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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Tindora's fruits are ovoid to ellipsoid in shape and so petite they are often referred to as a "berry". They range in size from 1" to 2 1/2" in length. Their skin is smooth with variegations of green and white. The translucent white flesh of the fruit resembles the appearance and flavor of a cucumber, bearing countless seeds that develop a red hue. The flesh is both crunchy and succulent in texture with a mildly bitter aftertaste. Mature fruits become soft and develop a sweeter quality. Depending on variety, a mature Tindora fruit's skin color can also become bright red. These varieties are commonly referred to as "Big Red".
Seasons/Availability
Tindora are available year-round.
Current Facts
Tindora, botanical name Coccinia grandis, is a tropical climbing vine that is both cultivated and found growing wild. It is cultivated for its edible shoots and fruits, but it is also considered an extremely evasive vine as it escapes cultivation easily and spreads vigorously, creating harmful vegetation effects. A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, Tindora has several other common vernacular names that vary by region, specifically Dondakaya, Scarlet gourd, Ivy gourd, Kovakka, Tendli and Tondi.
Nutritional Value
Tindora is grown for its nutritional and medicinal benefits as well for its culinary purposes. It is a good source of several micronutrients, including Vitamin A and beta carotene. It has been shown to have hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties. It has also been used medicinally in Ayurvedic practices in India as an anti-oxidant, anti-triglyceride, and anti-bacterial. Tindora has been used to treat jaundice, abscesses and high blood pressure.
Applications
Tindora is often added to curries, stir fries and used as a main ingredient in chutneys. It can be eaten raw as a salad vegetable, however the addition of vinegar and sugar can reduce or remove any bitter aftertaste the fruit may impart. Tindora can also be fermented, pickled and even candied when ripe. The small cucurbit relative can be stuffed, despite its size; cut in half and scrape out the seeds, stuff with masala or another filling. Tindora naturally absorbs accompanying flavors. It pairs well with ginger, garlic, chiles, stewed meats and vegetables, baked fish, coconut cream, peanuts, pickling spices such as mustard and corriander, light-bodied vinegars, and aromatics such as cumin and cilantro. The leaves, shoots and stems are used as pot herbs in soups or served in rice dishes.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Tindora is limited in culinary use primarily to Indian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisines.
Geography/History
Tindora plants are native to tropical Africa and Asia. Since their first cultivation, Tindora has been introduced as a food crop in the Far East, the Caribbean, Southern United States and the South Pacific, including Hawaii, where it is listed as a noxious weed as it will inevitably invade natural habitat. It is easily dispersed by both animals and humans, establishes easily and can grow up to four inches per day. There are several varieties of Tindora but regardless of variety, they prefer tropical and subtropical climates.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Tindora. One
is easiest, three is harder.| Monsoon Spice |
|
Spicy and Crispy Tindora Roast |
| Sailu's Kitchen |
|
Dondakaya Vepudu - Tindora Stir Fry |
| Spice up the Curry |
|
Tindora Aloo Masala |
| Madhura's Recipes |
|
Tindora Fry |
Recently Spotted
People have spotted Tindora using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Spotting allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
Akshar Cash 'n' Carry
Near San Diego, CA, United StatesAbout 11 days ago, 2/08/19 Spotter's comments : Fresh! Leks produce Market at the Oldsmar Florida Flea Ma Near Safety Harbor, Florida, United States About 15 days ago, 2/04/19 Spotter's comments : Tindora spotted at Leks produce Market at the Oldsmar Florida Flea Market. Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 129 days ago, 10/13/18 HEB grocery Sugar Land TX Near Stafford, Texas, United States About 153 days ago, 9/19/18 Spotter's comments : Tindora spotted at HEB grocery Sugar Land TX. Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 164 days ago, 9/08/18 Sanford farmers market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 206 days ago, 7/28/18 Sanford farmers market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 213 days ago, 7/21/18 Sanford farmers market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 227 days ago, 7/07/18 Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 241 days ago, 6/23/18 Sanford farmers market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 255 days ago, 6/09/18 Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 262 days ago, 6/02/18 Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 269 days ago, 5/26/18 Sanford Farmers Market Near Sanford, Florida, United States About 276 days ago, 5/19/18 Sweetwater Wekiva Farmers Market Near Wekiva Springs, Florida, United States About 282 days ago, 5/13/18 Oviedo Farmers Market Near Oviedo, Florida, United States About 290 days ago, 5/05/18 International Market Near Metairie, Louisiana, United States About 673 days ago, 4/17/17 |
