FitSugar

Can You Identify This Spring Produce?

FitSugar — Tue, 18 May 2010 05:50:52 PDT

Thanks to Spring, I am seriously in love with my farmers market and CSA box. There are so many fruits and veggies to choose from, and the variety is astounding! I am always amazed at all the new items I see and often find myself not knowing what something is. How about you - are you a pro when it comes to identifying fresh Spring produce? Take my quiz and find out.

Question 1 of 5

Can you guess the name of this often-confused fruit?

Do You Know Spring Produce?

partysugar — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:50:47 PDT

Spring started on Saturday and along with longer days and warmer weather, I look forward to the new produce! The farmers markets will be filled with the bounty of the season, but do you know which ingredients reach their peak in March, April, and May? Find out now and take my quiz. I'll list an item, and you tell me if it should be coming soon to grocery stores. Ready? Go!

Question 1 of 10

Artichokes

What Spring Produce Are You Most Looking Forward To?

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:30:04 PST

I went out to dinner the other night and was saddened to see my favorite Brussels sprout dish had been taken off the menu. The waiter explained they are no longer in season.

My spirits lifted the next day at the produce market - affordable and good-looking asparagus was prominently displayed. I bought a bunch and roasted it for dinner. The delights of Spring will all soon be here. So tell me . . .

Learn to Love: Fennel

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:30:00 PDT

You either love it or hate it. I am talking about the black licorice taste of fennel. Me? I love it and you should learn to love it too. This veggie, related to carrots, dill and coriander, is full of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Fennel's antioxidant make up is unique and contains nutrients that have been shown to reduce inflammation and to help prevent the occurrence of cancer in animal studies. It is also high in vitamin C, folate and fiber. Used in Mediterranean and Indian cooking, fennel is considered a digestive aid.

The entire plant, from the white bulb to the feathery green fronds, is edible. Chop up the fronds and toss them into a salad. The bulb is a great salad addition as well, but is also tasty when braised, sautéed, or roasted. Fennel seeds can be used as a rub for pork or chicken.

Fennel is in peak season right now, making it extra delicious, cheaper and more readily available. Bulbs can be kept for up to two weeks in the fridge. Try this beet and fennel salad tonight if you're curious to taste fennel but don't know what to do with it.

Do you love fennel or hate it? Share your fennel feelings in the comment section below.

Source

5 More Spring Veggies and What to Make With Them

Susannah Chen — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 04:46:06 PDT

While we've just passed the unofficial kickoff to Summer, Spring produce remains abundant at farmers markets everywhere. But don't get too used to it: these pretty green things are still shockingly fleeting, and in just a few weeks, you won't be able to locate the likes of Spring onions, fava beans, and freshly foraged morels. Here are five more foods you'll want to track down before the season's over, plus our best recipes for them.

Can You Identify Spring Produce?

Susannah Chen — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 11:18:02 PDT

Finally, Spring is in the air, and we're pumped - not only for a newly sparkling kitchen (thanks to Spring cleaning!) but also, in particular, for the diverse produce that the season will bring after a long several months of Winter root vegetables!

Perhaps you're as enthusiastic about the new crop as we are, and you know your vernal vegetables and fruits inside and out.

Can you spot the Spring produce at farmers markets? Let's find out when you take this quiz.

Take the Quiz

5 Spring Foods and What to Cook With Them

Susannah Chen — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:08:32 PDT

With all that Spring produce popping up at farmers markets seemingly out of nowhere, it's pretty easy to get pumped about making all sorts of Spring things. But where to start? If I may, I suggest beginning with five of the season's most iconic items. Keep reading to learn more about them - and how to put them to good use.

Ben Affleck Rocks a Big Beard During a Day Out in Brentwood

Lindsay Miller — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:31:10 PST

Ben Affleck was out and about in his LA-area neighborhood yesterday sporting heavier-than-usual facial hair. Ben was solo, but over the weekend, he focused his attention on his two daughters. On Sunday, Ben, Seraphina, and Violet hit a farmers market near their house to pick up some produce. Ben was also seen leaving with a bunch of flowers in hand, perhaps as a gift for Jennifer Garner, who didn't join them on the outing. Jennifer and Ben are expecting their third child this Spring, and during a recent visit to The Tonight Show, she joked that their girls are getting in on the naming process by suggesting the names of their favorite Disney characters for the little one. Jennifer didn't publicly reveal the gender of the baby during her late-show stop, but she did admit that she and Ben know whether they'll be having a boy or girl.

Ben Affleck Brightens Up His Weekend With Violet, Seraphina, and Flowers

Lauren Turner — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:01:28 PST

Ben Affleck was all about his daughters during a farmers market outing in Pacific Palisades yesterday. He took Violet and Seraphina to check out the produce, and the trio picked up grapes, strawberries, flowers, and more. Ben showed love for Violet, who was toting a monogrammed handbag, with a kiss. Jennifer didn't join her family for the shopping excursion, but she was busy with the girls on Saturday. Jennifer, Violet, and Seraphina went to the beach in LA to take advantage of the sunny weather. Violet and Seraphina played in the sand while their pregnant mom watched nearby. Jennifer's maternity style has been on display as she steps out for errands, and there's even more pregnancy fashion to come since she's not due until this Spring.

In Season: Kumquats

Mandy Harris — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 05:01:29 PDT

March is such an interesting time of year for seasonal eating: Fall and Winter fruits and veggies are still hanging around the markets, and fresh Spring produce is making an appearance as well. Soon you'll be stocking up on asparagus, artichokes, and strawberries, but consider taking advantage of the last vestiges of the colder season while you still can with tiny, sweet-tart kumquats.The diminutive fruit is in season from January through April, and although it resembles a miniature orange, it may not be a citrus fruit at all - the jury is still out, but some scientists believe it belongs in its own genus, called Fortunella. A kumquat's flavor is almost like an inside-out tangerine; the edible rind is surprisingly sweet and mild, while the flesh is mouth-puckeringly tart. To maintain their sweet/tart balance, kumquats are typically used whole. A few ways to enjoy them, when you read more.