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.
Cantaloupe Melon
The cantaloupe is defined by two elements: its roughly netted stone and green colored skin and its aromatic orange-coral colored flesh. When perfectly ripe, the flesh is juicy, unctuous and sweet.
Grower
Seasons/Availability
Puntarella Chicory is available during the winter months.
Current Facts
Puntarella, botanical name Cichorium intybus, is an herbaceous perennial grown as an annual fresh market green.
Description/Taste
Puntarella is chicory variety that is comparatively unique in its appearance versus common chicory. Its base is creamy white and dense with thick white and green hollow shoots and branching toothy serrated elongated greens that come to a point. Puntarella is known for its crispy texture and its peppered and sharp flavor characteristic of chicory plants. Its shoots are less robust than its greens with flavor undertones reminiscent of fennel, the appearance of white asparagus and a textural crunch of celery.
Applications
There are two common preparations of Puntarella. The leafy greens and shoots are served raw in a rich dressing of anchovies, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice or white wine vinegar. The assertiveness of the dressing compliments the sharp flavors of Puntarella. The other method is also very traditional. The sprouts and greens are julienned into thin strips and soaked in ice cold water with or without lemon juice. The slices curl up, bitter flavors mellow and the Puntarella becomes succulent. Complimentary pairings include feta, olives, bacon, caviar, cream based dressings, forest mushrooms, gorgonzola or ripening cheeses, green onions, basil and mint.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Chicory has historically been used as a beverage for several centuries, together with coffee or along with coffee substitutes. The root is roasted and ground to a powder that is added to coffee or coffee substitutes. Cultivars specifically grown for their roots are most commonly grown in France, Germany, Belgium and Poland.
Geography/History
Puntarella is a descendant of the wild chicory species that is native to western Asia and central Russia. Puntarella originated along the Catalonia coastline of Lazio Gaeta, northwest of Naples. It is a cools season crop that prefers temperate climates. Though far more common in Italy than anywhere else, it has been naturalized in other regions throughout the Northern and Western Hemispheres.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Puntarella. One
is easiest, three is harder.
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Seasons/Availability
Puntarella Chicory is available during the winter months.
Current Facts
Puntarella, botanical name Cichorium intybus, is an herbaceous perennial grown as an annual fresh market green.
Description/Taste
Puntarella is chicory variety that is comparatively unique in its appearance versus common chicory. Its base is creamy white and dense with thick white and green hollow shoots and branching toothy serrated elongated greens that come to a point. Puntarella is known for its crispy texture and its peppered and sharp flavor characteristic of chicory plants. Its shoots are less robust than its greens with flavor undertones reminiscent of fennel, the appearance of white asparagus and a textural crunch of celery.
Applications
There are two common preparations of Puntarella. The leafy greens and shoots are served raw in a rich dressing of anchovies, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice or white wine vinegar. The assertiveness of the dressing compliments the sharp flavors of Puntarella. The other method is also very traditional. The sprouts and greens are julienned into thin strips and soaked in ice cold water with or without lemon juice. The slices curl up, bitter flavors mellow and the Puntarella becomes succulent. Complimentary pairings include feta, olives, bacon, caviar, cream based dressings, forest mushrooms, gorgonzola or ripening cheeses, green onions, basil and mint.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Chicory has historically been used as a beverage for several centuries, together with coffee or along with coffee substitutes. The root is roasted and ground to a powder that is added to coffee or coffee substitutes. Cultivars specifically grown for their roots are most commonly grown in France, Germany, Belgium and Poland.
Geography/History
Puntarella is a descendant of the wild chicory species that is native to western Asia and central Russia. Puntarella originated along the Catalonia coastline of Lazio Gaeta, northwest of Naples. It is a cools season crop that prefers temperate climates. Though far more common in Italy than anywhere else, it has been naturalized in other regions throughout the Northern and Western Hemispheres.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Puntarella. One
is easiest, three is harder.
