50 in 2012: Book Thirty

How to Pick a Peach by Russ Parsons

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second library book I’ve bought recently within minutes of picking up.

I do not possess the magic skill of knowing how to pick ripe fruit. Or vegetables.

I thump watermelons. Unsure of what I am really listening for but everyone else seems to pick up, thump, shake their head, and place in cart. I simply follow hoping no one stops me to ask me my watermelon-picking philosophy.

Over time, I have learned that a ripe pineapple can be chosen if one of the top leaves can be easily plunked out. Ripe avocados are soft to the touch and if the little stem thingy is removed and green can be seen…good pick. Red peppers are supposed to be thump-able, too soft means no bueno. Not scientific, not always accurate…

I stumbled upon this book and loved it immediately. Broken up by season, fruits and veggies are discussed: brief historical analysis, how to choose, how to store, how to prepare and finally recipes are provided for each.

Nothing earth shattering poignant, but definitely an enlightening read for me…hoping I can now venture out of my everyday fruit and veggie comfort zone and try some new things.