Produce Briefs...
Wasabi
Wasabi is a perennial and a member of the Cruciferae family. It is grown mainly for its underground rhizome (tuber) which produces branch-less, edible leaves above ground. A mature wasabi root is firm, cylindrical, brown and green-skinned and tapered.
Banana Flowers
Exotic banana flowers are the red-orange to deep purple, pointed, compact heads at the tip end of a forming bunch of bananas. Each bud has large outer petals that protect groups of small white flowers
Seasons/Availability
Look for Chinese okra beginning in early fall.
Current Facts
Chinese okra is formally known as luffa. It is a subtropical vine and member of the family Cucurbitaceae along with gourds, melons and cucumbers. There are two varieties of luffa cultivated for culinary use; the fruit is harvested prior to maturity. The mature luffa is dried and processed for non-culinary purposes, specifically for use as a loofah.
Description/Taste
Chinese okra is similar to common okra in color and shape. It is elongated with strongly ridged green skin and tapered ends. Its ideal harvested length is between six to eight inches when it is still young and its flesh is at its peak tenderness. Chinese okra has a spongy, pulpy, slightly fibrous creamy white flesh. Its considered a squash in some cultures as its flavor is akin to zucchini. The more mature Chinese okra is the more bitter and fibrous the flesh becomes, making it unfavorable for culinary use.
Applications
Chinese okra is a versatile vegetable suitable to a wide range of cooking methods. It may be sliced and stir fried, stuffed and baked, battered and deep fried, or pureed and turned into a chutney. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Geography/History
As its name implies, Chinese okra is native to Asia, though specific origin is unknown as it was propagated from wild okra, which was first cultivated from its wild state in Egypt. Chinese okra is grown in tropical and subtropical Asia and Africa.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Chinese Okra. One
is easiest, three is harder.Recently Spotted
Someone spotted Chinese Okra using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
|
Santa Monica Farmers Market Near Santa Monica, California, United States About 14 days ago, 6/05/13 Spotter's comments : First of the season, available for the next three months. Fresno Evergreen farm. |
