Daily Dish the Fork Lift blog
Foodie FAQs: Summer Produce
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Seasonal produce is one of our favorite things about summer, especially California-grown fruits and vegetables! Get some kernels of wisdom, stone cold truth and other fun facts about your favorite summer produce fresh from our pros.
Seasonal produce is one of our favorite things about summer, especially California-grown fruits and vegetables! Get some kernels of wisdom, stone cold truth and other fun facts about your favorite summer produce fresh from our pros.
Corn:
How do I pick out the best corn?
Look for dry, clean silk. Peel back the husk a little to see if the cob is full of plump, undamaged kernels.
How should I store it?
You can store corn still in its husk loose in the fridge or shucked and wrapped in plastic or a plastic bag. Eat within two days of purchase.
What’s the secret to perfectly grilled corn?
Grill the corn first— don’t use too much oil or fat as it can cause flare-ups—then coat or toss with your favorite seasonings.
Tomatoes:
How do I pick out the best tomatoes?
They should be heavy for their size, aromatic and give slightly to the touch. Roma tomatoes should be bright in color.
How should I store tomatoes?
Store tomatoes stem–side down at room temperature (not in the fridge!).
What are some tasty ways to use tomatoes?
Along with slicing for salads or sandwiches, tomatoes also make great marinades, pasta sauce and caprese.
What heirloom tomatoes does Nugget Markets carry?
Marvel Stripe, Purple Cherokee, Red Brandywine, Yellow Brandywine, Green Zebra, Vintage Wine, Black Prince, Jubilee and Evergreen, just to name a few.
Watermelon:
How do I know if a watermelon is ripe?
It should be firm and heavy for its size. The spot where it rested on the ground should be a creamy yellow.
How should I store it?
Watermelons should be stored in a warm, dry place. Refrigerating has the potential to make them mushy.
Any other fun facts?
Wild watermelons originated in South Africa, and they’re members of the cucumber, pumpkin and squash family!
Stone Fruit:
How do I pick out the best stone fruit?
Stone fruit should be aromatic and plump when ripe, with slight give to the touch and no major bug damage or bruises.
How should I store it?
Ripe stone fruit can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Store unripe stone fruit at room temperature out of the sunlight. Only freeze if it’s going to be cooked or pureed when thawed.
Can I cook with stone fruit?
You bet! Try using ripe (or overripe) stone fruit in sweet baked goods, homemade jam or jelly, smoothies or even savory poultry or pork dishes.
Visit your local Nugget Markets to find these California-grown fruits and veggies, along with a bounty of other deliciously fresh produce!
