Produce Briefs...
Fingerling Russian Banana Potatoes
Although very petit in size, fingerlings are fully mature when harvested, thus they should not to be confused with new potatoes, potatoes that are harvested when immature.
White Corn
White corn is a sweet corn variety. Its ears are wrapped in tightly layered pale lime green to white husks. One ear of corn can contain up to 400 kernels growing in rows lengthwise.
Seasons/Availability
Baby eggplants are available year round.
Description/Taste
Usually sweeter, the finer flesh of this young member of the eggplant family is very tender and contains less seeds than larger varieties. The flavor it offers is subtle with a melting consistency. Considered a fruit, eggplant is cooked and eaten like a vegetable.
Nutritional Value
High in carbohydrates and low in calories, eggplant has about 30 calories per cup. Containing traces of several nutrients, eggplant is a good source of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-complex and vitamin C.
Applications
Baby eggplants are often prepared whole, stuffed and baked, because of their small size. Remove the tops and inside of baby eggplant and fill with cooked rice and cheese, then bake until tender. Slice baby eggplant into rounds and layer with sliced tomato and basil, then bake into a casserole. Roast whole baby eggplant and serve with a mustard vinaigrette. Grill slices of baby eggplant, layer on bruschetta and top with pesto for an appetizer. Baby eggplant will keep one to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Geography/History
From India eggplants traveled to the Middle East where they were enthusiastically embraced, becoming a popular Arab food. When the Arabs conquered Spain in the twelfth century, the eggplant again expanded its culinary territory in Europe. By the sixteenth century, eggplants were grown throughout Europe. Eggplants are grown in the United States and Mexico.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
Baby eggplants are available year round.
Description/Taste
Usually sweeter, the finer flesh of this young member of the eggplant family is very tender and contains less seeds than larger varieties. The flavor it offers is subtle with a melting consistency. Considered a fruit, eggplant is cooked and eaten like a vegetable.
Nutritional Value
High in carbohydrates and low in calories, eggplant has about 30 calories per cup. Containing traces of several nutrients, eggplant is a good source of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B-complex and vitamin C.
Applications
Baby eggplants are often prepared whole, stuffed and baked, because of their small size. Remove the tops and inside of baby eggplant and fill with cooked rice and cheese, then bake until tender. Slice baby eggplant into rounds and layer with sliced tomato and basil, then bake into a casserole. Roast whole baby eggplant and serve with a mustard vinaigrette. Grill slices of baby eggplant, layer on bruschetta and top with pesto for an appetizer. Baby eggplant will keep one to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Geography/History
From India eggplants traveled to the Middle East where they were enthusiastically embraced, becoming a popular Arab food. When the Arabs conquered Spain in the twelfth century, the eggplant again expanded its culinary territory in Europe. By the sixteenth century, eggplants were grown throughout Europe. Eggplants are grown in the United States and Mexico.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Baby Eggplant. One
is easiest, three is harder.
