Posted on January 30th, 2012 by Fruit Maven
How is it possible that January is almost over? I haven’t even failed at my resolutions yet. Something must be wrong. Maybe it is the 80 degree January weather. I know I live in San Diego and all, but really?!? The trees in my front yard are so confused that they are blooming wildly, which doesn’t normally happen until March. The upside is that the petals on the flowers are white and keep falling serenely to the ground when the wind picks up. The other day my 3 year old asked if we could go out and play in the “snow” and um…I haven’t corrected her. Who am I to deprive a child of winter’s wonders? (Even if they are southern California style…)
Anyhow, last Thursday when I visited the citrus collection at UC Riverside, it was 85 degrees. It was a gorgeous day and full of delights, but it was hot. Really hot. Stupidly, I left a half eaten banana in my car during the day and was then aromatically punished for this laziness the entire drive home. I wish I could say I learned my lesson, but I’m sure I didn’t.
I have so much to tell you about the visit and I really do want to do it justice, but on a personal level I have had a very difficult week and I am having trouble bringing the words in to focus. So for now, I will pause and leave you with this mystery. The picture above is the one citrus I saw that day that I had never seen nor even heard of prior. Anyone know what it is?
Here are some clues:
- The outside is hard. REALLY hard. I had to literally stomp on it to break it open. Then we used a knife to pry it apart.
- The inside is extraordinarily sticky. Almost as sticky as the jack fruit latex, though it has a more gelatinous texture.
Any guesses? I’ll put the answer in the comments later this week.
Tags:Citrus
Posted on January 23rd, 2012 by Fruit Maven
Exploring Fruit is a series where I explore what fruit has to offer the world in terms of design, in addition to the snacking aspect that I usually highlight. If you could see me right now you would find me a little giddy and my eyes wide open and sparkly. Stars! Just look at those pictures. Who knew fruit was so cool? So. Cool.
The series has just begun. If you want to explore more click this link for a previous entry on fruit color. More in texture, pattern, and shapes are on the way.
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THIS WEEK: STARS
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Tags:explore·Shapes·stars
Posted on January 20th, 2012 by Fruit Maven
I finally got my hands on a bergamot orange this week and I have been scheming about what I’m going to do with the luscious rind. Heidi from 101 Cookbooks just happened to post a recipe for gorgeous citrus salts a few days ago, which are a definite possibility. But I am thinking I want to pair this up with Earl Grey tea somehow. Bergamot oil is what provides the distinct flavor of Earl Grey so it seems like an obvious way to push the flavor. I’ve got a few things brewing so stay tuned for a recipe next week.
As we chat about bergamots, I need to warn you that Internet seems to have some confusion about two different fruit that both seem to be bergamot but are pretty different. (Yes, I like to refer to Internet at times as if he/she is my personal friend – same way I do when I’m talking about my good, close friends Brad and Angie - I loved Angie’s dress at the Globes.) So beware when looking to purchase them. David Lebovitz does a pretty straightforward job of describing the competing specimens. The true bergamot is a cross between a sour orange and an uncertain citrus – potentially a lemon, citron or limetta (sweet lime). Once again the wacky citrus world has been flouncing around. I can’t say this shocks me anymore as it appears the citrus world is notoriously wild. You can’t leave them alone for one second. [Read more →]
Tags:bergamot·Citrus·orange·winter
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