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
Watermelon is available year round with a peak season in the summer months.
Current Facts
Watermelon, AKA Citrullus lanatus, is a flowering and fruiting vine plant and member of the cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae. It is considered a melon, however it is not classified within the melon family. Further, its fruit is actually botanically labeled as a large berry.
Description/Taste
Watermelon are diverse, with over 1200 known varieties. The seeds may be red, white, black, pink, spotted or brown. Their hard rinds range from pale to dark green and may be solid in color or striped. Large and round or oblong, the juicy flesh also varies from pink to deep red, affecting a watermelon's sweetness. Often the deeper colored the flesh, the sweeter the taste. Watermelon's flesh contains about 6% sugar and it is comprised primarily of water. The seeds of the watermelon are also edible and in southeast asia are often eaten throughout the day while the flesh is discarded.
Nutritional Value
Raw watermelon flesh has just 8 calories an ounce, while the nutritious seeds have 160 calories an ounce including 8 grams of protein.
Applications
Whole watermelons should be washed thoroughly with water before slicing. To remove seeds, cut watermelon lengthwise in half; cut each half crosswise into quarters and cut each quarter into three or four lengthwise wedges. Carefully cut along the seed line and remove the flesh. Scrape off the seeds and roast or toast with salt. For parties, carve the shell into a decorative basket or an animal shape; fill with a mixed fruit salad. Pair this colorful fruit with seafood salads, chicken or rice. Serve chilled for a refreshing summer breakfast. Use as healthy edible garnish for most anything. Unlike most other melons, refrigerate for best flavor.
Geography/History
The watermelon was originally found growing wild in the warm regions of tropical South Africa, where it still grows wild today and provides a source of sustenance. The watermelon is widely distributed throughout Africa, Asia and the Americas. It prefers growing in hot dry climates during the summer months.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Watermelon. One
is easiest, three is harder.
