Angels of the Earth

"Strawberries are the angels of the earth, innocent and sweet, with green leafy wings reaching heavenward." - Jasmine Heiler

If you've no time to track the growing seasons of your favorite produce, I've got a simple indicator that was once shared with me by an accomplished cook. And it's a simple observation to make. Watch the prices. They drop noticably during peak season. It's simple supply and demand. A robust harvest of fresh mango will likely drive the price down to 69 cents a piece. (I suggest avoiding them them when they're $2.19 each - scarcity is not a good thing when it comes to off-season produce.)

Defering our gratification until "just the right time" is not an easy task for fruit and vegetable lovers. Anyone who stands in the produce section of the grocery store and stares down a $5 carton of strawberries understands the dilema. Shall we overpay for produce whose time has not really come - at least not yet? I'm guilty of weakness here. More than once I've scolded myself after indulging in off-season impulse consumption. That pineapple was NOT worth $8!

The good news? Every fruit has its day and this day-week-month belongs to the strawberry. The bottom dropped out of the prices this week. I saw the sign from a distance at the grocery store. $1 per pound. I couldn't get enough. Seriously, I bought 6 pounds and will likely go back for more. I wish I could say I've used them for strawberry muffins, strawberry & spinach salads, strawberry smoothies, etc. But honestly, they disappear straight from the colander almost as soon as they are rinsed. Pure, perfect, unadulterated sweetness - cheap and in season!

1 comment:

Patty Stringer said...

Your new book, "Sunday In The South", is a beautiful gift from a gifted lady. It is so much more than just a cookbook! I am ordering more as gifts for family and friends who are coming to my daughter's wedding this summer. Thank you so much for sharing this part of your life and your family.
plstringer