Juicing Art

The next time you visit your local grocery store, see if they have a discount produce area. This is a juicer's secret stash for inexpensive but sweet and ripe fruits and veggies. Often the fruit will be bulked packed and discounted heavily - it may be a little bruised or wrinkly but optimal for juicing. I use a zyliss soft skin peeler when contending with much of the bruised fruit. It aids greatly in the removal of the fruit's soft skin and simultaneously helps to remove most of the surface sprayed pesticides. The peeler has a serrated edge and really grips the skin nicely. The end of the peeler has a pre-sharpened stainless steel scoop that is great for removing apple stems and soft spots. (Stems can go in the juicer, but I would rather remove them prior to juicing to preserve the life of the unit.)  For this particular juice, I was able to score 4 pears and 6 apples for around $2. The watermelon, lime and ginger hunk were left over in the fridge. When mixed together, you are left with a delightful refreshing combination.  Watermelon is great for your complexion, pears are great for sore throats and a massive natural source of energy - the lime and ginger give you a little needed bite to liven up the mixture.

You have walked by cartons of them in the grocery store, shrugged, and thought "I don't know how to cut that open, and it seems kind of tricky." Another group of people happily put them in their cart but don't really know how to clean a Mango properly. They often end up throwing away a good portion of the fruit unknowingly.

Mango flesh is somewhat unique in that it really adheres to the wide falt central pit and must be "freed" or "pried away" with a sturdy spoon. Here is a 'How to' video that shows you how exactly to leave the Mango pit-less - using only a spoon and a sharp knife in under 2 minutes.

If you are going to eat the Mango straight away, I like to squeeze a bit of lime on the top. It adds a complex dimension of sweet and sour that is unmatched. A little bit in a juice combination goes a long way in terms of vitamins per ounce and sweetening up a veggie centric drink. They are packed with anti-oxidants and are great for a post workout snack. Mango also has some unique anti viral properties which help with various ailments. This site has some more great Mango facts. Mango is also great for your complexion - try eating a few per week and see how you face looks in the mirror after a month.

When choosing mango fruit, look for a larger one. Also pick up several and select one that is heavy for its size. I also like to get one that has a lot of deep reds and a tiny bit on the soft side. Then you can bring it home, let it sit for a day or two and it's the perfect ripeness. Waiting a week or more to eat your mango because it was unripe when you bought it is taste bud torture.

Paradise PA is located deep in predominantly Amish Lancaster County. The Spring Water Farm can be found there and offers some of the finest organically grown foods in the region. I went there for the raw cultured butter, whole chickens, and sauerkraut. They also sell meats there and a variety of other items. They utilize Dutch belted cows which have a characteristic white belt around their belly. This breed is known for making excellent dairy products, which are easily digestable. Here is a link for more info on the breed.  

This article about the Spring Water farm gives you some more info and directions. The Amish folks on the farm run the shop where they sell the items they produce. Looking forward to my next trip back. Plan a trip there and take a friend, you will have a great time seeing all the animals and Pennsylvania countryside. They accept cash and checks only, leave your plastic at home.