Tag: fresh
Wordless Wednesday: Spring-Loaded
Homemade Purple Rice Paper Spring Rolls
Sip Saam Thai – Fresh Spring Rolls
SalaD.I.Y and More – Market Salad Rolls
Saigon Quan – Spring Rolls
Greens Garden Round Rock – Avocado Roll
Bamboo Bistro – Vegetable Spring Rolls
Peared Down
Identifying an entire category of fruits by one continent of origin is not only reductive, but quite confusing. Asian pears are diverse, hailing from China, Japan, Korea, and beyond, in as many different varietals as our beloved American apples. Round, clad in matte tawny brown or chartreuse skin, they arrive in markets carefully swaddled in foam nets, more delicate than hard European pears that are picked prior to ripening. When a fruit is handled with more care than your average carton of eggs, you know it has to be something special.
What Does An Asian Pear Taste Like?
As with every broad culinary classification, there’s no one “Asian Pear,” but myriad types with their own unique tastes. In general, Asian pears are remarkably crisp, with a texture more akin to the short bite of fresh jicama than the creamy, soft flesh of a European pear. This is their main distinguishing characteristic, which can come as a surprise to those unprepared. Sweet, jammy, floral, tart, citrus-y, woodsy, and buttery, sometimes interchangeably and sometimes all at once; expect apple-adjacent flavors which can differ based on the harvest of any given season.
Pear-fect Serving Suggestions
The best thing you can ever do with peak fresh produce is just eat it raw. The resoundingly crunchy bite is incredibly satisfying, sinking your teeth straight into that papery skin that easily gives way. That same crisp texture means they’re excellent candidates for slicing very thinly, maintaining their shape and resisting oxidation longer than other cut comparable fruits on charcuterie boards, in salads, on bruschetta, and more.
Their structural integrity makes them excellent candidates for baking and cooking, too. Poached Asian pears will never fall apart or get mealy, just like a baked and stuffed approach, too. Korean marinades often blend Asian pears into the mix for a balanced sweetness and added tenderization. They can be stir-fried, stewed, dried, and even pickled.
Fall-in For Asian Pears
Domestication and global markets have brought Asian pear trees to every viable growing climate. That means they’re available all year round, but domestic production culminates in the fall. Thankfully, varieties including LilySan, AnaSan, EliSan, New Pear, and JunoSan can last up to three months when properly stored and refrigerated. Now is the time to stock up at your local Asian market, farmers market, or online stores.
Redefine what “pear-shaped” means and expand your understanding of this wide-ranging cultivar. You’ll never look at the average fruit basket the same way again.
Wordless Wednesday: Dreaming of Summer
Yellow Watermelon
Avocado Oil
Summer Mixed Berry Crisp
Caprese Sliders with Melty Mozz Sauce
Barcelona Wine Bar – Avocado Gazpacho
Bouldin Creek Cafe – Rainbow Brite
Cuckoo for Cucamelon
Honey, I shrank the melon! Actually, despite its outward appearance, the cucamelon is only botanically classified as a fruit, tasting and functioning instead as a green vegetable. Though visually a dead-ringer for a watermelon at about 1/16th scale, the flavor is 100% cucumber; crisp, refreshing, and wholly invigorating.
Novel, but Not New: A Brief History of the Cucamelon
Also known as a Mexican sour gherkin, pepquino, sandita, or mouse melon, the cucamelon traces its roots back to Central America. The Aztecs were among the first to cultivate cucamelons, recognizing their unique taste and versatility in various culinary applications. In 1866, it was scientifically classified by a French botanist, but it has been a traditional crop in these regions for centuries. Despite the Americanized name that arose in the 1980s, they’re not a hybrid of watermelons and cucumbers.
What Do Cucamelons Taste Like?
No larger than the size of a common grape, these tiny green morsels pack a powerful flavor punch, combining the refreshing essence of cucumber with a tangy twist. The description of them being “sour” are largely exaggerated; rather, they have a bright yet subtle hint of citrus. Some lean more towards lime, others lemon, depending on what seeds you sprout. It’s a bit of a gardening gamble, but every outcome is a winning hand.
Grow Your Own!
While still a rarity in mainstream or even specialty markets, cucamelons are remarkably easy to grow. The plant thrives in warm climates, which is pretty much everywhere during the summer months now thanks to climate change, making it an ideal addition to your home garden or greenhouse. They’re relatively easy to grow from seeds, readily available for purchase online, and prefer well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Once established, the vines produce an abundance of cucamelons, making them a rewarding choice for any gardening enthusiast.
What To Make with Cucamelons
My uncle, who was kind enough to share his crop and inspire this post, made it clear he had three ways of enjoying them:
- Straight off the vine while standing in the garden.
- Freshly washed with cold water while standing in the kitchen.
- Tossed into salads, if he could wait to assemble one.
Although cucamelons are perfect for snacking just as they are, they have a multitude of culinary applications that make them a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Beyond the obvious methods of instant gratification, cucamelons can be pickled, turning them into delectable, tangy treats that pair well with charcuterie boards or as a garnish for cocktails.
Anywhere you might use a conventional cucumber, cucamelons can add a fun twist to old favorites. That means sandwiches, wraps, salsa, or even gazpacho or other chilled soups are all fair game.
Health Benefits of Cucamelons
Beyond their adorable appearance and delectable taste, cucamelons also offer a range of health benefits. Like cucumbers, they are low in calories and a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to better hydration, improved digestion, and overall immune system support.
The cucamelon is an unforgettable vegetable that should be a staple worldwide. Its diminutive size, charming appearance, and delightful taste make it a fun and versatile ingredient for both culinary enthusiasts and home gardeners. From snacking to pickling, the cucamelon brings a refreshing twist to various dishes and adds a dash of creativity to traditional recipes. If you want to start growing, or better yet, befriend an avid gardener looking to try something new, don’t miss your chance to enjoy them, a handful at a time, too.
Wordless Wednesday: Cool as a Cucumber Patch
