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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
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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
Paradis Sparkling apples are medium to large in size and have an irregular oblong to round shape. The smooth yellow skin has some red striping and white lenticels, or spots. The flesh is very firm, cream to white, and has a central fibrous core that encases a few small, flat, dark brown seeds. Paradis Sparkling apples are crunchy, sweet, and tangy. They also have a unique blend of acidity and sugar that gives the feeling fizziness or sparkling in the mouth when consumed.
Seasons/Availability
Paradis Sparkling apples are available winter through fall.
Current Facts
The Paradis Sparkling apple is a brand new variety of Malus domestica from the Swiss company Lubera. Its claim to fame is the effervescent quality of its flesh, which fizzes when bitten into because of its extremely large cells. Paradis Sparkling was bred from the East German Resi apple and the English Pirouette apple.
Nutritional Value
The fizzy texture of the Paradis Sparkling apple provides a great alternative to unhealthy soda or other sparkling drinks. Apples are low in calories, but do contain Vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, and even some calcium.
Applications
The main attraction of Paradis Sparkling apples is its effervescence, so they are best enjoyed fresh, eaten out of hand or cut up into salads. They do not make a fizzy juice when pressed. Since these apples have not been bred for skin perfection, some blemishes are to be expected when choosing fruits. Avoid apples that are bruised and mushy, and store in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Many news outlets have misreported that this variety is genetically modified, a controversial practice in the modern apple business. However, the large cells behind the Paradis Sparkling apple's fizzy texture were created through traditional breeding, not genetic modification.
Geography/History
Growers at Lubera in Switzerland discovered the Paradis Sparkling apple's unique qualities by chance while tasting apples in one of the company's orchards in 2006. After several years of breeding, the apples were recently released to market.
