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Farmanac

  1. As with any squash select sunbursts squash that are firm and heavy for their size. With their nutty flavor they are great stuffed or baked.
  2. Small, bright and saucer shaped the sunburst squash (aka Pattypan Squash) come in green, yellow, & white colors. flic.kr/p/c5zUmo
  3. The robust nature of Tommy Atkins mangos comes at the expense of their flavor. Many describe them as bland & fibrous. Lacking buttery flesh.
  4. Tommy Atkins mangos are valued for their long shelf life & ability to survive long travel. flic.kr/p/c5zUkf
  5. Bon appétit mag suggests 6 grains to try. Red Quinoa, Basmati Rice, Black Barley, Pearled Barley, Black Rice, & Spelt goo.gl/EPGmT
  6. Apricots should should be slightly soft. Too firm means they're not tree ripened. Speed the ripening by storing in a paper bag or warm area.
  7. Apricot season is here! In the US the majority of the crop comes from California. Choose apricots that are plump, firm & uniformly colored.
  8. Star anise can be purchased whole or ground. Store it in a sealed container & keep in a cool, dark place. It will keep for several months.
  9. Star anise is the distinctively shaped fruit of a small tree. It is about 1 inch high and has a licorice taste. flic.kr/p/7xM5qD
  10. Store leeks in an open container in the crisper drawer of the fridge wrapped in a damp cloth. Stored properly they can last up to two weeks.
  11. Leeks can be found year round but reach their peak in January. Leeks tend to be smaller in the summer & strongly flavored in the winter.
  12. When selecting leeks look for few cracks w/ no signs of wilting. The thiner the stalks, the more tender the leek.
  13. Chefs often use leeks to add flavor to a stocks. Darker portion are rarely used because of their bitter taste. flic.kr/p/buAeWA
  14. Rhubarb leaves can be poisonous because they contain oxalate. Never eat rhubarb leaves either cooked or raw.
  15. When selecting rhubarb size is not indicator of tenderness. Look for deep red stalks. Store in plastic in the fridge for up to one week.
  16. Rhubarb is nicknamed the "pie plant" because that is the primary use for this vegetable. flic.kr/p/bQHwEn
  17. Garlic should not be stored in the fridge. It will likely go soft & moldy. Once a bulb has sprouted it's past it's prime & should be tossed.
  18. Store garlic in a cool place away from sunlight. It should be allowed to "breath" by allowing air to circulate around the bulb.
  19. Sad to see California near the bottom. - RT @DailySFN Locavore index ranks states by commitment to local foods tinyurl.com/7bvg9mm