Produce Briefs...
Italian Black Summer Truffles
Black summer truffles are more subtle than the winter variety. Shave truffle over cooked potatoes, toss with herbs and a shallot vinaigrette. Thinly shave truffle over scrambled eggs.
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
Guava leaves are available year round.
Current Facts
The guava tree is an evergreen and member of the Myrtaceae family.
Description/Taste
The oblong leaves of the guava tree are smooth and leathery with faint white veins. Dried and crushed leaves will have a faint aroma similar to that of the guava fruit.
Nutritional Value
Guava leave are currently being studied for their ability to help lower cholesterol and treat symptoms of diarrhea as well as for their ability to help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes.
Applications
Guava leaves are used predominantly to make medicinal teas and supplements.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
In parts of Japan and East Asia the guava leaf is commonly used to make a medicinal tea used in the treatment of diabetes.
Geography/History
The Guava tree is believed to be native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. From there the guava tree spread to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas, Australia and Asia. The leaves of the tree have long been used in folk medicine to treat a number of aliments such as coughs, dysentery, skin diseases, epilepsy and cholera.
