Purchase pears that are firm, fragrant and free of blemishes or soft spots. To ripen pears, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for several days. When the pears give in slightly to…
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When peeling and sectioning grapefruit to use in salads, it's sometimes difficult to remove the bitter white pith. An easy solution is to bring water to a boil in a saucepan; place the whole…
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The persimmon is an exotic fruit with yellow-orange skin, which is at its sweetest when very ripe. To ripen firm fruit, place it in a paper bag at room temperature for 1 to 3 days. When ripe,…
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To make a Pineapple Serving Bowl, stand a medium fresh pineapple upright; cut in half lengthwise, leaving top attached. Cut pineapple from one section and discard shell. Cut pineapple from the…
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A tropical fruit that resembles the banana, but unlike bananas, plantains are cooked before they are consumed. They often are used in place of potatoes because of their starch content. Plantains…
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A small round tree fruit this is a little larger than an apricot with a smooth skin. Plums come in a variety of colors that range from green, yellow, purple, red and black. Several varieties are…
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REFER to these pointers when buying, storing and working with pomegranates.
Pomegranates are available from late September to November. Select those with fresh leather-like skin free from…
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The seeds and surrounding juice sacs (arils) are the only parts of the pomegranate that are edible. One medium pomegranate (about 8 ounces) yields roughly 3/4 cup arils.
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Lemon or orange zest is the outer peel or rind of those citrus fruits (not including the bitter white membrane attached to the fruit). Zest is used often in bread and cake recipes. To remove the…
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A curved grapefruit knife is the best tool for taking the rind off cantaloupe wedges or watermelon slices. —Ruth M., Milford, New Hampshire
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