Produce Briefs...
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.
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
Dahlia flower season begins in early spring and continues though summer into early fall.
Current Facts
Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae (Aster) family along with daisies and sunflowers. There are over 20,000 different species within the Aster family, it is the second largest family of flowering plants next to the orchid (Orchidaceae) family. The national flower of Mexico, dahlias today have become one of the most popular competition flowers amongst competitive growers.
Description/Taste
The dahlia flower consists of numerous delicate petals that encircle a central yellow core known as the capitulum or floral head. Dahlias can be grown in varying shades of white, yellow, orange, red, pink and purple.
Applications
Dahlia's are most commonly used for decorative purposes on cakes, tarts and pastries. Serve alongside cheese or desserts as a garnish. Remove the petals of the dahlia and add them to grain or green salads to add a pop of color.
Geography/History
Dahlias are native to Mexico where they have been grown for centuries. From there they made their way to Spain via conquistadors who sent seeds of the flower to Madrid along with other seeds of plants and vegetables they had found growing during their explorations. The dahlia was given its name by botanist and director of the Royal Gardens of Madrid Antonio José Cavanilles, who named the flower after another botanist, Andres Dahl. Dahlias soon spread across Europe and from Mexico to the United States during which time they became an immensely popular garden flower worldwide.
