Fun to say, great to eat: loquat, quince, salsify, samphire and tayberries
6. Loquat
This fruit of many names -- Japanese plums, May apples -- combines the characteristics of several different fruits into one. They're pear-shaped, but apricot-like in size and colour. But the taste of their pale yellow flesh, which is really the most important part, most closely recalls cherries. Terrible travelers because they bruise so easily, loquats are seldom found in major grocery stores; but you can often find dried or canned versions in Asian markets. If you do get your hands on some, add them to chicken or duck dishes, fill out a salad with them or just enjoy them on their own.
7. Quince
This hard yellow fruit, similar in appearance to an apple or a pear, was quite popular in ancient Roman times as a symbol of love and commitment, but has since fallen out of favour with fruit-lovers. Perhaps its tart taste is a turn-off. But cooking quince makes its strong flavour go mellow, so try this in both desserts and savoury dishes. It's also a great choice for jams and preserves, because its high pectin content encourages gelling.
This fruit of many names -- Japanese plums, May apples -- combines the characteristics of several different fruits into one. They're pear-shaped, but apricot-like in size and colour. But the taste of their pale yellow flesh, which is really the most important part, most closely recalls cherries. Terrible travelers because they bruise so easily, loquats are seldom found in major grocery stores; but you can often find dried or canned versions in Asian markets. If you do get your hands on some, add them to chicken or duck dishes, fill out a salad with them or just enjoy them on their own.
7. Quince
This hard yellow fruit, similar in appearance to an apple or a pear, was quite popular in ancient Roman times as a symbol of love and commitment, but has since fallen out of favour with fruit-lovers. Perhaps its tart taste is a turn-off. But cooking quince makes its strong flavour go mellow, so try this in both desserts and savoury dishes. It's also a great choice for jams and preserves, because its high pectin content encourages gelling.
8. Salsify
The flavour of this vegetable is reminiscent of oysters, which is why it's sometimes known as the oyster plant. It has thick skin, which can be black, grey or yellow, covering white flesh and resembles a parsnip, albeit longer and thinner. Look for salsify that is heavy for its size and treat this root vegetable the same way you would a potato -- boil, mash or add it to soups and stews for some extra heft.
9. Samphire
If you've got more of a salty tooth than a sweet tooth, this sea vegetable is for you. It grows along the coast and has a crisp texture and salty flavour, so be sure to rinse it thoroughly before using and don't add extra salt to your meal. You can sautee samphire with butter and garlic alongside fish or add it raw to a salad. It's also popular pickled.
10. Tayberry
Who doesn't rejoice when berry season comes around? Well, it's time to add another berry to your shopping list. A tayberry is a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry. It looks like an extended raspberry, growing to about 2 inches in length, but should be a deep red -- almost purple -- colour before picking. Like all your favourite berries, you can eat tayberries fresh, in jams and in a variety of desserts.
Remember that eating a colourful variety of fruits and vegetables every day is not only delicious, but also a great way to help protect yourself from a range of illnesses including heart disease and cancer.
Add 8 seductive fruits to your shopping list, too, and make things sweeter in the bedroom.
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The flavour of this vegetable is reminiscent of oysters, which is why it's sometimes known as the oyster plant. It has thick skin, which can be black, grey or yellow, covering white flesh and resembles a parsnip, albeit longer and thinner. Look for salsify that is heavy for its size and treat this root vegetable the same way you would a potato -- boil, mash or add it to soups and stews for some extra heft.
9. Samphire
If you've got more of a salty tooth than a sweet tooth, this sea vegetable is for you. It grows along the coast and has a crisp texture and salty flavour, so be sure to rinse it thoroughly before using and don't add extra salt to your meal. You can sautee samphire with butter and garlic alongside fish or add it raw to a salad. It's also popular pickled.
10. Tayberry
Who doesn't rejoice when berry season comes around? Well, it's time to add another berry to your shopping list. A tayberry is a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry. It looks like an extended raspberry, growing to about 2 inches in length, but should be a deep red -- almost purple -- colour before picking. Like all your favourite berries, you can eat tayberries fresh, in jams and in a variety of desserts.
Remember that eating a colourful variety of fruits and vegetables every day is not only delicious, but also a great way to help protect yourself from a range of illnesses including heart disease and cancer.
Add 8 seductive fruits to your shopping list, too, and make things sweeter in the bedroom.
Page 2 of 2
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