Avocado: pear shaped, green with shades of
brown
Flavor profile: rich and creamy
What to look for: hard, wrinkeld,
Uses: salads, puree, spread, marinade
Storage: refrigeration
Preparation: cut in half the long way, remove
seed, scoop avocado meat out with a large
spoon
Banana peppers: long narrow, light green
Flavor profile: mildly hot
What to look for: green stem, soft areas, cuts
in the flesh, black spots
Uses: pickled, sauteed
Storage: in plastic bags in refrigerator
Preparation: slice in rings, or leave whole for
pickling. Remove seeds for other uses.
Cherry Peppers: red, 1 3/4 in cherry shape
Flavor profile: mild to medium hot
What to look for: green stem, soft areas, cuts
in the flesh, black spots
Uses: pasta, pickled, stuffed
Storage: in plastic bags in refrigerator
Preparation: pickled whole, other uses
remove seeds,
Cherry Tomato: red cherry size
Flavor profile: slightly sour
What to look for: firm,rich color, noticable
aroma
Uses: salad, roasted, sauteed,
Storage: room temperature
Preparation: wash, prepare as necessary
Eggplant: smooth distinct shape, purplish
Flavor profile: mild meaty, takes on the
flavor of the auxiliary elements, slightly
bitter
What to look for: firm, shiny, unbroken skin
Uses: baked, grilled, sauteed, sauce
Storage: under refrigeration
Preparation: skin can be eaten, if you don't
care to peel it, dice, slice as needed
Green Bell Peppers: green bell shape
Flavor profile: mild flavor
What to look for: green stem, soft areas, cuts
in the flesh, black spots
Uses: salads, roasted, grilled, fried,
Storage: in plastic bags in refrigerator
Preparation: stand pepper on its end, cut
from top down along a side, go around
each side and do the same thing. Then
cut the sides as you need.
Heirloom Eggplant: shiny distinct shape
Flavor profile: mild meaty, takes on the
flavor of the auxiliary elements, slightly
bitter
What to look for: firm, shiny, unbroken skin
Uses: baked, grilled, sauteed, sauce
Storage: refrigeration
Preparation: skin can be eaten, if you don't
care to peel it, dice, slice as needed
Red Bell Peppers: red bell shape
Flavor profile: sweet
What to look for: green stem, soft areas, cuts
in the flesh, black spots
Uses: salads, roasted, grilled, fried,
Storage: in plastic bags in refrigerator
Preparation: stand pepper on its end, cut
from top down along a side, go around
each side and do the same thing. Then
cut the sides as you need.
Roma Tomato: egg shape, red
Flavor profile: red, ball shaped
What to look for: firm,rich color, noticable
aroma
Uses: grilled, roasted, salad, sauce
Storage: room temperature
Preparation: wash, prepare as necessary
Tomatillas: green tomato, inside papery skin
Flavor profile: tart
What to look for: unblemished, fill their skin
Uses: sauces, salsa
Storage: store in paper in refrigerator
Preparation: remove husk, wash, prepare as
needed
Vine Ripened Tomato: red, ball shaped
Flavor profile: acid sweet fruity
What to look for: firm,rich color, noticable
aroma
Uses: bake, broil, stewgrilled, roasted, salad,
sauce
Storage: room temperature
Preparation: wash, prepare as needed
White Eggplant: shiny distinct shape
Flavor profile: mild meaty, takes on the
flavor of the auxiliary elements, slightly
bitter
What to look for: firm, shiny, unbroken skin
Uses: baked, grilled, sauteed, sauce
Storage: under refrigeration
Preparation: skin can be eaten, if you don't
care to peel it, dice, slice as needed