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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
Sunflowers can reach heights of 5 meters. They have coarse stalks with broad bristly leaves and petals that can range in color from golden yellow to reddish brown. Each Sunflower head is composed of thousands of individual flowers that will eventually mature into seeds. Its edible petals have a chewy texture and a green vegetal flavor with slight bitterness reminiscent of citrus pith. The heart of mature Sunflowers may be exposed by scraping off the brown center and paring away the fibrous green petals from the back and perimeter. Once cleaned, the head resembles an artichoke heart in both appearance and flavor. They have a meaty texture and the same briny flavors but finish sweet and nutty. The young unopened buds of Sunflowers may also be harvested and simply steamed whole. They too taste of artichoke but have less inherent bitterness than the mature heart.
Seasons/Availability
Sunflowers are available summer through early fall.
Current Facts
Scientifically known as Helianthus annuus, Sunflowers are an annual in the family Asteraceae. They are of a unique group of plants that are phototropic, meaning they are physically able to follow the direction of the sun, thus optimizing light exposure and increasing photosynthesis. In fact, their name is derived from the Greek word for sun, "helios". The Sunflower plant provides more than just seeds, it is a bounty of edible parts, including leaves, oil, sprouts, buds, hearts and petals.
Applications
Petals are commonly used to add color to dishes, but may also be implemented as an ingredient. They have considerable bitterness and require a sweet or fatty element for balance. Pair them with rich cheeses and fatty meats in savory applications or as a jelly, jam, cake or cookie in desserts. Combine the petals with the naturally oily seeds in recipes for breads, muffins and even pesto. The Sunflower heart may be prepared like an artichoke heart and takes well to braising, baking, sautéing and marinating. Flavor affinities include garlic, onion, lemon, olive oil, bay leaf, thyme, parmesan cheese, ricotta, anchovy, and mayonnaise.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Sunflowers appear in the Iroquois creation myth and are a sign of abundant harvest in Hopi religion. A dye extracted from the petals was used to decorate their baskets and paint their skin in ceremonies.
Geography/History
Sunflowers are native to North America. They were domesticated around 1000 BC by native tribes in western United States and brought to Europe by the Spaniards centuries later. Today they are grown in semi-arid climates across North and South Ameirca, central Africa and Russia. Sunflowers require substantial irrigation to establish and deep beds of loose well draining soil.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Sunflowers. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Curiosita Ellya |
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Carrot Sun Flowers Sandwich Cookies |
| Absolute Ambrosia |
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Sunflower Pesto |
Recently Shared
People have shared Sunflowers 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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Santa Monica Farmers Market
McGrath Family Farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 122 days ago, 9/23/20 
Hollywood Farmer's Market
Paul Thurston - McGrath Family Farm
Near West Hollywood, California, United States1012 W. Ventura Blvd Camarillo CA 91360 805-340-1036 http://www.mcgrathfamilyfarm.com About 412 days ago, 12/08/19 Sharer's comments : So vibrant. 
Poway Farmers Market
Joseph Balisteri D'Acuisto Farms
Near Poway, California, United States12203 Riesling Vourt San Diego CA 92131 858-361-9926 About 420 days ago, 11/30/19 Sharer's comments : Purple plum and white light sunflower. 
Little Italy Mercato
Mike - JR Organics
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-330-6812 About 420 days ago, 11/30/19 Sharer's comments : Suns out and casting shadows. Beautiful. 
Browns Valley Market
Browns Valley Market
Near Napa, California, United States3263 Browns Valley Road Napa CA 94558 707-253-1873 About 540 days ago, 8/02/19 Sharer's comments : Summer 
Green String
Green String Farm
Near Petaluma, California, United States3571 Old Adobe Road Petaluma CA 94954 707-778-7500 About 550 days ago, 7/23/19 
Nugget Market
Nugget Markets
Near Novato, California, United States470 Ignacio Blvd Novato CA 94949 415-883-4600 About 551 days ago, 7/22/19 
Big Ranch Farms
Big Ranch Farms
Near Napa, California, United States2046 Big Ranch Farms Road Napa CA 94558 707-812-3901 About 552 days ago, 7/21/19 
746 S. Julián St. Suite G2, Los Angeles
Near Los Angeles, California, United StatesAbout 589 days ago, 6/14/19 Sharer's comments : “ Liberty Wholesale Flowers “ One of the best flower shop around the L.A Produce Market... Phone: (213) 612- 3031 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 595 days ago, 6/08/19 
Little Italy Mercato
Anthony - Maciel Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States1-760-521-0643 About 658 days ago, 4/06/19 |
