Culinary Essentials; Fruits and Vegetables
Define exotic fruits
Contains many types of unusual fruits
Define Leafy greens
Cooked or served raw. Shrinks when it comes to contact with too much water.
Define seeds and pods
Veggies with edible seeds
How do you prep for leafy greens?
Wash; allow dirt to fall out
Name 2 examples of the cabbage family
broccoli and cauliflower
Name 2 examples of stems/stalks/shoots
celery and asparagus
Name 2 examples of roots/tubers
potatoes and carrots
What are the nutrients in legumes?
protein, soluble fiber, and complex carbs
Name 2 examples of seeds and pods
snow peas and green beans
Define pith
soft white layer between zest and fruit flesh
Define Bulbs
used for seasoning and flavor
Name 2 examples of the squash family
winter squash and pumpkins
Define Stem/Stalks/Shoots
Grown edible, picked young/tender
Define roots
Grows deep in soil
Define grapes
Grows in clusters on vines
Define tropical fruits
Grows in hot; tropical regions. Fully ripen after picked.
Define cabbage family
Grows quicker in cooler weather, has flowers, leaves, and heads.
Define squash family
Has large roots and trailing vines
What does vegetables add to a meal?
Adds color, texture, and flavor.
What is the minimum number of seeds in fruit?
At least 1 seed
Identify the most common cooking methods and what main cooking method it fits under (dry-heat, moist-heat, and combination)
Baking, poaching, simmering, broiling, grilling, deep-fry, sautéing.
Define "in season."
During the fruits main growing season
What does cooking do to vegetables?
Enhances flavor
Identify three guidelines for selecting fresh fruit?
Firm to the touch (besides plums, peach and banana etc...), heavy for their size, and good conditions.
Define pomes
Firm, thin skin, grows on trees
What part of the plant does fruit come from?
Flowering Part of the plant
Define ripe
Fruit is grown and ready to eat
Define Berries
Juicy thin skinned fruits with tiny seeds
Define tubers
Large, round and underground. Stem is shallow in soil.
What are three reasons to purchase fruit that is in season?
Lower cost, better quality, more plentiful.
Define Melons
Netted, smooth rind
Define legume
Plants with double seamed pods that have a single row of seeds.
What nutrients are fruits high in?
Potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, folic acid, and Vitamin A (for red and yellow colored fruits)
What does the USDA grade vegetables based on?
Quality, appearance, and condition of the veggie
How do you prep for root veggies?
Scrubbed with strong brush
What does the USDA grade fresh produce on?
Shape, size, color, texture, and defects
How do you know if a sweet potato is beginning to spoil?
Skin starts softening; skin dries and tightens
Why must legumes be cooked?
So it can digest
How do you prep for cabbage?
Soak in salt water for a short time
Define Drupes
Soft flesh, thin skin, one pit.
Name 2 examples of leafy greens
Spinach and kale
What are the 8 categories of vegetables?
Squash family, roots/tubers, seeds and pods, cabbage family, stems/stalks/shoots, bulbs, fruit-vegetables, and leafy greens.
What types of vegetables should be stored in a dry location at 60 - 70 degrees F?
Starchy veggies (Potatoes, winter squash, and onions)
Define Mealy potato
Thick skin, starchy flesh, best for baking and frying
Define Citrus Fruits
Thick, firm, rind covered by zest
Define zest
Thin layer of colored skin
Define waxy potato
Thin skin, less starch, best known for boiling (Idaho)
Name 2 examples of fruit-vegetables
Tomatoes and eggplant
Identify three things to avoid when selecting fresh fruit?
Too hard or soft, green or underripe, and/or damaged.
Define Fruit-Veggies
flowering plants, 1 seed. Fruit part of the plant
Define Ethylene Gas
odorless gas, corless gas, natural as fruit ripens
Name 2 examples of bulbs
onions and garlic
