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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Monstera is a cylindrically shaped fruit with green hexagon-shaped tiles covering its exterior. This fruit has an inedible core, layered with edible juicy flesh, then covered with inedible outer tiles. Monstera fruit will turn yellow when ripe and its tiles will split away and fall readily. The edible, creamy white flesh underneath is shaped like corn kernels, may have grey or black streaks, and have a texture similar to pineapple. Its sweet-tart flavor and aroma are innately tropical, reminiscent of pineapple, guava, and mango. The Monstera fruit develops from its flowers' stem, or spadix, revealing itself after its white bract falls away.
Seasons/Availability
Monstera is available in the fall and winter.
Current Facts
Monstera (pronounced mon-STAIR-uh) is also known as Ceriman, Swiss Cheese fruit, and Mexican breadfruit. Monstera is a member of the Arum family and of the species Monstera deliciosa. This tropical fruit must be fully ripe before eating, as sharp calcium oxalate crystals of unripened fruit can irritate the membranes of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Monstera will turn a yellow hue and fall apart with little resistance when fully ripe and ready to eat.
Nutritional Value
Low in calories, Monstera is high in potassium and vitamin C.
Applications
Ripe kernels of fruit generally fall off on their own when ready to eat. The flesh can be eaten on its own or added to blended drinks or cocktails. Mix with bananas, pineapples or mango for a tropical fruit salad. Sprinkle on top of ice cream, tarts, and creamy or custard-based desserts. Replace pureed Monstera anywhere you would use pureed banana, such as banana bread or cakes. Keep at room temperature, or to ripen more quickly, wrap the entire fruit in a paper bag.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Monstera plant's unusual yet attractive appearance has made it a favorite in ornamental gardens. The plant often plays center stage in home gardens, conservatories, and greenhouses.
Geography/History
Monstera is a native of tropical American forests. Familiar to some as the split-leaf philodendron, Monstera now flourishes in California and Florida.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Monstera. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Endless Simmer |
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Delicious Monstera Salad |
| Tinkering with Dinner |
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Tropical Fruit Salad Ice Cream |
Recently Shared
People have shared Monstera using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Murray Family Farms
Near Bear Valley Springs, California, United StatesAbout 652 days ago, 5/21/19 Sharer's comments : Monstera in the fruit collection greenhouse ! 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Steve Murray Jr.
Near Santa Monica, California, United States661-330-3396 About 728 days ago, 3/06/19 Sharer's comments : Murray Family Farms |
