27 June 2015

Know your Oranges…….

Cara Cara Oranges

These beautiful citrusy delights are special in that they differ from your ordinary orange with their low acidity, and their rich flavour and colouring as well. At first glance these oranges may seem to be your common navel, but once you cut open and taste a freshly ripened Cara Cara, you’ll notice the difference.

The origins of the Cara Cara can be traced back to Valencia, Venezuela, where they are believed to be a cross of the Washington Navel and Brazilian Bahia. The exterior skin of Cara Cara is a yellowish-orange hue, but upon opening the fruit you will notice the light pinkish-red flesh, which is similar to that of a grapefruit. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find few to no seeds, with hints of delicious cranberry and cherry flavours.         Available from Riverland Oranges.

Blood Oranges

The Blood Orange has quite a different story. You’ll see how it got its name as soon as you cut into it, and see its deep maroon- and crimson-coloured flesh. The exact origins of this fruit are unknown, but many suspect a natural mutation occurred somewhere along coast. It’s such a luscious fruit that it’s presently the principal orange harvested in Italy.  In general, blood oranges have a sweet citrusy aroma with raspberry undertones.They are less acidic than your average orange and enjoyed throughout winter. Available from Auddino Produce.

Sunday Roast or Weekday Soup…..

Parsnips

The parsnip is a root vegetable closely related to the carrot and parsley. It is a biennial plant usually grown as an annual. Its long tuberous root has cream-colored skin and flesh and can be left in the ground when mature as it becomes sweeter in flavour after winter frosts.

The parsnip is usually cooked but can also be eaten raw. It is high in vitamins and minerals, especially potassium. Perfect baked as an addition to the Sunday Roast or made into a hearty Winter soup!! 

Pumpkin

A pumpkin is a cultivar of the squash plant that is round, with smooth, slightly ribbed skin and deep yellow to orange coloration. The thick shell contains the seeds and pulp.

Pumpkins are widely grown for commercial use, and are used both in food and recreation including lanterns for Halloween. Just like the parsnip, pumpkin makes a great addition to your Sunday Roast or a tasty winter soup. Available from Luke’s Potatoes and Pumpkins.