Zest is the colorful outer portion of citrus fruit peel (the bitter white portion underneath is called pith). The zest can be used to flavor a variety of foods, so it's great to have on hand.…
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Look for rhubarb stalks that are crisp and brightly colored. Tightly wrap in a plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wash the stalks and remove the poisonous leaves before…
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When rhubarb is out of season, substitute an equal amount of tart apples. —Patricia Axelsen, Aurora, Minnesota
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To ripen kiwifruit, place in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple and leave at room temperature. When they are ready to eat, kiwis should yield to slight pressure. Store ripe fruits in the…
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To keep cut apple slices from turning brown, dip them into or sprinkle them with lemon-lime soda. —Melinda L., Raymond, Mississippi
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Carambola is nicknamed star fruit because when it's cut crosswise, the slices are shaped like stars. The more golden-colored the fruit is, the sweeter it will be. There's no need to peel the shiny…
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Fresh berries should be stored covered in your refrigerator and washed just before using. Use them within 10 days of purchase.
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“If I cut up a cantaloupe or watermelon and it’s not as sweet as I’d like, I sprinkle a little artificial sweetener over it and let it sit an hour or so,” says Mary Ann S. from Duncan, Oklahoma.…
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Unlike sweet oranges, tangerines are considered a loose-skinned orange because the skin easily comes off the fruit and the segments are easy to divide. Tangerines should feel heavy for their size…
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Thawed frozen berries will always be softer and juicier than fresh berries. Defrost the sealed bag of frozen berries in a large bowl of cold water for 10 to 15 minutes, then use them in recipes…
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