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
Green gooseberries are imported from New Zealand beginning February until mid-March. In the pacific northwest the green, or naked, gooseberry is harvested only during the month of June.
Current Facts
However, the gooseberry is now grown widely throughout Northern Europe and in North America. The sweetest berries are usually pinkish or purplish. Small to medium-size pale, green summer gooseberries and the large, yellow-green to purplish gooseberries are the varieties most often available in American markets.
Description/Taste
Gooseberries may be smooth, fuzzy or spiny, opaque, translucent, or white. The green gooseberry is a cousin to the currant berry and does not contain the husk or cape. Inconsistent in size, they may be as big as a cherry tomato or as tiny as a blueberry. Gooseberries may be sour tasting or slightly sweet. Crisp and highly acidic, these berries have a tight- fitting skin. The green gooseberry is a different type of berry from the cape on which is more likely found wild.
Nutritional Value
Gooseberries are a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Applications
Green gooseberries may be used in desserts as well as savory dishes. Stew gooseberries with coconut milk, Indian spices and vegetables, then serve as a curry over rice. Top fresh berry tarts, cheesecakes and cakes with gooseberries. Add berries to cordial or champagne glasses. Cook berries until thickened then use as a sauce for game fowl. Fresh gooseberries are highly perishable and should be kept dry and cool until ready to use.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The gooseberry's characteristic, attached stem is fondly called "tops and tails" in England. In Hungary, Russia and Scandinavia, a favorite first course is a hot or chilled soup made with gooseberries and wine or chicken stock, thickened with cornstarch or potato and topped with sour cream or whipped cream. In England, tart gooseberry sauces are served with fowl.
Geography/History
Growing on woody, perennial, deciduous shrubs that can reach a height of three to six feet and may have originated in Northern Africa. Other fruits called gooseberries include the "cape gooseberry", a native of the Andes, and the "Chinese gooseberry", better known as kiwifruit, native to China.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Burlap | San Diego CA | 858 369 5700 |
| Tractor Room | San Diego CA | 619-543-1007 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Gooseberries. One
is easiest, three is harder.
