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…
Ginger, a knobby, fibrous root, has smooth light brown skin with a sheen to it. The flesh of the root is white. The tuberous rhizome (underground stem) of a perennial plant native to Southeast Asia, ginger is cultivated in most tropical countries and can also be grown in hot and temperate regions. Long renowned for…
Green Seedless Grapes range in color from deep green to light green, and sometimes tinged with amber depending on variety. Grown in clusters, Green Grapes are generally known to be sweet. Perfect for eating out of hand, salads or desserts.
There are two categories of grapes; black and white. Red grapes are actually black grapes. Their color varies from deep rose-pink to purplish red with a medium small size that is seedless, firm skinned, and tender fleshed. Red Seedless Grapes have a mild, sweet/tart flavor and when ripe are a dark flame to rust red…
Similar in shape to pears or plums, guavas can be as small as 1 inch or as large as 4 inches in diameter. They have thin, pale green skins, which turn light yellow as they ripen; the flesh varies from white to deep pink or salmon red. They contain a number of flattish, hard but…
There are many varieties of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). The most common type is the Sweet or Spicy Globe basil. Home gardeners know that if you plant basil in your garden, it can grow fast and you can expect it to take over if you are not careful, especially in hot climates. Fresh basil can…
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is also referred to as salad chervil, garden chervil, or French parsley. It is a tender, delicate, ferny herb with tiny fern-like leaves and tender stems. The flavor is grassy and herbaceous with a slight anise flavor. This is a tender herb and will not stand up well to heat, so be…
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum), are a member of the onion family–one taste and you will see the family resemblance. They have long, slender, hollow leaves which taste mildly of onions and garlic, think mild green onions. They are very tender and the entire leaf can be used. Be warned, use a sharp knife for chopping, a…
Let’s take a timeout and talk about cilantro, (Coriandrum sativum). It’s unique. It’s polarizing. There is no middle ground on opinion, this is a love it or hate it herb. Due to a genetic trait, a lot of people don’t like that soapy taste…Julia Child didn’t like it, so don’t feel bad if you don’t,…
Oregano (O. vulgare L.), can be found commonly in Italian, Greek, and Mexican cuisine. Oregano’s leaves are bright green with a spicy, pungent flavor, reminiscent of pine. As with most herbs, only a small quantity is needed. You can strip the leaves from the stems and use them, or you can use the entire herb…
