Apples and Pears

Apples and  Pears are the most popular fruits.

Apples are, without doubt, one of the most popular fruits. Thanks to cultivation over the years, there are now over 3000 known varieties. Whether green, red or yellow, their fresh flavor and crisp texture are unmistakable and appetizing on just about any occasion.

Cooking apples are normally green and cook down well to a puree. Try apples in salads, pies, or baked, fried as an accompaniment to meat (especially pork or game) or made into fritters. Look for apples with tight, smooth, unmarked skin. Avoid those with bruises or cuts.

Pears cone in manu different shapes and sizes, and are equally delicious whether firm or juicy ripe. Pears ripen very quickly, so buy while still firm and allow them to ripen in a cool, dark place. Keep pears refrigerated if you want them to last longer. Pears are popular poached, wrapped in pastry, in salads, with cheese, and in souffles', sherbets and jams.

Citrus

Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, mandarins, tangerines and kumquats all belong to the citrus family.

They span a spectrum of flavors from sharp and bitter to sweet tangy, each enhancing cookery in very special ways.

Choose firm, bright, glossy, unblemished fruit with no soft spots. Store in a cool place. As the skin of mandarins is loose, they do not keep as well as tight-sinned oranges. If fruit has been cut, cover with plastic wrap, store in the refrigerator and use within a few days. Citrus fruit will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks.

Lemons and limes are traditional accompaniments to fish and seafood but also make wonderful desserts. Oranges are often included in salads and are used in many different desserts.