Produce Briefs...
Sharlyn Melon
The Sharlyn melon has a cracked skin with tan and yellow-orange coloring. Superficially resembling an elongated Cantaloupe, the Sharlyn does not possess the sweet unctuous flavor of Cantaloupes, rather a more restrained balance of sweetness
Mache
Mache has been cultivated in France since the 17th century, and in France it is known as doucette. It is also known as "lamb's lettuce" because its leaves resemble the size and shape of a lamb's tongue.
Seasons/Availability
Rare, Yamaimo is generally harvested in the Fall and Winter months.
Current Facts
Yamaimo is a root vegetable that is cultivated for similar culinary purposes as yams and potatoes as its flesh is relatively high in starch and gluten. Its common vernacular names are naga imo (long potato), mountain yam, Chinese yam and Japanese yam.
Description/Taste
Elongated cylindric roots with rough textured skin and pale earth tones conceal a snow white flesh that is crisp and nearly tasteless. Although crisp when whole, when grated, the flesh becomes glue-like due to its high mucilage content, which allows the root to store water. Its sticky texture and glutenous properties give this root its greater placement within the kitchen.
Applications
Yamaimo root is often used as a binder in noodle dishes or made into tororo paste. Unlike the common yam, it can be used raw, lending its crunchy texture to sushi, sashimi and salads. Yamaimo is also a preferable vegetable to tempura. If using like a common yam, yamaimo can be braised, broiled and roasted. Given its absence of flavor, it is enhanced with savory herbs, spices and sweet sauces.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Yamaimo is Japanese and can be translated as mountain (yame) potato (imo).
Geography/History
The Yamaimo root is native to Japan and has been cultivated there sine the Stone Age. It grows throughout China, Korea and Japan. After harvest, Yamaimo roots are often cut into smaller pieces and stored in sawdust to protect their moisture content and texture.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Yamaimo Root. One
is easiest, three is harder.| PTit Chef |
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Raw Egg, Natto, Yam Imo on Hot rice |
| Masa的料理ABC |
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山藥紅棗雞湯 |
| Masa的料理ABC |
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鮪魚山藥丼 |
