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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
Divas are considered a “high red” apple, with a yellow-green background overlaid almost entirely with bright red. They are medium sized and round to squat in shape, with some ribbing. Similar to other recently developed apples, Divas are crisp and sweet. The sweetness is comparable to a Gala or Fuji, while the texture is similar to the crispness of a Granny Smith. It is also particularly juicy. The taste does have some acidity and some flavor beyond sugar—there are notes of grapes and vanilla as well, though overall the flavor is not strong.
Seasons/Availability
Diva apples are available spring through summer.
Current Facts
Diva apples are a modern variety of Malus domestica from New Zealand. They are grown both conventionally and organically, and are available in stores in both forms. Organic Divas are grown without synthetic pesticides.
Nutritional Value
One medium apple has less than 100 calories and no fat, sodium, or cholesterol. They do have around 15% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C and several other antioxidants and phytochemicals, all beneficial to prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Apples also contain 17% of the daily recommended value of dietary fiber, which keeps the digestive system working properly.
Applications
Enjoy Divas fresh out of hand whole as a snack, slice into salads, or serve on a cheese platter. Sweet apples such as Divas pair well with cheddar or blue cheese. Divas are resistant to bruising and can be stored for a long period of time in a cool, dry place like the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Many apple producers are giving their new product catchy, four-letter names, which stand out on labels and are simple to remember. Diva is an example of this marketing technique. The origin of the word Diva is from the Italian word meaning “goddess.”
Geography/History
Diva apples were first bred in Hawkes Bay on the north island of New Zealand. They do well in dry, temperate climates such as Hawkes Bay. Divas are generally sold by New Zealand companies Mr. Apple and Freshmax Exports, although the Giumarra Wenatachee company in Washington state started selling Divas to North American consumers in 2015. Bostock New Zealand is the exclusive seller of organic Divas.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Diva Apples. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| The Creative Bite |
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Bacon Bleu Cheese & Apple Flatbread |
| Aberdeens Kitchen |
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Skillet Blue Cheese Pork Chops with Apples and Pears |
| Vegetarian Mamma |
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Gorgonzola Cheese and Apple Salad |
