When most of us think of fruit we think of a tasty apple, a ripe
banana or a juicy orange. We rarely conjure up images of
tomatoes, avocados, eggplants or chilies. Yet, they are fruits
as well, and require more special care and preparation than
their true vegetable counterparts. Here are a few tips for
enjoying these delightful fruits:
Avocados
While they are high in fat, avocados are loaded with vitamin C
and other healthy elements. When purchased, many avocados are
not yet ripe. The optimal way to ripen them is by sticking them
in a paper bag on the counter for a day or so, until they have
gone just beyond firm. A good way to test for ripeness is to
stick a toothpick in the stem end. If it slides in easily, it is
ready. Once ripened, store your avocados in the refrigerator.
When preparing an avocado, remember to remove the pit
immediately, as the flesh of the fruit tends to darken quickly.
Don't throw away the pit if you plan to refrigerate again,
however, as the pit will keep the fruit fresh in the
refrigerator.
Chilies
Fresh chilies run the spectrum in terms of flavor and degrees of
hotness. When working with chilies, be sure to protect your
hands with gloves or to wash your hands thoroughly after
handling. The oil of a chili pepper can burn the skin and eyes.
If your chilies come from a can, be sure to rinse them
thoroughly in cold water before using to extinguish a little of
the extra fire that is usually found in the seeds and liquid.
Know Your Chilies
If you like it hot and are willing to experiment with chilies,
head down to your Spanish or Mexican supermercado. A few of the
most common medium varieties include ancho chilies, mulato
chilies, pasilla chilies and chipotle chiles.
Peppers
Red, yellow, orange and green, bell peppers are full of flavor
and they are also packed with vitamins C, A and potassium.
Choose peppers that are firm and bright and use them within a
few days for maximum appeal. A great way to store peppers for a
longer term is to roast a large batch at a time on the grill or
by broiling them in the oven. Once charred, seal the peppers in
a bag for 10 minutes. Then, slice and store the peppers in a jar
in the refrigerator to be used in vegetable dishes, salads and
antipasto.
Tomatoes
This plentiful treat comes in all shapes and sizes. If they need
ripening, place them stem down in a warm location, like your
windowsill, for a few days. Then store them in a cool place and
wash just before using. If you just can't wait that long, toss
them (gently) in a paper bag with an apple for quicker results.
Eggplant Look for a giant that is deep purple and glossy
when choosing the best eggplant. It is best stored in a plastic
bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before use. Any bitter
juices can be removed before cooking by cutting the eggplant in
cubes and sprinkling on a heavy hand of kosher salt. Place on
towels for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Healthier living
can make a person feel like they have a new lease on
life. Stop by Stop by ModernSage.com today for more tips
on tips on healthy
food, a a
healthy body and an an inspired spirit!
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