Select oranges that are heavy for their size and that feel firm. Avoid any with mold or spongy spots. Buying a big bag of oranges may be a bargain, but keep in mind that you can't see all areas on…
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Purchase raspberries that are brightly colored without the hulls attached. One-half pint equals about 1 cup. When you get home, discard any raspberries that are soft, shriveled or moldy. Quickly…
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When buying strawberries, pick the plumpest and most fragrant berries. They should be firm, bright and fresh-looking, with no mold or bruised spots.
Do not wash or hull berries until you are…
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Whether used to adorn fruitcake, breads, desserts or cookies, candied fruits are the hallmark of the holiday season. To keep candied fruit fresh, freeze in an airtight container for up to 6…
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The immature buds from a small bush native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions that are either brined in vinegar or packed in coarse salt to preserve. Best rinsed before using, capers are…
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Look for fresh blueberries that are firm, dry, plump and smooth-skinned and relatively free from leaves and stems. Berries should be deep purple-blue to blue-black; reddish berries aren’t ripe,…
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Wash fruit before eating...this includes rind on melons and peels on citrus fruits and bananas. If you cut an unwashed melon, any microorganisms on the rind will be transferred to the flesh as the…
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To remove any contaminants on the skin of an apple, wash it thoroughly with soapy water and rinse it off before using. Cut out any bad or soft areas of the apple.
To prevent browning, dip…
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To core a fresh pear, insert an apple corer into the bottom of the pear to within 1 in. of its top. Twist the corer to cut around the core, then slowly pull the corer out of the pear to remove the…
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Fresh cranberries are in season from early fall through December. When buying, look for packages with shiny, bright red (light or dark) berries. Avoid berries that are bruised, shriveled or have…
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