Foodie Pick: April Fruits & Vegetables In Season

I am going to challenge my family to buy more vegetables and fruits that are in season this month.  I buy in season now because that is the only option when buying organic produce and vegetables. It was really startling when there was an item that was not available because it was not in season. We shouldn't see a summer crop in the winter. It gives you a greater appreciation of food and you look forward to your favorite fruit or vegetable coming into season.  When these fruits and vegetables come into season, they are usually on sale. 

This is also challenging me to try new recipes. I want to switch things up a little because I am getting in a little bit of a rut, with the same vegetables and fruits. I don't want to go a whole year with missing out on a certain fruit or vegetable. There is nothing better than an in season fresh vegetable or fruit. 

Here is a list of in season April fruits and vegetables

Fruits

Grapefruit
Kiwi Fruit 
Lemons
Oranges
Strawberries

Vegetables

Artichokes
Asparagus
Avocados
Beans (snap) also known as green beans
Broccoli 
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumbers
Garlic
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Onions
Potatoes
Spinach
Squash

Pick of the Week: Have you tried a Sumo Tangerine?

Image found at specialty produce.com

This is the Sumo Tangerine. This is a fruit of beauty. It is sweet and juicy. The skin is the right amount of thickness, very easy to peel and seedless. 

In 1970 a Japanese farmer mixed a sweet satsuma and a large orange. It took 30 years of trials and errors and the crop was not released until 1991. Now the fruit is available in the United States, Japan and Korea. It is now also grown in California.

My first encounter with this fruit is when I was standing in line at the grocery store with my Husband. The people in front of us had the most weirdest looking (what we thought was an orange) fruit. Then the couple started to peel the fruit right there at the check stand. When they bit into the fruit they closed their eyes and started to make moaning "yum" noises. I have only seen this type of excitement with 2,000 calorie sweet desserts. They then went back to get more and kept repeating, "Everyone should try these." So, we went and bought one to try. And YES, we went back and bought more. Once we went Sumo we have never turned back. 

The season for the Sumo Tangerines is listed February through May. I have only found this fruit at Whole Foods for about $2.99 a pound and it only seems to stay stocked for about a month to six weeks. It is a good source of fiber, folate and potassium. It is low in acid which makes it great for people with sensitive stomachs. This is a Must Try!      

Beauty Pick: The Loofah Comes From A Fruit

Loofahs can come in natural and synthetic forms. A Loofah is a natural sponge that originated in Asia. The natural Loofah that we use today, is made from a ripe dried fruit.  Back in the old days the Loofah was only found in peasant homes and was called the “poor mans kitchen and bath sponge. 

The Loofah helps with exfoliating the skin and by removing dead skin cells. When washing, apply a little pressure while doing circular motions, to promote better circulation. It is important to moisturize after exfoliating to insure soft skin. After each use, make sure that all the soap is rinsed from the Loofah. Place it in an area where it can fully dry, to prevent from mold and/or bacteria growth. To clean your Loofah, soak it in water with a couple of tablespoons of vinegar. It is suggested to replace your Loofah monthly.