You might have seen these on a restaurant’s menu or at the supermarket and want to know more about it. I know how frustrating it can be to want to try something new and worry you aren’t going to like it.

Dragon fruit tastes slightly sweet like a mild kiwi. It has a tropical flavor that isn’t overwhelming.

Below I’ll go more in-depth into the taste of dragon fruit, or pitaya, as well as the different varieties that are available.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

Describing the Flavor of a Dragon Fruit

It is somewhat difficult to describe a dragon fruit’s flavor. It’s got a mildly sweet taste, which is delicate on the tongue and similar to that of an unripe pear. The texture of the fruit is creamy, firm, crisp to the bite, and juicy. Unlike many tropical fruit options, there is rarely an aroma from the dragon fruit.

There are hundreds of tiny seeds throughout the fruit, giving you a chia-style crunch. It’s safe to eat the seeds as you do in a kiwi. The dragon fruit’s skin is not edible, so you should remove it before eating it. This is easy to do, so you aren’t going to spend a long time preparing your fruity treat.

The fruit itself is amazing, but the flavor is slightly disappointing because you expect something mind-shattering from its appearance. There is never an explosion of flavor, but you don’t get that with a pear or apple, either.

Different Varieties of Dragon Fruit

Most people don’t realize there are multiple dragon fruit varieties. These include:

1. White-fleshed Pitaya – This version has red skin with white flesh. It’s the most common option found in markets and stores, so it’s probably what you are going to eat. The skin is considered red but is really pinkish with bits of green all over it. These are the leaves that haven’t sprouted yet and aren’t going to. When you cut into it, the flesh is brilliantly white so that the seeds are seen. Of the many varieties out there, this one is quite bland.
2. Red-fleshed Pitaya – When you buy a red-fleshed pitaya, you see that it looks quite similar to the white-fleshed version. Once you slice it open, you get a magenta or crimson red color on the inside. I think that this option has a complex flavor profile when compared to the white version. There’s a touch of acidity here, too. Please be careful when preparing it, as the red juice can stain your skin and clothing.
3. Yellow Pitaya – Yellow dragon fruit is very rare to find in a store or market. If you see them, grab what you can! They have yellow skin with white flesh and spiky thorns. You don’t see those because they are removed before you buy this, which is part of the reason stores rarely carry them. This variety has a lot of flavor and is sweeter with a pleasant scent.

What Part Of A Dragon Fruit Do You Eat?

Many vegetables and fruits have membranes, skin, stalks, and leaves that aren’t edible. The dragon fruit has a thinner skin and you can eat the seeds. That makes it a great option for those who want more bang for their buck.

You don’t require any special tools to slice a dragon fruit. Just cut it in half from top to bottom and scoop out the flesh. Every part of the inside can be removed and eaten. If you prefer, peel away the skin like you might a banana.

Dragon fruit is pretty to look at with the vibrant and contrasting colors. Leave them on the table as an edible centerpiece. You can use the skins once they’re removed as mini dishes to hold ice cream and savory dishes!

Dragon fruit has more fiber than other fruits and is high in magnesium, vitamin A, and calcium. It’s perfect for vegans because it can be hard to get these nutrients without dairy or meat at times. 

How Do You Choose And Store A Dragon Fruit?

When selecting dragon fruit, make sure it’s firm with a little give if you squeeze it gently. If you find that it’s hard, you can buy it and let it ripen a few days first. The skin should be bright and vibrant without shriveled stems or brown spots.

Once you buy the fruit and get it home, you can leave it on the counter or kitchen table for about three days. Cut dragon fruit can last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

If you want to wait to consume them, put the dragon fruit in a sealed plastic bag in your vegetable drawer of the fridge for up to three weeks. They should be in their natural form with the skin on until you are ready to eat them.

Ways To Eat Dragon Fruit

• Most people prefer to eat it raw on its own. Slice your fruit in half and scoop the insides out with a spoon. You can use chili powder or black pepper to bring out some of the flavors here.
• Chop up the fruit into bite-sized cubes and add it to your fruit salad, along with pineapple, melon, and whatever else you like.
• Make dragon fruit juice or add it to a non-dairy smoothie for a nutritional beverage meal. Check out my dragon fruit chia pudding smoothie recipe.
• Use it to make sorbet or a fruity ice cream (made with non-dairy milk products) for a sweet treat.
• Consider making jam, jelly, chutney, or preserves with it.
• Grate the flesh into your muffins or cakes to add a gentle hint of tropical flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re like me, the thought of trying dragon fruit is scary. It looks so hard to prepare and use, which turns off a lot of first-timers. Many people like it once they get past the appearance.

Dragon fruit adds a lot of fun to a dish and looks great on the table. It’s surprisingly mild tropical flavor tastes a lot like kiwi fruit but less intense. It’s a great beginner tropical fruit since it’s so easy to open and eat without much preparation.

What did you think about dragon fruit’s taste? Was it as intense as you were hoping?

Related Articles:

• List Of Tropical Fruits To Give A Try
• What Does Star Fruit Taste Like?

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

The post What Does Dragon Fruit Taste Like? [Plus, What Are The Different Types] appeared first on Plant Prosperous.

Turmeric has an earthy bitterness to it which adds depth to the flavor profile. Due to its bitterness, it is usually combined with other sweeter spices to help balance it out.

The turmeric spice comes from a root, which looks somewhat similar to ginger. Turmeric is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, and it is used especially heavily in Indian cuisine. One of the most striking things about turmeric is the color- in fact, lots of recipes call for a dash of turmeric purely for the visual effect. 

Part of turmeric’s popularity stems from its role in Ayurvedic medicine. Many believe that turmeric has a number of incredible healing properties, helping with conditions like inflammation and chronic pain.

I don’t think you need an excuse to use turmeric- it tastes delicious and gives food and drinks a cozy, warm kick. 

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

Turmeric’s Taste and Texture 

Turmeric is commonly sold in powdered form in stores. This obviously has a different taste and texture to the turmeric root.

The turmeric root is quite bitter, but has an almost citrusy taste, compared to the powder. Turmeric powder is even more bitter than the turmeric root, which is why it’s often combined with other robust flavors- otherwise, turmeric can be quite overwhelming.

Because fresh turmeric is less powerful than powdered turmeric, you need to use about four times as much in recipes that call for powdered turmeric, if you decide to use fresh turmeric instead.

Turmeric also has something of a sweet taste, and it is quite earthy. When you use the powder, you’re unlikely to notice the texture unless you use a substantial amount, but it is somewhat gritty. 

Finding And Choosing Turmeric At The Grocery Store

Supermarkets often sell different kinds of turmeric. If you’re looking for a powdered form, you may be able to find both organic and regular forms of turmeric. Fresh turmeric is relatively uncommon in stores outside of Asia, but you may be able to find some in an international grocer or an Asian supermarket. 

If you manage to find fresh turmeric, you should try to find roots that don’t like shriveled or dried. It would help if you also avoided roots that are soft. Look instead for roots that are strong and firm. 

Different blends of powdered turmeric may vary somewhat, but they are unlikely to be hugely different from one another. You may need to try the various forms to see if you have one that you prefer to another.

Many supermarkets also sell a blend of turmeric with other spices. This can be a great option if you want a single curry powder blend to use with a variety of recipes. 

If you’re trying to find high-quality dried turmeric, the smell is often a better way to tell the quality of the spice than the color is. The color is unlikely to vary much- turmeric is generally yellow to orange. 

Ways To Use Turmeric

Fresh turmeric can be a great addition to smoothies and juices if you can find it. I love adding fresh turmeric to my morning smooths- it really packs a punch, and it is a great way to start the day! If you find it too spicy, you can try sweetening it with some maple syrup or vegan golden syrup. 

Powdered turmeric works great in savory dishes including curries and stews. You can also add powdered turmeric to smoothies and warmed plant-based milk.

How To Store Turmeric Powder And Root

Dried turmeric can usually be kept for up to a year before you need to throw it away. Ensure that you store your turmeric in a dark, cool place- your pantry is perfect.

The container that your turmeric is in should also be airtight, which is important to keep in mind if you don’t buy the turmeric in a jar or shaker. 

You can store fresh turmeric in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you decide to freeze your turmeric, you can keep it for several months before it goes bad. Either way, ensure that you keep your turmeric wrapped up tightly in a plastic bag. 

What are Some Ways to Cook with Turmeric?

Turmeric is one of the most versatile spices out there. Virtually every curry uses turmeric, and it’s a great way to add some heat and heartiness to soups, stir-fries, and warm drinks. Here are some ways to use turmeric in food:

• Golden lattés
• Curries
• Scrambled tofu
• Sprinkled on desserts (especially pumpkin pie)
• Salad dressings

I love making golden lattés in the colder months. You mix plant milk with turmeric powder, ginger root, cinnamon, and golden syrup. It’s a fantastic way to warm up after being out in the cold and is free from caffeine. 

I also love adding turmeric to just about any curry I make. It’s a very standard spice in curries and gives many of them a warm, golden tone.

When you use turmeric in a curry, you want to be careful not to add too much, unless you’re also using other strong flavors or something fatty. Turmeric can be very bitter if you’re not careful, so keep this in mind if you decide to experiment. 

Turmeric is a very staple part of scrambled tofu, which is basically the vegan answer to scrambled eggs. If you’ve never tried scrambled tofu, I highly suggest it.

It’s a fantastic way to start your day, and the turmeric gives the tofu a great color, as well as a pleasant heat. Scrambled tofu goes well with all kinds of sides and accompaniments, making it a truly versatile breakfast. 

There’s no reason that you can’t use turmeric with your desserts, too! I like sprinkling a tablespoon or two of turmeric into heartier desserts, like pumpkin pie or anything with pumpkin in it. Pumpkin is a pretty earthy, robust flavor, so turmeric goes very well with the root and makes it that much more satisfying. 

If you’re feeling zesty, why not try adding grated turmeric root into your salad dressing? This gives the dressing a massive boost and enhances the flavor of the vegetables and any fats you might have included in the salad. Turmeric dressing with orange works especially well, I think. The sweetness of orange juice helps cut through a lot of the bitterness. 

Final Thoughts On Turmeric

Overall, turmeric is an earthy and bitter spice that helps ground many other flavors. It’s best used in hearty stews and curries. It pairs best with root vegetables and winter squashes, such as pumpkin.

Turmeric is a spice used extensively in Asian cuisine so you may have already tasted it without knowing. It’s a strong spice and once you’ve tasted it, you’ll easily recognize it in any future dish.

Do you mind turmeric’s bitter taste? What’s your favorite meal to use turmeric in?

Related Articles:

• What Does Star Anise Taste Like?
• Must-Have Vegan Spices For Beginner’s Kitchens

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

The post What Does Turmeric Taste Like? [And What Dishes To Make With It] appeared first on Plant Prosperous.

Enter taro, a purple root vegetable that is often compared to the sweet potato in texture.

Taro tastes similar to a sweet potato but takes on the flavor of what it is added to. It has a sweet, slightly vanilla flavor and a light nutty finish.

There are many different varieties of taro and each variety of taro will differ in taste, much like potato varieties differ.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

Where Does Taro Come From? 

Taro is commonly grown in many parts of Asia. It is a popular dietary component for many Asian Pacific Islands and parts of North America. 

In Hawaii, taro has not only dietary benefits but medicinal a well. It was believed that taro could cure or prevent cancers and improve vision.

What is Taro Commonly Used For? 

The root vegetable taro has been an underrated vegetable, up until recently. Nowadays, there is a push to find healthier alternatives to popular fast-food snacks and dishes.

One of the most common healthy alternatives that taro is used for is chips. Compared to the potato chip, taro chips are a healthier alternative.

They contain less fat and more fiber than the potato. Other ways that the taro is used for is in soups, stir-fry, mashed taro, and as a dessert. 

Many taro eaters associate the color purple with taro. What eaters of this vegetable may not know is that the actual root vegetable can be white or pink, though purple is the most common color. 

Many non-Asian cultures know taro as the main ingredient for their popular desserts, such as ice cream, sweet buns, and cakes. In a way, the taro’s subtle sweetness makes it a great alternative to anything that a potato is used for.

Benefits Of Taro

Did you know that there are anywhere between five to seven grams of fiber in a cup of taro? This makes it a great healthy food choice for anyone looking to increase their fiber intake, lower their cholesterol or blood sugar levels. 

One way of looking at the taro is as the healthier relative of the potato. Textually, they are very similar as well; what some may find different is the flavor.

While the potato’s flavors are brought out with the help of spices and butter, the taro vegetable has a sweetness that is not overpowering. I find that taro can easily and flawlessly replace the potato as starch in many recipes because of this.

Taro Recipe Ideas

For those who are still unsure as to what the taro can be used for, I recommend the following recipes where taro can be used as either a main ingredient or as a substitute.

• Pancakes– In many North American households, pancakes are made with flour; however, they can also be made with almond and other types of grain flours. Pancakes can also be made using shredded potatoes – but did you know that you can shred taro and make purple pancakes?

• Cheesecake – Are you looking for a clever way to give your cheesecake a purple tint without using food coloring? What about a taro infused cheesecake?

• French Fries – Move over potato fries, taro is in town. Consider slicing up taro and preparing it the same way you would potato fries. To give it some flavor, coat them with sea salt or your favorite spices.

• Arbi Ki Sabji – This is the taro version of Indian pakora, which uses chickpeas. This is a great served on the side or as a main course with some masala and rice.

Anyone with dietary restrictions understands how hard it can be to try to find food alternatives to those who have no health or dietary restrictions. Thankfully, taro is not only an alternative, but it’s a great healthy option that many don’t know about.

Tips For Buying And Storing Taro

Learning about a new vegetable is both exciting and daunting. 

Why? For one, when deciding to incorporate it in a recipe, there is this sudden burden of making sure the taro you chose at the store is ripe or ready to eat.

While taro is becoming more poplular, it still may not be prevalent in large chain grocery stors. You may need to seek out smaller specialty food grocers to find taro, specifically Asian grocers since taro is native and popular there.

When it comes to buying taro, consider the following tips:

• Pick a root that is not soft, but firm to touch
• There are no cuts to the skin of the root
• It does not have a moldy smell
• It is brown, similar to tree bark; this shows it was harvested at the right time

Once you have selected your taro for cooking, consider the following tips as ways of keeping it as fresh as possible. 

• Store at room temperature – do not put taro in the fridge.
• If possible, place in a paper bag, this ensures longer freshness. If you have a cellar, that is an ideal storing space.

Taro Warning

Unlike many vegetables, taro is a vegetable that requires some caution when preparing and cooking. I have seen recommendations to use gloves when peeling taro.

Taro has oxalic acid crystals, which can cause severe skin irritation for some. On the other hand, if using gloves is not possible, consider using oil to lather one’s hands to avoid possibly irritating. 

Not everyone experiences this, though – it may be a trial and error for those that have not cooked or prepared taro before.

Final Thoughts On Taro

Taro is a root vegetable that offers many health benefits, but that can also be used in a wide array of recipes. From appetizers to main courses and desserts, taro is slowly making its way to many American household tables.

It is similar to familiar starchy vegetables like potatoes which makes it an easy healthier substitute. While it’s not mainstream yet, you can easily find taro at Asian and Indian grocery stores since it is a common ingredient in those cuisines.

Bring some color to the next dinner party with the purple and subtly sweet taro. 

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

The post What Does Taro Taste Like? [And What Can You Use It For] appeared first on Plant Prosperous.

Tofu is so versatile, and there are lots of different varieties. How exciting your tofu is depends entirely on your own creativity and cooking skills.

Plain tofu doesn’t have much of a taste since it takes on the flavors of seasonings and marinades it absorbs. There is a mild soy flavor. The texture of tofu is soft and spongy, similar to a mushroom.

It’s an excellent addition to lots of other dishes, and it can be used as the main ingredient in its own right.

You can eat tofu raw or cook it in a myriad of different ways. This underrated protein is a favorite of mine, and I hope you can give tofu another chance if you don’t current consider yourself a tofu fan.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

What Are the Different Kinds of Tofu, and What Do They Taste Like?

There are five main types of tofu based on firmness:

• silken
• soft
• medium
• firm
• extra firm

Silken tofu is probably the type of tofu people think about if they say tofu is slimy and gross. This is because silken tofu is very soft- almost like jelly.

Silken tofu is a bit more challenging to work with than the other types of tofu because it’s pretty fragile. You can great really creative with silken tofu, though!

The different types of tofu all taste reasonably similar and bland unless they’ve been flavored with something. Supermarkets often sell plain tofu, as well as tofu, which has been seasoned with different herbs and spices.

If you’re worried about getting enough calcium on a vegan diet, you can look for tofu that has been fortified. Organic tofu often is.

How firm your tofu is depends on how much water was pressed out of it when it was made. This is essentially the only difference between silken and extra firm tofu.

The firmer your tofu is, the more fat and protein it’s going to contain since it’s denser and condensed. This is worth thinking about if you want to use tofu as a direct substitute for meat- the firmer, the better.

Firm and extra-firm tofu is firm like a block. Silken tofu has a texture similar to jelly, and soft and medium tofu are somewhere between.

Firm tofu can be quite crumbly and dry, and once it’s cooked, it holds its shape well. Silken tofu falls apart quickly, and you don’t even need to chew it because it’s so soft.

Most tofu has a mild taste that can be described as a very gentle, soy taste, which I think is very refreshing.

How Should I Store Tofu?

Most tofu you find will be in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. When you bring it home, you should continue to store the tofu in the refrigerator both before and after opening.

Some tofu packages can be stored at room temperature though. This tofu will be found in the regular non-refrigerated aisles of the grocer.

If you haven’t opened this type of tofu packet yet, you can store it in a cupboard until you’re ready to use it. Once you’ve opened it, it should be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Depending on how firm your tofu is, you may need to store it with some water in the packaging. I personally don’t think this is necessary for firm or extra firm tofu but is good for softer tofu.

With these types of tofu you can wrap them up tightly and keep them in the fridge. Try to eat all of the packages within a few days, though.

Also, when you take the tofu out of the refrigerator, you should wash it off before using it.

When storing softer tofu, you need to leave some water in the container or packaging so that it doesn’t dry out. Try to eat all of the tofu within a few days after opening.

It’s also best to change the water in the packaging every day. Otherwise, you run the risk of mold growing on your tofu.

How Can I Prepare and Use Tofu?

Since there are so many different types of tofu, there are lots of different ways you can use it in cooking. I like using both raw and cooked tofu.

Raw tofu is an excellent addition to salads and sandwiches, and you can eat it straight out of the packet. You can crumble it over the top of dishes like a feta cheese replacement.

Most people prefer cooked tofu, though, and there are plenty of ways to cook it. Tofu takes on the flavor of the dish’s seasonings so it will work in almost any dish.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is a pretty common base ingredient in vegan cooking. You can use silken tofu to thicken up sauces or dressings, for example.

Since the flavor is so mild, lots of people blend silken tofu up and use it in desserts, like chocolate puddings and soufflés. Traditionally, silken tofu is added to soup, either as a whole cube or in smaller chunks.

You can also use silken tofu as an egg substitute while baking. Vegan eggs are sometimes pretty difficult to find at the supermarket, so silken tofu is a fantastic alternative.

It’s worth noting that silken tofu is supposed to be soft and watery, so you should never press it.

Soft Tofu

Soft tofu is similar to silken tofu, but it holds its shape more. This makes it a better option for adding to most soups or Asian-style dishes, like ramen.

Since you’re not going to be using soft tofu as a texture but actually eating it, it’s essential that whatever you eat, the soft tofu has a strong flavor on its own.

Soft tofu absorbs the flavor of whatever you serve it with, so if you serve it with something bland, it won’t taste like much.

Medium Tofu

My favorite method of preparing medium tofu is as a scramble, in the same way, that you would scramble eggs. Tofu doesn’t taste like eggs, but you can scramble it up in a similar fashion, which makes for a delicious and hearty breakfast when served with greens and toast.

You can also use it in other dishes where you might use egg- fried rice with scrambled tofu, for example.

Firm & Extra-Firm Tofu

Firm and extra-firm tofu are your best bet if you want to use tofu as a meat substitute. These types of tofu are hard enough to eat right out of the packet, but they are also fantastic fried.

You can also bake firm and extra-firm tofu or try grilling them. Extra-firm tofu is hard enough for you to sautée or even barbeque. The only limit when you use tofu is your imagination!

Final Thoughts

Tofu is a versatile food since it takes on the flavors of whatever dish you add it to. Tofu has a spongy texture with a slight soy taste that is pleasant. Its high protein content makes it a great vegan meat substitute.

There are a few types of tofu based on density and water content. When choosing tofu, your intended use will determine what firmness you need.

What did you think of the flavor of tofu the first time you had it? Which kind is your favorite?

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

The post What Does Tofu Taste Like? [Plus, What Are The Different Kinds] appeared first on Plant Prosperous.

Native to Southeast Asia, you can also find the star fruit growing in the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and other tropical areas- even Florida. When the tree flowers, it has beautiful, bright pink flowers. 

I love incorporating star fruit into a variety of different dishes. While it’s sweet, it’s versatile enough to be used in more savory foods, too, if you’re a bit adventurous!

Star fruit is a sweet fruit with a slightly tart flavor; the tartness lessens the riper it is. When unripe, star fruit will have a sour lemon/lime taste. Star fruit tastes similar to the flavor of kiwi fruit.

Star fruit can actually be a great addition to salads, for example. The crunchy texture and juiciness make it quite refreshing to pair along with salad vegetables.  

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

What Does Starfruit Taste Like, and What Texture Does it Have?

Larger star fruits taste mild and sweet, while smaller starfruits can be quite sour and tart. The texture is similar to kiwi fruit or other juicy fruit.

This makes star fruit pretty versatile and easy to use for lots of different dishes and cuisines. For example, you might like to use a smaller variety if you want to give your dish a sharp pop.

However, if you’re looking for a snack, then a larger, sweeter star fruit is probably going to be the better option unless you really like sour food. 

Where To Buy Star Fruit

Star fruit is a tropical fruit that originates from either Sri Lanka or Indonesia. Due to it’s popularity it has spread across Asia but is still relatively new to North America.

You’re unlikely to find star fruit in a large chain grocery store and will have better luck going to an Asian grocer. Their selection and quality of this tropical fruit will be better as well since they’re more familiar with it.

How Do I Choose a Star Fruit?

When you buy a star fruit at the grocery store, one of the most important things to look for is the color. Ripe star fruit is golden, with brown edges.

If you find a star fruit that’s green, it’s generally not going to be ripe, and probably tastes quite sour and tart. It’s ok if the star fruit has some patches of green, though. 

How Do I Store Star Fruit? How Long Does it Last?

If all you find are unripe star fruit, you can buy these and ripen them at home. Star fruit that isn’t ripe needs to be frequently turned where you’re storing it so that all of the sides can ripen evenly.

Once your star fruit is ripe, you should try to eat it within a few days. You should also store your star fruits at room temperature.

You can keep star fruit on the counter and it should keep longer that way. Usually, when I store star fruit this way, I find it lasts up to about a week ripe before it starts to turn.

If you want to keep your star fruits longer while they are ripe, you should put them in the refrigerator. Usually, ripe star fruits can last up to a couple of weeks in the fridge.

If you’re not ready to use your star fruit just yet, you can also freeze them. 

How Should I Prepare Star Fruit For Cooking?

Once you’ve found or picked your star fruit, it’s important that you wash it thoroughly. The entire fruit is edible, even the waxy peel, so you don’t need to peel it before cooking or eating it.

Lots of people don’t like the seeds, though, so you might want to take them out. If you want to remove the seeds, you can do so fairly easily using the point of a knife to scrape them out. 

Usually, cooking with star fruit is a bit limited and mostly involves using the fruit itself, instead of incorporating it into more elaborate dishes.

For example, you can bake star fruit to dehydrate it, and dried star fruit can make a great snack. You can also dehydrate star fruit for similar results, and this makes it a great addition to muesli, trail mix, or homemade chips!

You could try using star fruit in a stew. I have tried this once, and while the results weren’t to my tastes personally, I can imagine that it would work well as a milder substitute for mango in dishes that could use a bit of tropical sweetness.

If you’re going to try stewing star fruit, I’d recommend doing so with ginger, sugar, and spices. This could also be a great way to try making a star fruit chutney or sauce. 

How To Eat Star Fruit Raw 

Most people eat star fruit raw. If you want to eat your star fruit as it is, then you should simply slice it into manageable pieces and remove the seeds.

The easiest way to cut up a star fruit is by cutting off the ends first, and then slicing it horizontally at the thickness you want. As you cut the fruit, you can easily remove the seeds with your fingers and discard them. 

What Are Some Ways To Cook With Star Fruit?

As mentioned above, most people eat star fruit raw. You can slice up star fruit and add it into a salad, which is probably one of the most common ways to use the fruit.

If you’re making juice or a smoothie, you can add star fruit straight into this. The fruit is so juicy that it is a pretty hydrating addition to different drinks.

You can also make star fruit juice, which is wonderfully refreshing on a hot day. Try pureeing the fruit and then mixing it with ice and different spices. 

 Also, you can try pickling star fruit- I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard that the results can be pretty impressive, to say the least! The star fruit’s shape makes it a fantastic garnish, too.

It’s very eye-catching, so it looks excellent served with cocktails or to decorate different tarts or desserts. 

If you eat star fruit raw, a pretty popular combination is actually serving it with chili powder. This is fairly common with other tropical fruits, too, like mango. It might sound a bit odd, but it’s delicious. Give it a shot!

Warning About Star Fruit

 I’d also like to note that you should avoid star fruit if you have kidney problems. Star fruit can be very difficult to break down for people with chronic kidney disease.  (source)

Final Thoughts

Star fruit has been around a long time in other countries but is only recently making it’s way to the United States. To have the best luck finding it, go to your local Asian grocery store since this fruit originates from Asia. There you’ll have the best selection and quality.

Even though it may seem strange, star fruit can be eaten, skin and all. Just make sure you remove any seeds you come across.

Have you tried star fruit? What’s your favorite way of eating it?

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

The post What Does Star Fruit Taste Like? [And Tips For Eating This Tropical Fruit] appeared first on Plant Prosperous.

Rhubarb has a very tart and slightly sour taste. Due to this strong taste, it’s almost never eaten on its own and is instead combined with sweeter fruits to make it palatable.

I have found that rhubarb is an underrated vegetable that many people have never tried. The most common way people have eaten rhubarb is in strawberry rhubarb pie. In this article, I’ll go over rhubarb, including how it tastes, and different ways to use it in dishes.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

Where Does Rhubarb Come From? 

Rhubarb originated in central Asia in the cold climate of Mongolia. It then spread to Europe and the Middle East and was used for thousands of years.

The rhubarb is a perennial plant that is easily and commonly grown in many family gardens. When it comes to successfully growing rhubarb, the vegetable requires a cold winter to be fully ready to harvest in the later months as a hearty stalk.

While I refer to the rhubarb as a vegetable, in 1947 New York’s Custom’s Control declared the rhubarb as a fruit since it’s mainly how other fruits are. But in actuality, rhubarb is a vegetable and I will be referring to it as such throughout this article.

Related: See what other vegetables are commonly thought of as fruits and vice versa.

What Part Of Rhubarb Is Edible?

The only part of the rhubarb that is used or edible is the stalk, similar to celery. With celery, you can consume every part of the vegetable whereas the leaves of rhubarb cannot be consumed and are quite dangerous if ingested.

What is Rhubarb Used For? 

Rhubarb stalks are commonly used as a major ingredient in baking and dessert dishes, such as pies and galettes. Rhubarb has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years due to its many health benefits. 

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Rhubarb?

This particular vegetable has a tart, somewhat sour flavor to it which has been known to help individuals who suffer or have digestive problems.

Other benefits of incorporating rhubarb into one’s diet include a high source vitamin K, C, and calcium. For those looking at ways of either maintaining or losing weight, rhubarb is a great vegetable to eat or juice!

Which, for some, can sometimes be the only way to eat their vegetables. Don’t forget to remove the leaves first since those are poisonous.

Rhubarb Recipe Ideas

Consider incorporating rhubarb into your next shopping trip this fall. Not sure how to bring a splash of rhubarb to your dining table? 

Here are a few popular dishes that rhubarb can help when it comes to either cooking or eating it for the first time:

Rhubarb Lentil Soup – If you are a fan of lentils, why not give it a tangy hit with rhubarb. Rhubarb lentil soup would be a great spring or summer dish to offer friends and family.

Pickled Rhubarb – Move over pickles and onions, there’s a new pickled vegetable in town. Rhubarb can be pickled and then served cold as part of a salad. Their tartness also makes a great addition to sandwiches and wraps.

BBQ Sauce – Tired of store-bought BBQ sauce? Why not consider making your own with some rhubarb. For the vegans in my life, a rhubarb BBQ sauce can enhance any dish from ordinary to mouthwatering deliciousness. 

Rhubarb Coconut Crumble – For the sweet-tooth lover, consider replacing the apple or strawberry in crumble bars with rhubarb. Better yet, why not combine raspberry with rhubarb to add a bit more sweetness. 

Rhubarb Bread – Consider rhubarb bread as a morning boost. I find that with rhubarb as the base, I can enhance the loaf by adding pecans, cinnamon, or almond. 

Strawberry Rhubarb Ice Pops – Cool down with a sweet and tartly strawberry rhubarb ice pop. It is an easy to make dessert.

You can replace strawberries with other fruits that you may have lying around the house. Feeling adventurous? Or, maybe you want to make an adult dessert, consider adding a splash of vodka or gin.

Tips For Buying Rhubarb

When purchasing rhubarb for the first time, consider keeping an eye out on the following: 

• Firm and crisp 
• Shine to the outer layer
• No indents or breaks to the stalk
• No smell of mold
• When held, it stands tall and not limp

First-time buyers of rhubarb should look for stalks with broad leaves, as stalks with smaller leaves mean that the vegetable had been harvested a bit too early.

If rhubarb with smaller leaves are picked, don’t worry, the stalk is still edible. It is just going to need some additional spices and herbs to get the flavor you are seeking. 

Tips For Storing Rhubarb

Once you have selected your rhubarb for cooking, consider the following tips as ways of keeping it as fresh as possible. 

• Dry the stalks – don’t store it when it is wet.
• Cut when ready to use – if you cut the stalks but don’t plan to use them, it can dry it out faster than if you left it uncut. It can also lose its flavor. 
• If freezing rhubarb, seal in an airtight bag or container. 

Rhubarb Fast Facts

When it comes to cooking and buying rhubarb, not every shopper knows that approximately a pound of rhubarb equates to three cups of chopped rhubarb. If you are looking to cook rhubarb, two cups of cooked rhubarb are equal to a pound of stalks. 

Why does this matter? If you are looking to determine how much rhubarb you need, knowing how many cups are needed can help break down how many pounds of rhubarb you need.

Another interesting fact about this underrated vegetable is the name, rhubarb. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, rhubarb also means an intense argument or dispute.

If you are looking for another word to describe your next fight, why not call it a rhubarb?

Final Thoughts On Rhubarb

If you are looking to add a splash of color to your diet, bring in rhubarb for its redness. It’s a vegetable that offers many dietary benefits, not to mention, it’s one of the most versatile vegetables out there.

How many vegetables can act as fruit? None quite like rhubarb! 

Let me know what you think about rhubarb’s immensely tarte taste. What’s your favorite way to cook it?

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

The post What Does Rhubarb Taste Like? [Plus, Delicious Ideas For Using It] appeared first on Plant Prosperous.

Not only does it smell wonderful, but star anise is a rich, warm spice that lends itself to lots of different dishes and cooking styles. Star anise tastes licorice-like and slightly sweet. It’s often compared closely to anise seed even though there’s no relation.

You can use star anise lots of different ways. It works well as part of sweet and savory food, drinks, baked goods, and sauces. The spice is potent, so you don’t need to use very much of it, either.

Some find that star anise is too powerful- but I think that’s only the case if you go overboard. Learn to work with the spice, and you may be amazed by how many dimensions it has.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

Star Anise’s Taste and Texture

Star anise is used widely in Chinese cuisine, where it is one of the five spices that go into five spice mix. In fact, star anise is actually the dried fruit of a tree that is native to China.

Most star anise is grown in China for this reason. Both the seeds and star carry the distinctive star anise flavor, which is quite sweet and somewhat reminiscent of licorice.

In Chinese cuisine, star anise is often used in savory dishes, despite its sweet taste. It is especially often used with meats and gives these dishes a sweet and somewhat peppery flavor.

This makes star anise a great ingredient to use if you want to try making Chinese cuisine with meat substitutes. You can give your meals an authentic boost with this fantastic ingredient.

Star anise is usually used whole or ground. Whole star anise is generally added to soups or stews and cooked alongside the other ingredients. If you use star anise this way, you definitely want to remove it before you serve the dish- the star itself is quite overpowering and much too strong to eat whole.

As a powder, ground star anise does not generally have a noticeable texture. If you use too much of it, you might find that it makes your food or drink a bit gritty, though. Ground star anise is more potent than whole star anise, so you need to be careful that you don’t add too much. There’s a reason that many people think of star anise as overpowering! 

Where To Find Star Anise And What To Look For

Ground star anise is usually pretty easy to find in grocery stores if you look in the spice or Asian food aisle. Whole star anise can be a bit tricky to find, and you might need to go to a spice merchant or Asian grocer to get a hold of it.

If your grocery store has a bulk spices and herbs section, whole star anise can usually be found there. When buying whole star anise, have a look at the pods and make sure they aren’t broken.

You can test both ground and whole star anise for freshness by smelling it. Star anise should smell quite potent. If you find star anise that doesn’t smell like much, it might not be worth purchasing.

How Should I Store Star Anise?

One of the advantages of buying whole star anise is that it lasts for a very long time. If you store it properly, it can last for years. You can break off pods or petals when you need to use them.

Whether you buy whole or ground star anise, make sure you store the star anise in an airtight container. You also need to keep the star anise away from moisture, sunlight, and heat. While star anise holds for a while, it does lose its potency over time.

You should try to use the spice within a year of purchasing it, if possible. If your star anise has lost some of its potency, you might be able to get a stronger taste out of it by toasting it before you cook with it. I personally prefer to buy more, as star anise is a relatively inexpensive spice.

What are Some Ways I Can Cook with Star Anise? 

You can use star anise with both sweet and savory dishes. I love to use star anise sparingly when I bake- it’s a great way to liven up dishes and give them a spicy, sweet kick.

If you have a recipe that calls for cinnamon, try adding a sprinkle of star anise too, and see what you think! The key when using star anise is to be sparing. It can quickly become overpowering, especially in its ground form.

Given its role in Chinese cuisine, I think you’d be crazy not to try star anise out next time you try making Chinese food, especially if it’s on the heartier side.

Add some star anise to a soup broth or meat substitute and you’ll find that the flavor quickly becomes deeper and much heartier. It’s also a great way to make meat substitutes taste a bit more exciting, if you find them bland.

Porridge is one of my favorite meals, and I love sprinkling a bit of star anise on top of my porridge while I cook the oats. Used with brown sugar, berries, and cinnamon, star anise makes porridge an extra-warming and hearty meal.

It also works incredibly well with tart green apples. The apple cuts through the earthiness of the star anise, giving it some edge. This is one of my favorite snacks to eat during the wintertime- it warms you up instantly.

Star anise has recently become one of my favorite ingredients to bake with, too. You can give sweeter loaves, cakes, and muffins a lot of depth by sprinkling some star anise into the mixture. This works especially well in combination with other sweet, earthy flavors and spices.

I love making blueberry muffins with star anise. When I make these muffins, I melt down some plant-based spread and mix it with star anise before adding this to the mixture. These muffins are such a treat, and my friends and family all love them- vegan or not! 

Final Thoughts

Star anise is a unique spice with a lot of possibility for vegans. It tastes like sweet licorice and instantly makes meals more hearty. Perfect for the fall and cooler months when you want a comforting plant-based stew.

To find it, start by checking your regular grocery store. You’d be surprised how many chain grocery stores now carry star anise as it’s becoming more popular. When experimenting with recipes, add a sprinkle of star anise to your baked goods for an unexpected flavor. The more you use star anise, the more uses you’ll find!

What do you like about the flavor of star anise? What’s your favorite vegan recipe to make with it?

Related Articles:

• Must-Have Vegan Spices for Your Plant-Based Kitchen
• What Does Turmeric Taste Like?

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

The post What Does Star Anise Taste Like? [And Ways To Cook With It] appeared first on Plant Prosperous.

Is brown sugar vegan? There are some brands of brown sugar that are vegan but not all brands are. Luckily, once you know what you’re looking for, it’s not too difficult to find vegan-friendly versions of brown sugar or substitutions.

Below, I’ll explain exactly how bone char is used in the sugar-making process, how to find vegan brown sugar, and other vegan sugars. I’ll even show you how to a make vegan-friendly brown sugar substitute at home.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

What is bone char and is it vegan?

Bone char comes from the bones of cattle and is considered a natural carbon source. Because it comes from animals, bone char is not considered vegan.

The source for bone char comes from cattle bones in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Argentina. The bones are heated at high temperatures to reduce them to carbon. This carbon char is then sold to traders in other countries who sell it to the United States.

The main use of bone char is in making sugar. It is used in the sugar industry as a decolorizing filter in order to give sugar crystals their white appearance.

Does brown sugar contain bone char?

Brown sugar does not contain any bone char particles but it did come in contact with them during the sugar-making process. It’s a little tricky because the actual sugar doesn’t contain animal products but the process to make it did.

Brown sugar is made by adding molasses back into refined sugar. The refined sugar can come from sugar refineries that use bone char in the process.

Unfortunately, tracking down the refinery that sugar comes from is virtually impossible so many vegan sweets may not be truly vegan.

What makes it even more confusing is that not all sugar refineries use bone char. Some opt to use granular carbon, which is vegan, for the filtering instead. The issue lies in being able to tell which one was used, which isn’t clear on most packaging.

Vegan Substitute For Brown Sugar

Most brands of sugar at the supermarket don’t say which sugar refineries it comes from. Thus, it’s nearly impossible to know whether your sugar was made using bone char.

If you’re able to find beet sugar, that is a vegan-friendly sugar option since it is never made using bone char. For brown sugar, your best substitute will be to make your own out of coconut palm sugar and molasses.

For light brown sugar, use less molasses and add more for a dark brown sugar taste. It honestly doesn’t taste like coconut either despite being made from coconut palm sugar.

Vegan Brown Sugar Brands

If you don’t want to make your own brown sugar, there are a few vegan-friendly brown sugar brands. As of 2020, bone char isn’t listed on the National List of Allowed Substances so therefore cannot be used in USDA Organic certified sugars.

This makes it easier to find brown sugar brands that don’t use bone char. If the sugar is labeled USDA Organic, then it is vegan-friendly.

Here are some of the most common brands of vegan brown sugar:

• Trader Joe’s Organic Brown Sugar (link)
• Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Light Brown Sugar (link)
• Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Dark Brown Sugar (link)
• Woodstock Organic Brown Sugar (link)
• Zulka

Other Kinds Of Vegan Sugar

Organic brown sugar isn’t the only type of vegan-friendly sugar option. Below I’ll cover all of the types of vegan sugar you may come across.

Is Beet Sugar Vegan?

Yes, all beet sugar is vegan no matter whether it’s organic or not. During the sugar processing, the beet sugar turns white much easier so bone char isn’t needed.

Is Organic Sugar Vegan?

Yes, all USDA certified organic sugar is vegan. Bone char isn’t approved by the USDA for use in organic certified sugar products.

Instead of trying to look up brands of sugar, going with an organic certified version is the easiest and quickest choice for vegans.

Is Turbinado Vegan?

Yes, turbinado sugar is vegan. Turbinado sugar is made from sugar cane like refined sugar is, but it is not decolorized and filtered using animal bone char.

Turbinado sugar is also called “raw sugar” or unrefined sugar. It is not fully raw though since the sugar syrup is boiled and crystalized to remove soil and impurities. (source)

Its crystals tend to be more coarse and has a slightly off-white color since a portion of the molasses is left in the sugar grain.

Turbinado sugar gets its name from the turbines that are used to create it. The sugar is spun in a turbine or centrifuge to remove some of the molasses, hence the name “turbinado.”

Is Demerara Sugar Vegan?

Yes, demerara sugar is vegan. It is a large grain raw sugar that still retains some of its molasses. No bone char is used in its production.

Is Muscovado Sugar Vegan?

Yes, muscovado sugar is vegan and doesn’t use any bone char. Muscovado sugar is less processed than demerara and turbinado sugar.

It contains a lot more of the original molasses so it has a strong molasses taste. Muscovado is very moist and has a bold flavor making it good for bbq sauces and marinades.

Other Unrefined “Raw” Sugars

There are many other types of unrefined or raw sugars. Some of these include panela, jaggery, rapadura, piloncillo, and coconut palm sugar. All of these raw sugars are vegan because they don’t go through the refining process using bone char.

Is Brown Sugar Better Than White Sugar?

Brown and white sugar have virtually the same calories and nutrition. Brown sugar has slightly higher potassium, calcium, and iron due to the molasses but it isn’t enough to be significant.

The main difference between brown and white sugar will be the taste. White sugar will have a light sweet taste were brown sugar has a caramelized toffee taste.

When used in baking, brown sugar has more moisture so baked goods will be more dense and soft. White sugar produces airy baked goods.

Is brown sugar good for weight loss?

No, brown sugar is not good for weight loss. Brown sugar is no different than regular white sugar in regards to calories and how it’s digested.

Brown sugar is not healthy and will not assist you in losing weight in any way.

Is Brown Sugar The Same As Sugar In The Raw?

No, they are not the same despite looking similar. Sugar in the raw is produced when the final refining process with bone char is bypassed. It’s coarse turbinado sugar with an amber color.

Brown sugar is when refined sugar has molasses added back into it. It tends to be more wet and have a stronger flavor.

The Difference Between Brown Sugar And Turbinado

Both brown sugar and turbinado are brown due to the molasses contained in it. The biggest difference is in the processing and how the molasses got there.

With turbinado sugar, the molasses content is the original molasses straight from nature. It’s filtered out to varying degrees but no additional molasses is added back in. Overall, turbinado sugar contains less molasses than brown sugar products.

With brown sugar, all of the original molasses is filtered out creating white sugar. Then molasses is added back into the crystals in varying amounts. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses than light brown.

Turbinado sugar crystals are larger than brown sugars and contain less moisture which makes it less likely to clump. Brown sugar has a lot of moisture and can clump together into a hard block over time.

It’s important to note that neither sugar is considered healthy. They both contain empty calories and will spike your blood sugar.

So, Is Sugar Actually Vegan?

Many vegans debate on whether it matters whether bone char is used in making sugar since none of the char is in the final product.

It boils down to your personal ethics and beliefs as a vegan. Some vegans are super strict and won’t consume any sugar products where they can’t verify the source. This eliminates being able to eat most commercial baked goods and restaurants.

Other vegans will try their best to purchase verified vegan-friendly sugar at home and don’t worry about it when it involves other people’s baked goods and restaurants.

This is the belief I fall into. I try my best to eat vegan verified products. Due to the fact that so much of the sugar in the United States can’t be traced to their refineries, it makes living a stress-free life difficult.

I’d still rather support vegan-friendly businesses and risk the off-chance that the sugar was maybe processed using bone char. Which belief do you fall into?

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

The post Is Brown Sugar Vegan? [Easy Tips For How You Can Tell] appeared first on Plant Prosperous.

I certainly love avocado, and I try to incorporate it into different dishes. It’s also delicious on its own.

But if you’ve never had one before, you might be wondering what it tastes like. Avocados have a slightly nutty or buttery taste depending on ripeness and the variety. Their overall flavor is muted and not overwhelming. Some say that avocados have an earthy or grassy taste as well.

They overall have a smooth, creamy texture that makes them blend well into many dishes. The fruit is naturally fatty and nutty, and the flesh is easy to spread and smear. It’s also an excellent base for dips and is a delicious addition to just about any salad.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

Avocado Varieties, Tastes, and Textures

In the USA, there are two main types of avocado: Hass avocados and Florida avocados. Hass avocados are sometimes called California avocados, too. Florida avocados have relatively light, green skin.

Hass avocados are much darker, and their skin looks almost like tree bark. They also have more fat than Florida avocados, which makes them a better choice if you want to use your avocado as a spread or for a type of butter substitute.

The taste of avocado is relatively difficult to describe. Most people would say that avocados are buttery and nutty, and I also think that the flavor is somewhat reminiscent of grass, but in a good way.

It’s definitely an earthy flavor, and ripe avocados often taste quite rich, too. A ripe avocado is soft, oily, and buttery. The texture is sort of close to banana, but with a tiny bit more bite, and it’s oily instead of powdery.

There are other types of avocados, too, but they are much rarer and difficult to find. In Mexico, you can find smaller avocado varieties, which taste quite different from their larger cousins.

I haven’t tried those personally, so I’m going to focus on Hass and Florida avocados.

How Should I Choose an Avocado?

The most common way to gauge whether or not your avocado is ripe is by pressing the skin. An avocado that is ripe and ready to eat should have some give, and it should feel a bit soft when you press the skin down.

If the avocado is hard or has no yield, then it probably isn’t ripe, and you shouldn’t buy it if you want to eat it straight away. An avocado that feels really soft is probably overripe or bruised and would be best left alone.

How To Ripen A Hard Avocado

If your avocado isn’t ripe yet, you can ripen them fairly easily at home. All you need is a brown paper bag and an apple or a banana.

Store your avocado in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple, and it should be ripe enough to eat within a few days. When you do this, it’s important that you store the bag at room temperature.

If the avocado was on the verge of being ripe, then doing this could ripen it in 24 hours if not overnight.

How Can I Store my Avocados?

There are different ways to store an avocado, depending on how ripe it is. You should always be able to make your avocado last at least a few days before it goes bad, though.

An unripe avocado can be left in the fridge for a few weeks. The avocado can still ripen slowly in the refrigerator, provided that you haven’t cut it yet.

Please make sure you check on your avocado every now and then while it’s in the fridge, in case you’ve misjudged how ripe it was when you put it in the refrigerator initially.

You can keep a ripe avocado in the fridge for around a week before it goes bad. Again, this applies to uncut avocados.

If the avocado feels very soft, then it isn’t going to last very long in the fridge, probably only a day or two. Instead, you should consider using it immediately or trying to freeze it to use later for smoothies.

If you like using avocados in your smoothies, freezing them is a good option. This is a great way to make your avocado last longer, as well as giving your smoothie some extra body and thickness.

To freeze your avocado, you should peel it first, and freeze them on a tray in a single layer before storing it in a freezer bag. Once your avocado is frozen, it’s pretty difficult to separate the skin from the flesh which is why it’s best done as the first step.

How To Open An Avocado Easily

The easiest way to prepare an avocado is by cutting it in half and removing the pit. To cut the avocado, you can make an incision across the body.

Once you’ve done that, you can remove the pit by tapping it with your knife so that the blade sinks in. Then, you can pull the pit straight out.

If you’re worried about safety, you can also use a spoon to get under the pit and work it until it’s loosened enough to come out. You need to be careful not to bruise the flesh when doing this.

Your avocado is now ready to eat, or you can remove the flesh from the skin if you want to use it for cooking. The easiest way to remove the skin once you’ve cut the avocado in half is with a spoon.

Take a spoon and gently dig at the margin between the skin and the flesh. The flesh should easily come away from the skin, and once you’ve worked your way around the whole half, the skin should come off.

You can then use the avocado for cooking!

If you’re planning on mashing up your avocado, you can also spoon the flesh straight out of the skin. Again, you need to be careful to make sure that you don’t damage or bruise the flesh when you do this.

How Can I Cook With Avocado?

Avocado is a truly versatile ingredient, which you can use both as a base or a main ingredient in its own right. One of the most popular avocado recipes is guacamole- avocado dip.

Guacamole is a simple and delicious recipe, which is the perfect accompaniment for chips or tacos. Simply cut up an onion, garlic, tomato, cilantro, and mix this with lime juice and mashed avocado.

You can also spread an avocado straight onto toast or crackers. Smashed avocado is great paired with scrambled tofu for a really hearty breakfast.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try using your avocado to thicken up desserts. I’ve made chocolate pudding with avocado and was really impressed! The flavor is subtle enough that it doesn’t taste overwhelming or weird, and the texture is soft and luxurious.

Final Thoughts

To someone unfamiliar, the muted nutty creamy taste of an avocado may not seem like much. But once you pair it with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, herbs, and other seasonings, the flavor really explodes.

Avocados are a healthy vegan fat that is versatile. (Yes, avocados are vegan even though some people try to claim they aren’t.)While not everyone will love avocados, I recommend that you try them at least once before giving up on them.

What was your thought the first time you tasted an avocado? Do you have a favorite recipe to use them in?

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

The post What Does Avocado Taste Like? [Plus, Tips For Getting The Tastiest One] appeared first on Plant Prosperous.

Many new vegans come to me and ask about various foods they know nothing about. They’re confused about what to do with them or how they may taste.

Fresh ripe jackfruit is very sweet like honey and has a stringy appearance. Canned jackfruit is typically from underripe jackfruit so that there is a more neutral taste. This jackfruit may taste slightly salty from the brine it’s stored in but with an overall neutral meaty flavor.

Unless you grew up in Asia where it’s the staple food or already follow a vegan diet, you might feel that jackfruit is foreign and confusing. It looks strange, but it can be a healthy substitute to meat and be part of your healthy eating plans.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase an item through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Please read the full disclosure policy for more info.

What Is Jackfruit?

Jackfruit is a tropical fruit native to India and is the largest fruit born from trees. One jackfruit could weigh 100 pounds or more, and mature trees can produce up to three tons of fruit each year.

What Does Jackfruit Taste Like?

The fruit itself looks quite strange. When you open it up, the texture is similar to shredded meat – think pork. Ripe jackfruit features a sweet flavor, almost like a combination of banana, pineapple, and mango. If you’ve ever tried Juicy Fruit gum, you get the idea. 

If using jackfruit as a plant-based pulled pork substitute, you’ll want to use slightly underripe jackfruit so the fruity behavior doesn’t overwhelm the dish.

What Are the Benefits of Jackfruit?

Like almost all plants, jackfruit is healthy and beneficial. Young jackfruit can have up to three times the amounts of fiber as other standard sources (nuts, grains, vegetables, and other fruits).

Most Americans lack this critical nutrient, so this is an excellent way to get what you require. One cup of the jackfruit has roughly three grams of fiber. Women less than 50 years old should take in 25 grams of fiber a day, and men of the same age bracket require 38 grams. Typically, Americans only get 16 grams of fiber each day. (source)

Roughly five percent of the population do eat the recommended amounts. Fiber is essential to your health; you can lower your risk for stroke, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and various cancers.

Jackfruit has a lot of protein, too. It doesn’t offer as much as other meat alternatives, such as beans or tofu, but it has more than most fruit. A single cup of the fruit has up to three grams of protein. You get other vitamins, such as riboflavin, vitamin C, and Vitamin A, as well as potassium and magnesium.

Another great benefit is that jackfruit doesn’t contain cholesterol and saturated fat like many meat products. It has fewer calories, less sodium, and sugar. Plant-based meat alternatives aren’t as processed, but there is some manufacturing, and there isn’t with jackfruit.

How Do You Eat Jackfruit?

I like jackfruit because I can prepare it in many ways. You can barbecue it and cook it as you might any meat. This is helpful for beginners to the vegan lifestyle. It allows you to feel like you’re eating meat or preparing things normally and makes it easier to adjust to veganism.

Jackfruit is highly versatile and can be used as a tasty treat or a replacement for meat products. It is usually prepared like pulled pork because it’s naturally stringy and wants to shred. The texture is what you desire for a plant-based variation of pulled meat. I like that it carries marinade and sauce flavors effortlessly.

You can choose to use it at any part of the meal, from the appetizer to the dessert. It’s possible to eat jackfruit ripened or unripe. Most people prefer to use the non-ripe version as a meat substitute, such as for pulled sandwiches, tacos, and curry dishes.

At that point, the taste is almost neutral, so it really takes on the sauce or spice flavors you choose. Ripened jackfruit is sweeter, so it works well in desserts. Most people eat it raw when ripe and don’t add anything else to it.

If using fresh jackfruit, you’ll remove the seeds and harvest the surrounding seed pod to eat. The seeds can be cooked and eaten as well. The remaining parts of the jackfruit are inedible but one jackfruit gives more than enough food to feed a family.

Where Can You Buy Jackfruit?

Asian and specialty stores should be the first place you look because they’re more likely to have it. Many grocery stores realize how important this fruit is to vegans and non-vegans, so they carry it, too. 

It’s possible to buy jackfruit four ways: fresh, canned, frozen, and vacuum-sealed. I recommend that you buy it in its frozen form if you’re making ice cream or smoothies.

The vacuum-sealed products are pre-seasoned, so they work well as a meat substitute. These packages might contain processed ingredients and dairy, so check the label before tossing it in your cart.

Canned jackfruit is available, but sometimes it is packaged in syrup. This might make it too sweet for a savory dish and could contain non-vegan elements. Consider buying it in brine, but always check the ingredient list.

Fresh jackfruit is available at some places, but it’s hard to find. Make sure you check the aroma, color, and firmness of the fruit. Ripe jackfruit has a yellow or gold color and should smell pleasantly sweet. There should be a touch of give (think avocados or peaches).

Young jackfruit has no smell and is green, providing no give if you put any pressure on it.

The interior texture of jackfruit makes it hard to clean up. There is natural latex inside the fruit, so it is very sticky. Have coconut oil available to help clean your hands and kitchen tools. I recommend putting coconut oil on your hands and the knife before cutting open a jackfruit.

Conclusion

Jackfruit is one of nature’s unique gifts because it’s highly versatile. You can use it in savory and sweet dishes or eat it raw as you do other fruits. It looks odd, but it’s a great source of protein and fiber, making it ideal for vegans and those who want to lead a plant-based lifestyle.

Some people believe jackfruit can fit into any recipe out there. Try it in Indian, Mexican, and Italian dishes. Experimentation is a great thing.

I prefer to use jackfruit as a meat alternative, but I enjoy it in baked goods, too. People worried about switching to a vegan lifestyle may find that it’s not as hard when jackfruit is introduced to the menu.

How did you find the taste of jackfruit to be? Do you prefer it savory or sweet?

Related Articles:

• List of Tropical Fruits (some you may not have heard of)
• What Does Papaya Taste Like?

Stephanie Mantilla

Plant-Based Diet & Vegan Lifestyle Expert

Stephanie is the founder of Plant Prosperous, a plant-based vegan living, and parenting blog. She has been eating a plant-based diet for over 24 years along with a B.S. in Biology & Environmental Science. She also has over 14 years of experience working in the environmental and conservation sectors. Stephanie is currently raising her son on a plant-based diet and hopes to help others who are wanting to do the same. You can read more about her here.

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