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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
Cheekie apples are medium to large in size and oblong in shape. The bright yellow skin is smooth and glossy and has dark red and pink blushing covering the surface. The flesh is firm, cream-colored to pale white, and has a central fibrous core running the length of the fruit with small, flat dark brown-black seeds encased in a five-point star shape. Cheekie apples are crisp, slightly tart, and sweet with tropical notes of passion fruit.
Seasons/Availability
Cheekie apples are available late summer through fall.
Current Facts
Cheekie apples are a very recent variety of apple (Malus domestica) from New Zealand that are only available in limited quantities in the U.S. They are a cross of the Granny Smith apple and the Splendour apple.
Nutritional Value
Apples are a healthy snack or meal option, with few calories; no fat, sodium, or cholesterol; and plenty of nutrients such as fiber and Vitamin C. Apples also contain small amounts of boron, Vitamin B, quercetin, and several types of antioxidants and phytochemicals that work as part of a healthy diet to prevent chronic diseases.
Applications
Cheekies are a versatile apple, useful for eating fresh out of hand, cooking or baking, making into sauces, and juicing. Apples pair well with warm spices in desserts such as cinnamon and nutmeg, or with more unusual flavor choices like rosemary or sage in meat and poultry dishes. Store in a cool, dry place such as the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
The Cheekie apple is an example of a one of the many apples to have recently been developed and grown in New Zealand. The apple industry is a growing part of the New Zealand economy, which exported a record $800 million worth of apples in 2016. The industry targets markets around the world, including the Middle East and Asia.
Geography/History
Cheekie apples are sold by Freshco in New Zealand and Sage Fruit Company in the United States, which also sells other newly-developed apple varieties such as Sonya and Breeze. Sage expects to release a higher volume of apples in the next few years. Cheekies grow best in the warm summers and cold winters found in New Zealand where they are grown.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Cheekie Apples. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Pepper Bowl |
|
Homemade Apple Juice |
| Healthy Kitchen 101 |
|
Carrot Apple Celery Ginger Juice |
| The Food Blog |
|
Apple Cheddar Muffins with Rosemary |
