Produce Briefs...
Garlic Flowers
Garlic flowers are essentially the flowering seeds of a garlic plant. They emerge at the tip of the garlic's above-ground stem. The seeds appear once the garlic has reached maturity or if the plant begins to bolt early
Green Shishito Chile Peppers
Japanese peppers are mildly spicy and most often prepared cooked. Saute peppers in olive oil, over high heat, until they just begin to blister- serve hot, sprinkled with sea salt.
Seasons/Availability
Manzana peppers are available most of the year, with supplies possibly shorter in summer.
Description/Taste
The Manzana chile peppers color can range from light green to yellow to bright orange. The heat level also varies from mild to hot, sometimes by color or by the individual chile. The Manzana chile pepper takes its name from its apple shape. Soft and meaty in texture, its thin flesh offers rather pungent fruitlike flavors. While they start out green, they should be picked at the yellow or orange stage for the most flavor. This chile is unusual in that it has black seeds. Scoville units: 6-8 (15,000-50,000)
Nutritional Value
Capsicums contain more vitamin A than any other food plant. Chiles also provide an excellent source of vitamin C and the B vitamins, and substantial amounts of iron, thiamine, niacin, magnesium, and riboflavin. Cholesterol-free, saturated fat-free, low in calories, low in sodium, hot peppers are high in fiber.
Applications
Add to salsas, sauces, dips, relishes, soups, stews, casseroles, stuffing and stuffed rellenos. Dice; serve alone as a side dish. Slice into rajas or blend in a variety of savory dishes. Remove seeds and tissue, soak overnight to remove heat, then stuff. Slice thinly and add sliced onion, lemon or lime juice, and salt. Marinate them overnight and enjoy them as a relish or add to proteins like meat or chicken, on the grill or in the saute pan. One way to use Manzanos is in a pickle dish like curtido, a mixture of chopped peppers, onions, garlic, oregano, and vinegar. Or add orange juice for sweetness and use as a relish with carnitas.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Manzanas as also known as chile rocoto, chile peron, or chile caballo.
Geography/History
One of the hottest chilies available, conflicting reports claim it measures 6 to 8 on the Scoville rating, but others claim that no Scoville rating is available on this chile due to its extreme heat. This chile pepper originated and grows in Central America, Michoacan and the central valley of Mexico, the Mexico City region. Manzana chilies are especially popular in Central America. This very different chile, pronounced man-ZAN-a, is said not to have debuted in North America until the twentieth century.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Manzana Chile Peppers. One
is easiest, three is harder.| We Heart Food |
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Manzana Chili Verde and Firecracker Cornbread |
