Fruits and Vegetables

Flower vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts.

Vegetables good for deep-frying

Brussel sprouts, cauliflower and eggplant.

What is the advantage of buying fruits when they're in season?

Buying fruit when it is in season is cheaper and the fruit is of better quality.

Compotes

Can be made by simmering dried fruits, such as apricots, currents and raisins.

Root/Tuber vegetables

Carrots, beets, radishes and potatoes.

Vegetables good for baking

Carrots, mushrooms, potatoes and tomatoes.

How can you prevent enzymatic browning?

Coat them with some form of acid, such as lemon juice as soon as they are cut. The acid lowers the PH on the surface of the fruit, which helps to slow down discoloration.

Fruit Grilling or boiling tips

Cook quickly to avoid breaking down the fruits structure. Cut and coat with sugar or honey. Ex. Grilled pineapple

How do you puree vegetables?

Cook until it's tender enough to puree easily by pushing it through a sieve or a food mill; or by using a vertical chopping machine or blender.

Fruit Poaching tips

Cooked in simmering liquid. Therefore, use fruits that are firm enough to hold their shape. Ex. plums or peaches.

Seed vegetables

Corn, peas and beans.

Vegetables good for boiling

Dried beans and legumes, cabbage and corn on the cob.

How should Tuber/Root vegetables be stored?

Dry and unpeeled in a cool dark place.

Vegetables good for broiling

Eggplant, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes.

What forms can fruit be purchased in?

Fresh, frozen, canned and dried.

What is a drupe?

Fruits that have a central pit enclosing a single seed.

How should fruit be stored?

* Ethylene producing fruits should be stored in sealed containers if refrigeration is not possible * Store separately from other foods to not taint the flavor of them * Store in crisper because there is less moisture so fruits and vegetables don't ripen too fast. * Don't store in tightly closed plastic bags

What are the purposes for blanching?

* Makes skin easy to remove * Eliminates/ reduces strong flavors * Sets the color of vegetables that are served cold

What is the USDA grading for fresh fruits from highest to lowest?

1. U.S. Extra fancy 2. U.S. Fancy 3. U.S. No. 1 4. U.S. No 2 5. U.S. No. 3

What is ethylene and which fruits emit it?

A gas that causes fruits to ripen. Ex. Apples, bananas, melons and avocados.

Fructose

A natural form of sugar.

Mesclun

A seed blend that includes a variety of leafy lettuce and other greens.

How do you glaze vegetables?

Add a small amount of honey, sugar or maple syrup to the vegetable to coat it and give it a sheen as the vegetable reheats.

Why should vegetables be washed before using?

All fresh vegetables, even if they will be peeled before cutting, must be cleaned thoroughly. Washing removes dirt as well as bacteria and other contaminants. Leafy vegetables contains sand, dirt and even bugs.

Vegetables good for steaming

Artichokes, asparagus, green beans and broccoli.

Stem vegetables

Asparagus, celery, artichoke and mushroom.

Fruit vegetables

Avocado, tomato, cucumber, and bell peppers.

Fruit Baking tips

Bake whole or cut into large pieces. Ex. Apples in apple pie

Tropical fruits

Banana, kiwi, mango, pineapple and coconut.

Summer fruits

Berries, cherries, grapes, melons, peaches, nectarines, plums and pears.

Sous vide

Is a method in which food is cooked for a long time, sometimes well over 24 hours. Airtight plastic bags placed in hot water well below boiling point.

What is the effect of ethylene on other fruits and vegetables?

It causes ripe fruits and vegetables to spoil.

Coulis

It's a sauce made from a puree of vegetables or fruits that can be served hot or cold.

Leafy vegetables

Lettuce, mustard greens, spinach and swiss chard.

What is enzymatic browning?

Occurs when the oxygen in the air comes in contact with the flesh of cut fruit.

Winter fruits

Oranges, apples, grapefruits, lemon and lime.

What indicates high quality in fruits?

Should be plump and free of bruises, mold, brown or soft spots, and pest damage.

How should fruit that needs to ripen be stored?

Should be stored at room temperature (65-70).

Vegetables good for braising

Squash, zucchini, cabbage and celery.

How should you store vegetables that need to ripen?

Store at 41 or lower, not all will be stored at this temperature.

How are vegetables graded?

The same ways fruits are graded.

How should you wash fruits, what about berries?

Use cold water and a gentle touch to avoid bruising fruits. Berries are not always washed.

Fruit Microwaving tips

Watch the cooking time carefully, it's easy to overcook fresh fruit because it is so tender. Always cover when microwaving, but leave a small opening so steam can escape. If cooking whole fruits puncture first in several places to prevent from bursting.

Fruit Sauteing tips

When sauteing fruit, peel, core and seed the fruit and then cut it into equal size pieces. Ex. Cherries, banana, pear and pineapple.