Produce Briefs...
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.
Rainbow Swiss Chard
Rainbow chard, also known a 5-color silverbeet, is a tender chard variety with multi-colored stalks of yellow, white, orange pink and red.
Seasons/Availability
Red Tinker Bell Peppers are typically available March through November. Intermittent gaps occur during the season due to shipment scheduling from the European growers.
Description/Taste
This tiny bell pepper is deep in skin and flesh color, offering a sweeter, fruitier flavor than mature redn bell peppers. The texture is firm, crisp and juicy. (Scoville units: 0-100)
Nutritional Value
An excellent source of vitamin C, four ounces of raw red bell pepper has about 30 calories. Having a higher sugar content and nutritional value when red and ripe, unripe green bell peppers have 5 calories fewer than their ripe counterparts and less nutrients.
Applications
Red 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 green 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
In recent years many more varieties of bell peppers have become available. Originating in Holland, these small-sized, hot house-grown bell peppers are a relatively new variety. This very early, miniature bell pepper is produced on vigorous and spreading high bushes.
Red Tinker Bell Peppers are typically available March through November. Intermittent gaps occur during the season due to shipment scheduling from the European growers.
Description/Taste
This tiny bell pepper is deep in skin and flesh color, offering a sweeter, fruitier flavor than mature redn bell peppers. The texture is firm, crisp and juicy. (Scoville units: 0-100)
Nutritional Value
An excellent source of vitamin C, four ounces of raw red bell pepper has about 30 calories. Having a higher sugar content and nutritional value when red and ripe, unripe green bell peppers have 5 calories fewer than their ripe counterparts and less nutrients.
Applications
Red 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 green 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
In recent years many more varieties of bell peppers have become available. Originating in Holland, these small-sized, hot house-grown bell peppers are a relatively new variety. This very early, miniature bell pepper is produced on vigorous and spreading high bushes.
