Produce Briefs...
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
Iceberg Lettuce
It is the only lettuce type that does not occur in red form as well as green. Iceberg is the given name to dozens of cultivars of lettuce, all of which are adapted to specific planting regions and time periods.
Seasons/Availability
Blue pumpkins are available in the fall.
Current Facts
There are numerous varieties of blue pumpkins such as: Queensland Blue, Australian Blue, Jarrahdale, Blue Doll, and Blue Moon
Description/Taste
Blue pumpkins tend to have deep, rounded ridges running from top to bottom. The skin ranges in color from dusky blue to blue-green rind with a striking deep, orange flesh and a mild sweet flavor.
Applications
Blue pumpkins can be used as you would any fresh pumpkin. Their flavor lends itself well to purees, soups and pie filling. Alternately you can use roasted pieces in risottos, tossed with vegetables and sausage, or cooled in a salad.
Geography/History
An Australian heirloom, Blue pumpkins typically weigh six to ten pounds and average two or three deeply ribbed pumpkins per vine. Pumpkins grow well in full sun and prefer warm, moderately moist summers. Do not harvest pumpkins until they reach their appropriate size and turn the color of their particular variety.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Blue Pumpkins. One
is easiest, three is harder.
