YumSugar

Burning Question: Why Don't Limes Have Seeds?

YumSugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:30:59 -0700

I get curious about this every time I cut open a lime: How can these citrus fruits not have seeds? Or are they just so tiny I can't see them? Turns out, the limes typically sold in supermarkets are Persian or Tahiti limes and, like the Bearss lime, are indeed seedless. Key limes, on the other hand, contain seeds. The seedless limes are classified as a parthenocarpic fruit, meaning the flowers don't require pollen to make fruit. Though some fruits are bred to have no seeds, seedless limes are naturally occurring. So squeeze away.

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Do You Eat the Seeds of Pomegranates?

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:45:12 -0800

A coworker and I recently got into a discussion about eating pomegranates. I grew up eating the juicy pulp surrounding each pomegranate seed, and then spitting out its remains, but she loves eating the entire seed and can't imagine going through the hassle of spitting them out. What about you?

YumSugar Gift Guide: Beloved Foodie Gardeners

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:18:31 -0800

If your pal is an avid entertainer or foodie with a green thumb, then finding them a gift that combines their love for fine foods with their love of gardening is a must. Luckily there's a plethora of gifts for your to choose from. You could get them this adorable Watering Can Creamer and Sugar Set ($15) that will put their outdoor love on their indoor table. If they're a beginner gardener try a Chia Herb Garden ($19.95) and if they're a little more advanced, why not splurge on Seeds of Change's Seasonal Garden Kit ($72). There are few more ideas, check them out below!

Watering Can Creamer and Sugar Set ($15)	Chia Herb Garden ($19.95)
Warhol 1960's Flower Plates ($22)	Epicurean Flower Plate, Black ($42)
Organic Ready to Grow Complete Kit-EarthBox ($52.95)	Seasonal Garden Kit ($72)

Grow Stars and Moon In Your Garden

YumSugar — Thu, 31 May 2007 11:29:12 -0700

I love the look of these Moon & Stars Watermelon - which gets its name from the striking pattern of small dots and one larger one. This extra sweet Amish heirloom variety was once on the verge of extinction, but is making a comeback. If you're interested in growing them in your garden, a packet of purple variety seeds costs $2.39 and a packet of the green variety costs $2.69.

Source: Outblush

How to Seed a Pomegranate

YumSugar — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 09:45:08 -0800

So if you've been following along with any of the food trends, you know that pomegranates are hot. As in, if it was a celebrity it would've been in that car with Britney, Paris and LL. It is hot hot hot and no matter what, people can't seem to get enough of it. And much like high maintenance celebrities, pomegranates can be difficult to deal with. When you cut or rip it open, the juice tends to splatter around and soon you're left with a stained shirt and a crime scene (seriously, this stuff will stain, clean it up asap).

However, all of that drama can be avoided. I've got a technique so simple, you'll wonder why you didn't think of it first.

Fill a large bowl with water. Submerge pomegranate. If you're tough, you can just rip it open (otherwise you'll need to make a small incision first). Start pulling away the white part and let the seeds drop to the bottom of the bowl. Discard everything but the seeds and then strain. Voila! You should have about 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds and no bloody crime scene to clean.

Have You Ever Roasted Pumpkin Seeds?

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:30:50 -0800

Last week, I made toasted pumpkin seeds for the first time ever, following a two-step boil-and-bake method. They were so crispy and savory, I couldn't believe I'd never done it before, and was already dreaming of making them again. How about you?

Get Your Caffeine Fix Via Sunflower Seeds

YumSugar — Wed, 30 May 2007 10:24:47 -0700

Wanna break the coffee habit? Why not trade it in for a sunflower seed one instead? SumSeeds are sunflower seeds that are "SUPERCHARGED" with caffeine, taurine, lysine and ginseng. However, they claim that they're premium roasted to taste good too. I know that some folks are hooked on their caffeine, but am I crazy to think that caffeinated sunflower seeds might be a step too far?

Three packs of SumSeeds goes for $9.95 and if you purchase a whole case of them, you'll get a free "supercharged" shirt too.

Source: Strange New Products

Find It: Papaya Seed Dressing Mix

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 14:43:11 -0800

Today my dear friend FabSugar brought over a sad empty packet of Papaya Seed Dressing Mix. Apparently both she and her mom picked up a few packets when they were in Hawaii this Thanksgiving and have just run out. She wanted to know if I could help her track it down and lucky for her (and the rest of you), I have!

The Papaya Seed Dressing Mix is available in a 2 oz. bag. To prepare, you just add the mix to white wine vinegar (Fab used champagne vinegar for a better kick!) and then dilute with water. According to FabSugar, this dressing is similar to a light vinaigrette, only with a subtle papaya flavor that is not too sweet - like many other fruit flavored dressings.

There was a tiny bit of mix left in the packet that FabSugar gave me, however it wasn't enough to make any dressing. The mix is white with black flecks and is a granular blend of salt, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, dehydrated papaya seeds, spices and a gum stabilizer. Out of curiosity I decided to taste it. It was salty, with a kick of sweet and you could definitely taste the garlic and onion powders. I think I may try to make my own flavoring mix someday, but until then we can always order Papaya Seed Dressing Mix for $2.50 a bag. It's also available in a low-calorie version: six 1.2 oz bags for $14.50.

Update: The link for the regular version of the Papaya Seed Dressing now says "Under Construction." Seems a bit weird... you can also buy it at the 2nd link, but you have to buy several bags.

How about you, do you have any weird food items that you need help finding? Drop me a line and I'll see what I can do!

Yummy Links: From Pumpkin Seeds to Carbonara

partysugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:15:35 -0700

Ten ways to spice up pumpkin seeds.- Chow
Kale and bacon make one delicious combination. - The Epi Log
Josh Ozersky questions the patriotism of the humble hamburger. - Vanity Fair
Fabio Viviani's latest gig? Pizza delivery man. - Grub Street NY
Cook's Illustrated's editor, Christopher Kimball, is ready to wage war on the blogosphere. - Eat Me Daily
The Bocuse d'Or USA is now searching for its next national team. - Eater
Jazz up classic pasta carbonara with peas and ricotta. - Serious Eats

Zippy Zesty Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:07:25 -0700

With the lovely weather of Summer, who wants to spend all day indoors baking? Not me! Thankfully, I came across this sweet and tart lemon confection that is quick and simple. A light, single-layer cake flavored with lemon zest and poppy seeds, this dessert is complemented by a zippy yet sugary lemon glaze.
The perfect fix for any Summer sweet tooth, the recipe would also make a great cupcake for your next picnic or bbq. To learn how to make this sour yet luscious cake, read more.

Glazed Lemon Poppy-Seed Cake
From Gourmet magazine

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F.
Butter a 9-inch round cake pan.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt in a bowl.
Beat together butter and granulated sugar in another bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in eggs until combined. Reduce speed to low, then add flour mixture and poppy seeds and mix until just combined.
Transfer batter to cake pan, smoothing top, and bake until a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean and top is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Cool cake in pan on a rack 5 minutes, then invert onto rack.
Whisk together confectioners' sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth. Pour glaze over warm cake, spreading it with a spatula to drizzle over edge. Let stand until glaze is set, about 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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