Romanesco
This descendent of Italy forms a natural approximation of a
fractal,
exhibiting similar patterns at increasingly small scales. The
result
is a spiral effect that is unlike any other produce you will
encounter. It tastes much like cauliflower, a close relative, but a
bit
nuttier and sweeter, with a crunchier texture. Romanesco is
delicious when
steamed, sautÄed or roasted. For the Fix of the Week
on page A7, I prepared
Pasta Romanesco using a combination of roasted
Romanesco and sweet winter
carrots. Romanesco can also be served raw
in salads and is a fun winter
veggie to pickle. Available from Two
Peas in a Pod Farm at the Tuesday and
Saturday Santa Barbara farmers
markets, as well as in small amounts by
other select growers. About
$4 each.
Murcott tangerines
While
Satsuma mandarins are beginning to slowly fade out of season, a
number of
other varieties are beginning to pop up. One is this
mandarin-sweet orange
hybrid. Often marketed as a “honey
tangerine,” this variety is sweet and
juicy. Though not quite as
easy to peel as the Satsuma, it’s terrific for
eating as is or for
juicing č the juice can be used in salad dressings,
marinades and
sauces. Available from a number of local citrus growers at
the
Tuesday Santa Barbara, Wednesday Solvang, Thursday Carpinteria,
Saturday Santa Barbara and Sunday Camino Real markets. About $3 per
pound.
French Breakfast radishes
These petite elongated radishes
are known for their color č pink at
the top and graduating to bright white
at the base. The curious name
simply refers to the variety, not the time of
day the radishes are
eaten. Although they can be consumed raw, French
Breakfast radishes
are equally tasty when cooked. Slice and serve with
tacos, dip into
your favorite hummus, add to salads or incorporate into
roasted
veggie trays. This variety is crisp and juicy, with a balance of
sweet and spicy notes; it’s much milder than most. When roasted, the
flavor becomes slightly nutty. French Breakfast radishes are offered
by
a number of local growers at the Tuesday Santa Barbara, Wednesday
Solvang,
Thursday Carpinteria, Saturday Santa Barbara and Sunday
Camino Real
markets. Certified organic available. About $2 per bunch.
