- The number of bumps on the bottom of a bell pepper matters: Three-lobed peppers are firmer and hold up better when cooked, while four-lobed fruits are sweeter and best eaten raw.
- Tomatoes (especially when they are reduced to paste) are a source of lycopene, an antioxidant that offers some protection against the damaging effects of the sun. So eat tomatoes, but also be sure to use sunscreen.
- Storing tomatoes in the fridge degrades the aroma and flavor of these persnickety fruits.
- An oatmeal and warm water paste soothes bug bites because the phenols in this cereal grain calm irritation.
- Fish is brain food because it contains essential fatty acids. Eat seafood twice a week.
- Boiling water before freezing it makes crystal-clear ice cubes.
- Gently dropping an uncooked egg into two cups of water mixed with two tablespoons of salt is a good indicator for its freshness. A really fresh egg will sink and tip to one side, while a somewhat fresh egg will remain suspended in an upright position. If it bobs, it’s bad.
- Add fresh garlic at the beginning of a recipe if you want a light taste and at the end if you really want to taste it.
- Keeping your bananas next to your already ripe summer fruit will push the latter to decay more quickly.
- Vinegar can eliminate fruit flies, which are attracted to your kitchen by the sweetness of decaying fruit. A cup of vinegar covered with plastic wrap poked with a few holes lures them in and traps them there.
Gastropub Glory
edible MAINE Staff
