Pomegranates Ageless Gourmet

The secrets to mastering the art of picking fall produce are almost as important as Mastering the Art of French Cooking. It’s the difference between a good cook and a great cook. And that’s part of what ageless living is about – clean, local and learning your produce.

Here’s what I mean:

  • clean – organic is the key when possible; most produce sold in your local farmer’s market is organic, or from fields that are transitioning to organic, which is a three years process;
  • local – most of the produce was picked either that morning or the day before; much fresher than the produce at the grocery store that was picked too early and shipped from California or wherever;
  • learning – how to cook your produce to enhance it’s flavor and nutritional value.

Pumpkins at farmer's market Ageless Gourmet

You will know what is in season by what is bountiful. This applies to all season. The highest pile of produce is the pick of the day. In the Fall it is squash, peppers, brussels sprouts, grapes, apples, citrus, lettuces, greens and the like that are plentiful. There will be no doubt when you see which bins are overflowing.

Most of the produce that is grown together compliments each other. Just as food and wine grown in the same area compliment each other, so do vegetables and fruits. Squash goes great with greens, citrus, nutmeg and apples. Brussels sprouts go great with grapes, citrus and bacon. Combinations are endless, and the more you learn about food, the better you will get at creating your own combinations.

Secrets to picking Fall produce:

  • the richer the color, the more nutrients
  • choose unblemished; no wrinkles or dark spots
  • gently feel for firm body with fresh leaves
  • smell your fruits; the stronger the smell, the better the taste
  • stems can indicate freshness

 

produce

Things like squash, greens and anything from the cabbage family won’t smell, so touch and sight come into play when choosing. If it’s broccoli or cauliflower, make sure the florets are tight and bright. For fruits like citrus, apples and pears, you can tell what the flavor will be by the smell. The stronger the fruit essence, the yummier the taste.

Pears

Our goal is ageless living in every aspect of our life. What we choose to put in our bodies plays a major role. It’s just as easy to eat clean, lean and unprocessed, and I’m going to show you how.

Even Julia Child would tell you that just because you didn’t graduate from culinary school doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know the secrets of picking the best Fall produce out there.

“You learn to cook so that you don’t have to be a slave to recipes. You get what’s in season and you know what to do with it.” – Julia Child

Until next time,

Be Ageless! Be Happy!

Christia