October, 2004 - Volume 5, Issue 12



Fall Is Time to Mind Your P’s & Q’s



Which P’s and Q’s do we mean? Why PlacerGROWN
persimmons, pumpkins, pomegranates and quince, of
course!

Now that the fall harvest is underway, you have a wealth of
delicious, healthy, and locally grown fall produce to choose
from at Newcastle Produce.

PERSIMMONS
Most of the world calls them kaki, but here they are called
persimmon after the Algonquin Indian word for the American
wild persimmon. Persimmon means “food of the gods.”

“To eat a fresh hachiya persimmon you must let it ripen
to the point that it feels like a ball of jelly,” says Jan. (Don’t try
eating it before it is ripe—you’ll be sorry.) Hachiya persimmons
make wonderful fall cookies, nut bread, and steamed pudding.

Fuyu persimmons, often called apple persimmons, are best
eaten when firm and are crisp. They are a delicious snack and
also make a sweet addition to salads.

Another variety, Chocolate persimmons, have brown flesh
and a complex flavor with “hints of pumpkin, nutmeg,
cinnamon, and chocolate and a buttery, juicy texture,” says Jan.

PUMPKINS
We have lots for you to choose from, including adorable baby
Jack be Little, perfect for baking or decorating; Baby
Pam, your best choice for pie; Big Jack o’ Lanterns, a great
canvas for the kids to carve; Baby Bear, mini-pumpkins for
decorating or baking; and Lumina, ghostly white
pumpkins that are also great to decorate or eat.

POMEGRANATES
The best parts of a pomegranate—the juicy
seeds—are locked away inside a leathery skin and encased in
bitter white membrane. But the work is worth it. The taste
is sensational, and the juice is one of nature’s most powerful
antioxidants.

(Hint: For easier access to all the yummy health benefits, try POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice.)

QUINCE
Quince is closely related to the apple and pear, with a
delightful fragrance and a rich flavor and gorgeous red color
once it is cooked. Quince is a great fruit for jams and jellies,
as well as pies and tarts.

We hope you will stop in soon and taste the bounty of the fall
harvest!