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 ModernSage.com today for more tips on tips on healthy food a and an an inspired spirit! |
