh of which can range from pale yellow-pink to brilliant ruby red. Pink grapefruit has a higher amount of vitamin A than does the white. The skins of all varieties…
One of the only members of the citrus family that is entirely edible, the Kumquat’s skin is sweet and its juicy flesh has a zesty, somewhat tart, orange flavor with hints of tangerine. The ultimate heirloom fruit, Kumquat growing practices have been documented in China as early as 1178 A.D. The word Kumquat comes from…
Primary varieties are Eureka and Lisbon. Both have smooth, firm skins, juicy flesh, and few seeds. Other noted varieties include Bears, Avon, Harney and Villafranco. Size & acidity of lemons differ according to the variety, as does coarseness & thickness of the yellow peel. The number of seeds contained in the flesh also varies, with…
Small and green, the lime is valued for the tart flavor of its flesh and peel. Just as sour as lemon juice, lime juice is more aromatic. If lemon juice is substituted for lime juice, the flavor can be very disappointing. The lime typically has a diameter of between 1 and 2 inches; its thin…
White corn, with some debate, is generally the name as yellow corn in sweetness and nutrition. Compounds found in corn have been shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease. Research has also found that diets rich in foods like corn can help lower the risk for lung cancer. Corn is a good source of vitamin C,…
Yellow corn, with some debate, is generally the name as white corn in sweetness and nutrition. Compounds found in corn have been shown to help prevent cardiovascular disease. Research has also found that diets rich in foods like corn can help lower the risk for lung cancer. Corn is a good source of vitamin C…..
The cucumber belongs to the same family as squash and melons. It grows on a climbing plant that is 3 to 10 feet long; the plantÍs tendrils allow it to cling to other plants or objects. The fruit emerges after the plantÍs large yellow flowers have blossomed. Characterized by a straight, plump shape with slightly…
Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family, along with tomatoes and potatoes. They have a smooth, glossy deep purple skin and a creamy ivory flesh dotted with seeds. Eggplant are great flied, saut_ed, roasted or pureed. Eggplant has been found to help aid in the protection of brain cells. It also contains important antioxidants,…
The Chinese eggplant has a lovely lilac colored, thin skin, delicate flavor, and relatively few seeds. Perhaps the nicest thing about this mellow-flavored plant is its adaptability. Its white mild flesh goes with just about any other food. It harmonizes especially well with strong spices like garlic, cinnamon and aromatic herbs. Slender, and longer than…
Originally from India, eggplants are now distributed throughout almost every tropical, subtropical, and temperate climatic zone. This perennial member of the nightshade family, which is grown commercially only as an annual, bears fruits up to 1 foot in length, 2-5 inches in diameter, and up to 1 1/4 pounds in weight. While oval, dark purple…
A member of the chicory family that includes radicchio, frisee, dandelion and escarole, In addition to their uses in salads, endive can be grilled, seared, and braised. In fact, a degree of their characteristic bitterness turns to sweetness when cooked. Their spoon shape makes them a colorful way to serve canap_s, and their brilliant red…
A member of the chicory family that includes radicchio, frisee, dandelion and escarole, In addition to their uses in salads, endive can be grilled, seared, and braised. In fact, a degree of their characteristic bitterness turns to sweetness when cooked.
The story that Adam (yes, that Adam) wandered through the Garden of Eden wearing a fig leaf should give you an idea of how long figs have been around. It’s a shame that more Americans are not familiar with their attributes. According to Alice Waters in her new book, Chez Panisse Fruit, “Their soft, honeyed…
Figs are separated into four main botanical categories; and within these categories are many commercial varieties. Brown Turkey Figs are Bardajics, the main “common fig” variety. Black Missions and Kadotas are other members of the “common” category. As Brown Turkeys get further into their season, they will be reddish-brown outside and amber-pink inside. Early in…
Garlic, along with onions, are ingredients that are indispensable in countless cuisines. No other ingredient can come close to the multitasking nature of Garlic. When raw, it’s hot bite can be used in marinades and salsas. Once cooked, it mellows and becomes sweeter. Serve raw in recipes or roast, fry, saut_, marinate, or blanche…however you…
