Produce Briefs...
Mache
Mache has been cultivated in France since the 17th century, and in France it is known as doucette. It is also known as "lamb's lettuce" because its leaves resemble the size and shape of a lamb's tongue.
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
Concord grape season typically begins in late late summer and continues through the mid fall.
Description/Taste
Varying in color from deep blue to purple to almost black, the large round Concord grape is encased in a thick skin. The flesh offers a medium-sweet flavor with a slight tart tang. Very seedy, the juicy pulp is distinctively musky. A powdery film characteristic of grapes is produced by cells in or near the surface that form a natural waterproofing and also prevents their skin from cracking.
Nutritional Value
Concord grapes are sodium free, contain carbohydrates, vitamin C and have about 85 calories in one-and-one-half cups.
Applications
Mostly used for making preserves, juice, wine, liqueur and vinegar, the Concord is an acquired taste. Eaten out of hand, watch for seeds in this tart, but succulent-tasting, grape. To store, place grapes in a perforated plastic bag; refrigerate.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Grape juice was first made by Dr. Thomas Welch, a prohibitionist, making his famous grape juice as an alternative for communion wine.
Geography/History
Originating in the 1840s near, not surprising, Concord, Massachusetts, the most familiar American variety is the Concord grape. Winter hardy, the vigorous plants can produce up to twenty pounds or more of the fruit per vine per year. Well-established grapevines can produce quality fruit more than forty years. This blue-skinned grape is responsible for making the famous and popular Concord grape jelly. In the United States, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington state and Ontario, Canada, are major producers.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Concord Grapes. One
is easiest, three is harder.
