after many years working in the organic food industry, i learned a lot about picking good produce. it’s hilarious to watch me at the market – i take my time when picking out my fruit and vegetables, mostly because i know i’ll be fotographing them. and hey – aesthetics matter! plus, food is outrageously expensive these days and i’ll be damned if i’m going to spend five dollars for a pineapple and not have it be incredible!
therefore, i browse the produce stands carefully when choosing what to buy. have you ever purchased something and it spoiled two days later or when you cut into it, the flesh was rotting or brown? not everything you pick up at the market is necessarily fresh and/or tasty at any given time – it’s another reason i prefer to buy and eat with the seasons… stuff just tastes better when it’s in season! i mean, wouldn’t you like to be picked during your prime?! 😉
speaking of which, do you know how to pick a good pineapple? the beginning of their season is just around the corner… and i’m already salivating thinking about them.
one thing to look for when picking out a pineapple – is how the leaves feel when pulled out from the top. if they remove easily with little force, it’s a pretty sure sign your pineapple is ripe. you also want to pay attention to the scent. i often sniff the bottom of the fruit, looking for a fresh scent that is strong enough to seep through. and finally, you want to look for a pineapple that is a little darker in colour… not quite brown, but just golden…
slice off the top…
then cut around the core…
slice off the bottom…
and save the core – it may be a little too tough to eat, but it’s full of fiber and amino acids, and it’s nothing the vitamix can’t handle 🙂
i have been craving pineapple lately, which is another sign i’m ready for spring. but i also find that i crave it when my digestive system is slightly off. i have been feeling the need to start switching gears regarding my diet… that usually happens when the seasons change – how cool is that!?
what foods do you find yourself craving lately?
food & foto 
Sweet potato chips. Not as healthy as pineapple, but I’m on a salty kick. Maybe my body needs salt?
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i crave salt often. i believe it’s because i have an iodine deficiency… mmm, sweet potato chips.
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this is our version of the Pinepple Express! I have been craving Beer and Apples lately
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nice!!! haha! i like both of those things.
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After watching the documentary “Dive”, I seek out the fruits and vegetables that are ready to rot on the grocery store shelves. Why? Because this food probably had a blemish that someone didn’t think made it worthy to buy and eat, so it continues to sit and rot on the shelves. Eventually, the store (at least around here), will throw it away. Carbondale Food Coop actually reduces the price of these fruits and veggies, and people like me scoop them up. I make my soups with the veggies, and blend the fruit to use in smoothies. Save those well ripened fruits and veggies for me!
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oh my goodness mary – we need to hang out like immediately!! i miss you and your wisdom!!! xxoo
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Love pineapple! I could probably eat it everyday. When I’m in Thailand, I usually do! 🙂 Rows upon rows of fresh pineapple – it is heaven haha. As for recent cravings; beyond the usual cheesecake and chocolate, I’ve been craving apples.
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you’re the second person to say you’ve been craving apples, how interesting. 🙂
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I love, love , love pineapples. They are so juicy, sweet and delicious. I first fell in love when I was on vacation in Maui. There were fresh pineapples everywhere and in everything. Pineapples are especially great for women. Pineapples, when eaten regularly keep things in check “down there” when eaten on a regular basis.
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i love them, too!!!! i can only imagine how amazing a fresh pineapple tastes coming from maui. wow. i believe the best way to enjoy something is to get it from the source. that’s another reason i just love eating with the seasons, or even with the culture. i find it fascinating that different regions have different foods, you know?! i just love the diversity throughout the different regions of this beautiful world, and wish we could all try ALL foods!!! some day, perhaps 🙂 and omg, i had no idea about the added benefits for women – how amazing!
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