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 Tinker bell peppers are available starting in the Spring through November. Intermittent gaps occur during the season due to shipment scheduling from the European growers.
Description/Taste
This tiny bell pepper is dark green in skin and flesh color, offers an even sweeter flavor than mature green bell peppers. The texture is firm, crisp and juicy. (Scoville units: 0-100)
Nutritional Value
Immature Green bell peppers contain less vitamin C and other nutrients than mature red bell peppers. A four-ounce serving of fresh bell pepper has about 30 calories.
Applications
Green Tinker bell peppers are most often used for display. Their uniform shape, size, color and attached stem are ideal for centerpieces or as vessels. They may also be used in lightly cooked or fresh preparations such as salads and appetizer recipes. Pair with Red and Yellow Tinker bell peppers, fresh parsley and cilantro, cucumbers, jicama, soft cheeses, meats and grains. To prepare, cut off tops; remove seeds and veins; rinse well. For optimum flavor and texture, use within one week. Peppers may be frozen, but crispness will be lost.
Geography/History
Straight from Holland, Tinker bell peppers are a fairly new, smaller version of the common bell pepper. Bell peppers have no "bite" in their flavor as they contain a recessive gene that eliminates and prevents capsaicin which creates the hot flavor in hot peppers. This very early, miniature bell pepper is produced on vigorous and spreading high bushes.
