In the produce aisle, things are in a perpetual state of flux. As the seasons wax and wane, and as cold or rainy weather afflicts different growing areas, the availability, quality, and price of different fruits and vegetables fluctuates weekly and sometimes daily. One constant in this ever changing tableau is the banana. Bananas are […]
As we enter the later part of winter, there is scant cause for excitement among purveyors of fresh produce. Fall fruits like apples and pears are getting a bit long in the tooth, while early spring vegetables like asparagus are just starting to poke their heads above the ground. One bright spot are the citrus […]
A hundred years ago, oranges were a rare treat in Northern climes like ours. They might show up as a special gift in a Christmas stocking, but were not a common food for most people. Today, they are ubiquitous. Because oranges are available year-round, we rarely think of them as having a season. However, oranges […]
Persimmons should come with a warning label. They are an inviting fruit, acorn-shaped, vaguely resembling a tomato with a cheerful orange color. They look like they should taste wonderful. Don’t be fooled by this beguiling façade. A less-than-ripe persimmon is horribly astringent due to tannins in the fruit that dissipate as it ripens. This is […]
People are always looking for “the next new thing.” When it comes to food, “the next new thing” is often something very old that has been rediscovered. Consider the pomegranate. This ancient fruit has recently become a culinary media darling. Not only the fruit itself, but pomegranate juices, teas and concentrates have taken the market […]
