📍Location: Burnaby, BC​

📍Location: Burnaby, BC​

How to Choose the Best Cauliflower​

Follow these tips to ensure you pick the best one:

• Look for Bright White Color: A high-quality cauliflower should have a bright white appearance. Avoid heads with brown spots, discoloration, or signs of mold.
• Check the Leaves: Fresh green leaves wrapping around the cauliflower indicate freshness. Wilted or yellowing leaves are a sign that it may be past its prime.
• Feel the Weight: A good cauliflower should feel heavy for its size. This indicates that it’s dense and fresh.
• Examine the Bottom: Avoid cauliflowers with soft or mushy bottoms, as this can be a sign of spoilage.

How to Store Cauliflower​

Proper storage can help you make the most of your cauliflower, whether you plan to use it immediately or save it for later. Here’s how to store it:

• Remove the Green Leaves: Snap off the green leaves surrounding the cauliflower.
• Trim the Stem: Turn the cauliflower upside down and make cuts in the stem to remove it. This step makes it easier to separate the florets.
• Separate the Florets: After cutting the stem, gently pull the cauliflower apart with your hands to separate the florets.
• Short-Term Storage: For immediate use, keep the cauliflower unwashed in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week.
• Long-Term Storage: To store for a longer period, blanch or steam the cauliflower florets, let them cool, and then freeze them in airtight bags. Properly frozen cauliflower can last up to one year.

Why Cauliflower is a Great Choice​

Cauliflower is a nutrient powerhouse that can fit into a variety of diets, from low-carb to vegan. It’s rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for supporting immune health, digestion, and overall wellness. Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile and can be used as a substitute for rice, mashed potatoes, or even pizza crust.

Preparation Ideas​

Looking for ways to use your cauliflower? Here are some ideas:

1. Roasted Cauliflower: Toss florets with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
2. Cauliflower Rice: Grate or pulse raw cauliflower in a food processor to create a rice-like texture. Sauté with garlic and vegetables for a healthy side dish.
3. Cauliflower Soup: Blend cooked cauliflower with vegetable broth, garlic, and a splash of cream for a velvety, comforting soup.
4. Cauliflower Pizza Crust: Mix riced cauliflower with egg, cheese, and seasonings to create a low-carb pizza base.

Fun Fact​

Did you know that cauliflower comes in a variety of colors? While white is the most common, you can also find green, purple, and orange varieties. These colorful options not only look stunning but also offer slightly different flavors and additional nutrients.

How to Choose the Perfect Pear​

When buying pears, it’s essential to pick the best quality to ensure great taste and texture. Follow these tips to choose the perfect pear:

• Look for Weight and Firmness: A good pear should feel heavy for its size. This indicates that it is juicy and fresh. The heavier the pear, the more likely it is to have a high water content, which makes it more flavorful.
• Avoid Damaged or Bruised Skin: Pears with cuts, bruises, or discoloration are likely to spoil quickly. Choose pears with smooth, unblemished skin for the best quality.
• Color is Key: Pears come in different varieties, such as Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc. The color of a ripe pear depends on the type. For example, a ripe Bartlett pear turns yellow, while an Anjou pear stays green. Familiarize yourself with the variety you’re buying to know when it’s ripe.

How to Store Pears Properly​

Pears continue to ripen after they are picked, so proper storage is crucial to extend their freshness. Here’s how you can store pears effectively:

• Wrap Them Individually: Use newspaper to wrap each pear separately. Wrapping helps control moisture and prevents the pears from touching each other, reducing the risk of bruising or over-ripening.
• Use Airtight Storage: Place the wrapped pears in a ziplock bag or an airtight container. Seal it tightly to maintain the right humidity and prevent the pears from drying out.
• Refrigerate for Freshness: Store the pears in the refrigerator to slow down the ripening process. Pears kept in the fridge can last for up to 5-7 days longer than those left at room temperature.
• Check Periodically: Regularly check your stored pears to ensure they are not over-ripening or developing soft spots. If you notice one ripening faster than the others, eat it first or move it to a separate space.

When selecting pork belly, knowing which part to pick is essential to ensure you get the most delicious and tender cut for your cooking needs. Pork belly comes from the lower chest and abdomen of a pig, which includes the ribs and belly. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect piece.

Pick Pork Belly with Cartilage!​

One of the best tips for choosing pork belly is to look for pieces with cartilage. This part is connected to the ribs and usually provides a better balance of fat and meat. The rib section, where cartilage is found, is highly prized for its tender texture and the way it melts in your mouth when cooked. This area also tends to cook evenly, making it ideal for grilling, roasting, or slow cooking.

Why Cartilage Is a Sign of Quality​

If you purchase pork belly and notice cartilage attached, consider it a sign of good quality. The presence of cartilage usually means the pork belly is fresh and cut from the rib section. This part is not only flavorful but also versatile for various recipes. Whether you’re making crispy pork belly, braised dishes, or barbecue, the rib section will often yield the best results.

What About Pork Belly Without Cartilage?​

The portion without cartilage comes from the belly. While some people prefer this section because they don’t enjoy the texture of cartilage, it’s worth noting that the lower belly can be tougher. This is because the meat and fat layers are more separated, which may result in a less tender texture when cooked. If you like leaner cuts, the belly section might be your choice, but be prepared to adjust your cooking method to maintain tenderness.

Pro Tips for Buying Pork Belly​

• Look for marbling: Good pork belly should have a balance of fat and meat, with no excessively thick layers of fat.
• Check the color: Fresh pork belly should be pinkish-red with white fat. Avoid pieces that look grayish or have an unpleasant odor.
• Touch the meat: It should feel firm and not sticky. Sticky or slimy meat might indicate it’s not fresh.
• Choose the right size: Depending on your recipe, pick pork belly that’s thick enough to retain moisture while cooking.

Why the Right Cut Matters​

Pork belly is a popular ingredient worldwide, used in dishes like Korean samgyeopsal, Chinese roasted pork (siu yuk), and Western-style pork belly roasts. The texture and flavor of your dish can vary greatly depending on the part you choose. Cuts with cartilage add a delightful chewiness and ensure your dish is juicy and flavorful.

Conclusion​

When buying pork belly, keep in mind that the section with cartilage—near the ribs—is often the best choice for a tender and flavorful meal. If you prefer leaner meat, the belly without cartilage can also work, but you may need to use different cooking techniques. Always prioritize fresh, high-quality pork belly for the best results in your dishes.