Summer Fruits and Vegetables

[Karen]

Tomatoes:

One thing I learned was, if you buy tomatoes "on the vine" they last longer. Leaving what I think of as "the collar" on the tomato is apparently key. They did a study where they took tomatoes picked at the same time, and studies various options - apparently the leaves staying intact keep oxygen from permeating and aging the tomato faster!

What is your favorite summer fruit or veggie tip?

I do not have garden where we are now, it has been many years since I could grow vegetables safe for consumption, but I still look forward to local cucumbers, squash, etc. hitting the markets!

Scored and sliced cucumbers in vinegar and salt? Yum!

[pomtzu]

Cantaloupe - my favorite. Cut the whole melon into cubes (with rind removed) and store in the fridge in a covered container. When you're wanting some to eat, it's already cut up and you don't have to deal with the mess of eating a slice that still has the rind on it. Also sprinkle lightly with salt before eating - it brings out the flavor! And for those of you that are frowning at the idea of salting it - don't knock it before you try it. It is delish!!!!!

[Karen]

Oh, and I am well aware, some of you have fruits and veggies that are ready and prevalent earlier than us, go ahead and brag if you want!


And speaking of summer fruit, why are all the watermelon these day advertised as "seedless"?
A) If they truly were seedless, you'd have a heck of time propagating them ...
B) Never seen one yet that didn't have at least a few small seeds and
C) How the heck can one have a summertime seed-spitting contest without a watermelon with plenty of good, launch-able seeds in it? and
D) How could one save up enough seeds to make necklaces with without good sturdy seeds?

[Asiel]

I'm a fruit and vegetable person year round but in summer I like the cool fruits like watermelon, honeydew and canteloupe. Strawberries, rasberries and blueberries all grow wild here so I gorge on those.Used to make preserves but been too tired these past yrs and I can't have sugar so I prefer not to be tempted. I make a bit for the rest of the family and they bring it home--out of sight.
I do like POM-- pare and cut up the melons and keep them in the fridge for when I feel like a snack....salt is off my to eat list but I know it is good on watermelon, used to salt mine just like I did with rhubarb.... miss that salt now.
Give me any veggie and I'm happy. I have to cook them or I get a reaction if eaten raw.

[luvofallhorses]

Ew I don't like cantaloupe and I have tried it with salt. No thank you but my dad does that lol. Watermelon is very refreshing in the summer and I love fresh cherries from Flathead Lake but they usually not selling them til late July/early August. And I love honey dew melon. For veggies I love dipping celery, carrots and broccoli in ranch.

[pomtzu]

Ew I don't like cantaloupe and I have tried it with salt. No thank you but my dad does that lol.

Your dad is obviously a smart man!!!