Daily Dish the Sonoma Market blog
Explore Exotics
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Mother Nature’s gifts from all over the globe can be a fun way to explore other parts of the world. The next time you see these unique fruits and veggies in the produce aisle, pick some up to enjoy on their own or add to a recipe!
Mother Nature’s gifts from all over the globe can be a fun way to explore other parts of the world. The next time you see these unique fruits and veggies in the produce aisle, pick some up to enjoy on their own or add to a recipe!
MANGO:
- There are several hundred varieties of this tropical stone fruit around the world!
- Delicious on their own and in fruit salads, parfaits or cake.
TARO ROOT
- A starchy, mildly sweet root vegetable originally from Asia. Brown exterior with purple-specked white flesh and texture similar to a potato.
- Try making baked chips, adding to soups and stews or in pancakes.
PASSION FRUIT
- Vine-grown fruit with a colorful rind and juicy, seed-filled center.
- To enjoy raw, slice in half and scoop out the center, seeds and all!
- Try in smoothies, sauces, fruit salad or a Tiki Temptation cocktail or mocktail.
STAR FRUIT (CARAMBOLA)
- A sweet and sour fruit shaped like a star when sliced crosswise.
- Ready to eat when mostly yellow with only hints of green.
- Slice and eat as is or add to fruit salads, chutneys or homemade popsicles.
DRAGON FRUIT (PITAYA)
- Slightly sweet flavor between a kiwi and a pear.
- Part of the cactus family; mostly from Central or South America.
- Slice in half and scoop out the center to enjoy raw, in smoothies, in a homemade Pitaya Bowl or grilled!
JACKFRUIT
- Often grown in Southeast Asia or Mexico.
- Unripe, it’s used to mimic meat in savory plant-based recipes like carnitas.
- When ripe, it’s sweet, sticky and tasty on its own or in desserts and smoothies.
THAI COCONUT
- Pre-trimmed coconuts that can hold up to 11 ounces of fresh coconut water.
- Refrigerate until ready to eat. (They’re still good if pink; that’s just oxidation.)
- Slice up the coconut meat to enjoy in fruit salads or smoothies, or try the coconut water in a tropical cocktail.
YUCA ROOT (CASSAVA)
- Dense and starchy root vegetable popular in Latin and Caribbean cuisines.
- The variety sold in most American stores is sweet cassava.
- Store unpeeled roots in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
SHISHITO PEPPER
- Slender, light green peppers originally from Japan.
- Mildly spicy (usually!) with grassy and citrus notes.
- When cooked, these peppers take on a smoky, peppery flavor.
- Try them in these simply delicious Honey Soy Shishito Peppers.
