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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
The Pepino has a light-yellow to light-green skin, streaked with purple vertical striping. The flesh, when ripe is golden yellow with a narrow seed cavity. The Pepino is entirely edible: skin, flesh, pulp and seeds. The yellow interior is fine-grained and sweetly aromatic, intensifying as it ripens. Its flavor can be described as a mix of banana and pear, with a slightly bitter bite. Its size is inconsistent and can be as small as a plum or as large as a papaya. For optimum sweetness Pepino should be picked at peak of ripeness. Care must be taken when handling Pepino fruits as once ripe they are delicate and easily prone to bruising.
Seasons/Availability
Pepino make sporadic appearances in the marketplace beginning in spring.
Current Facts
The word "Pepino" is Spanish for cucumber and appears to be universal with slight variations of spelling or added epithets, such as "Pepino Dulce" or Sweet cucumber. Other names include tree melon and melon pear. This name "Pepino" is also used in parts of South America for the cassabanana. It is the fruit of a small evergreen shrub. In fact, it is commonly mis-labeled as a melon, when it actually is classified as a berry within the Solanaceae or nightshade family, ie: tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants.
Applications
The skin of the Pepino is edible but if tough and unpalatable it can easily be peeled away. Ripen at room temperature. Pair with lemons or limes, sweet basil, honey, chiles, chayote and coconut. Serve in fresh salads and sauces. Halve and serve fresh as a dessert or breakfast dish. Store ripe Pepino in a plastic bag in the refrigerator up to three days.
Geography/History
Native to temperate Andean areas of Chile and Peru, Pepino are also cultivated in other regions of South and Central America, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Pepino is documented as being grown in California in San Diego prior to 1889 and in Santa Barbara in 1897. Pepino will do well in fertile, well drained soils and in sunny, frost free climates.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Pepinos. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Feast Magazine |
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Pepinos Salsa |
| Exquisite Corner |
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Pepino Melon Dal Curry |
Recently Shared
People have shared Pepinos 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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Near Medellin, Antioquia, ColombiaVia santa Elena Calle 10A N36A Este-163 Km12 Medellin Antioquia 574-538-2142 About 312 days ago, 3/13/20 Sharer's comments : La misma fruta no crece igual en todos los campos, está tiene una coloración más pálida debido a que en Colombia no hay estaciones. 
Andronico's
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Ralph’s - Beverly Blvd.
Near Beverly Hills, California, United States9040 Beverly Blvd West Hollywood CA 90048 310-278-1351 About 576 days ago, 6/23/19 
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Albertson’s - Harbor Blvd
Near Costa Mesa, California, United States2300-c Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92626 949-515-7227 About 578 days ago, 6/21/19 
1601 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
Near Los Angeles, California, United StatesAbout 585 days ago, 6/14/19 Sharer's comments : “ Coosmans L.A. “ Pepino Lemon :) At L.A Produce Market Phone: (213) 689- 1551 Facebook: Coosmans 
Lazy Acres Market
Near Encinitas, California, United StatesAbout 646 days ago, 4/14/19 Sharer's comments : Pepino melons! 
Vons
Near San Marcos, California, United StatesAbout 673 days ago, 3/18/19 Jungle Jim's International Market Near Fairfield, Ohio, United States About 677 days ago, 3/14/19 
Ralphs
Ralphs Hillcrest
Near San Diego, California, United States1020 University Ave, San Diego, Ca, 92103 619-298-2931 About 686 days ago, 3/05/19 Sharer's comments : Pepinos spotted at Ralphs. 
Foodtown
Food Town
Near Davie, Florida, United States6431 Stirling Rd, Davie Fl 33314 1-954-797-7790 About 727 days ago, 1/23/19 Sharer's comments : Pepino melons |
