Category: Cooking 101

Tamarind; is a brown colored fruit that originates in Latin America, but now can be found everywhere; it has a tangy, sweet-sour taste… How to Choose Tamarind Whole dried pods – these are packed in cellophane bags. Requires extra work if you needed to use the tamarind as a paste. Compressed tamarind – Composed of…

Pomegranates; are very ancient fruit, perhaps found in the Garden of Eden. Besides being loaded with nutrients, they also have an beautiful bright color (use as a natural food coloring) and unique flavor that mixes perfectly with other fruits such as oranges, tangerines, pineapple. How to Choose Pomegranate Choosing pomegranates: Large and heavy in your hand,…

Plums; belong to the prunus genus of plants, and are distant cousins of the peach, nectarine and almonds. There is nothing better than fresh, sun-ripened fruit – except, of course, a luscious dessert made from them. The vibrant colours of limes, cherries, peaches, and plums, among others, are lovely to look at – and even…

Pears are a mild, sweet fruit with a fibrous center. They are rich in important antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber and pack all of these nutrients in a fat-free, cholesterol-free, 100-calorie package. How to Choose Pears Pears ripen from the inside out, so choose firm, plump pears with undamaged skin. Look for fresh pears without bruises…

Ripe pineapples have a sweet smell. People with osteoarthritis, phlebitis and those trying to loose weight can benefit especially. How to Choose Pineapple Look for a pineapple with a plump shape. Smell the stem end—it should be sweet and aromatic, not heavy or fermented. The pineapple should be slightly soft to the touch, heavy for…

The papaya is a tropical fruit that is filled with Vitamins B, C, and other minerals. If you are interested in trying this superfood, try one of these many preparations for the best papaya-consuming experience. How to Choose Papaya First, it’s important to know what the fruit looks like. Although the papaya fruit can weigh…

Melons; are high in water content, which makes them excellent cleansers and re-hydrators. They are refreshing, diuretic and mildly laxative. This fruit comes in many different sizes, shapes and colours – cantaloupe, charentais, galia, honeydew, ogen, orange- and green-fleshed varieties, and the wonderful pink watermelon. All melons should feel heavy for their size and be…