Jicama & Tomatillo: Get fresh for Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo may not be a big deal in Mexico, but here in the U.S., this is a foodie holiday that honors the bold, authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine (and of course plenty of beer).

Frieda's has fresh shipments of Jicama and Tomatillos going out to grocery stores around the country, just in time for Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) festivities.

If you've never tried crispy, juicy, slightly sweet Jicama, now is the time! Simply wash, peel and slice it up into carrot-stick like pieces and enjoy it with your favorite dip, dressing or salsa. For a potato-like tuber grown in the desert, you'll be surprised how juicy and thirst-quenching this vegetable is. Unlike a potato, the Mexican Potato (aka Jicama) is delicious when raw (but can also be steamed or sauteed, where it takes on a more water chestnut-like texture).

Tomatillos are a staple in Mexican cuisine and the key ingredient in Salsa Verde. Sometimes referred to as green tomatoes, Tomatillos are similar to tomatoes, but feature a papery outer husk. Roasted or boiled, then pureed, Tomatillos have a mild, tart-lemony-grassy taste that adds a bright note to salsas, enchiladas and other Latin-inspired dishes (tomatillos are not spicy like chile peppers).

Jicama, Corn and Pineapple Salsa
Habanero chile is the secret to this spunky combination. Serve alongside fresh tortilla chips for dipping, or spoon over any steamed or cooked vegetables, scrambled eggs, grilled meats, poultry or fish.

1 1/2 cups finely chopped Frieda's Jicama
1 cup finely chopped fresh pineapple (and/or chopped mango!)

1 cup niblet corn
1/2 cup diced green or red bell pepper
1/4 fresh Habanero chile, finely chopped (use caution; wear gloves)
2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced

Combine the jicama, pineapple, corn, bell pepper, Habanero chile, cilantro and garlic in a blender or food processor container. Process in 2 batches, using a few stop-and-start motions, for a relish-like consistency. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. Makes 3 1/2 cups.

Source: Frieda’s Inc.

* * *

Tomatillo Salsa
The fresh taste of this green salsa is perfect for fried fish and seafood. Also works well with chicken, steaks, and cheese quesadillas.

12 Frieda’s Tomatillos, husked
1 Frieda’s Jalapeño chile, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons rice wine or cider vinegar
Salt and pepper

Wash Tomatillos and quarter. Place in food processor or blender along with Jalapeño chile; cover and process till pureed. Add onions and vinegar; process till smooth. Place mixture in saucepan; bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, 5 minutes. Cool; season to taste with salt and pepper. Makes 1 1/2 cups salsa.

Source: Frieda’s Inc.

Tropical Fruit Season is Here!

Ready to take your taste buds on a tropical escape? Mangosteen, Coconut, Starfruit, Pepino, Papaya, Kiwano, Cherimoya, Tamarillo, Feijoa, Lychee, Rambutan, Sapote, Baby Pineapple, Asian Pear…

Every spring, Frieda’s warehouse begins to fill up with sweet tropical delights from all over the globe. Stop by your local produce department and try a new exotic fruit!

Fresh Mangosteen – This small round fruit features a woody purple rind and a luscious white segmented flesh that truly melts in your mouth. Mangosteen is a popular “superfruit” often seen in trendy liquid supplements, but nothing beats the silky, sweet, mouthwatering taste of the fruit in its fresh form. In Thailand, the Mangosteen in known as the “Queen of Fruits.” One taste and you’ll see why.

Fresh Pre-Peeled Coconut – Ever sipped the refreshing liquid inside a fresh coconut? Frieda’s has whole, peeled coconuts packaged with a straw just for your enjoyment! Did you know that coconut water rehydrates you better than some sports drinks? A natural balance of electrolytes makes fat-free coconut water a delicious and guilt-free luxury. When you’ve sipped up all of the water, slice up the moist, chewy coconut meat and dip in chocolate for a slightly more guilty luxury.

Starfruit – Play with your food! Imagine whimsical fruit kabobs featuring beautiful star-shaped slices with strawberries and kiwifruit. Kids love the Starfruit’s interesting shape and juicy, chewy-crisp texture. Awesome as a garnish for grown-up cocktails, too.

Pepino Melon – These small, egg-shaped melons actually look a bit like Easter eggs with their satiny cream skin and beautiful purple streaks. They have a very mild cantaloupe-cucumber flavor that pairs really well with chilled savory dishes. A great little melon to fill with a chopped salad (melon boats), or delicious stuffed filled with part-skim ricotta, drizzled with honey or liqueur and topped with chopped pecans or slivered almonds.

Discover more tropical fruits:
Papaya
Kiwano
Cherimoya
Tamarillo
Feijoa
Lychee
Rambutan
Sapote
Baby Pineapple
Asian Pear

Find recipes for exotic and tropical fruits

Go for Garlic on April 19th: National Garlic Day!

Few foods can deliver the exquisitely bold and aromatic flavor of garlic. From whole-roasted bulbs and aged black garlic to sweet and mellow Elephant Garlic to a wide array of prepared garlic sauces, dressings and seasonings, culinary creators continue to come up with more ways to enjoy and celebrate this magical vegetable-herb.

There's no better reason than National Garlic Day to sink your teeth into some garlicky goodness. Here are 7 ideas for enjoying the great “Stinking Rose” on April 19th:

1. Begin with a garlicky spinach-artichoke dip served with crisp veggie sticks (Frieda’s Delight-ful Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe).

2. Continue on with toasted baguette slices spread with oven-roasted Elephant Garlic – sweet and mellow!

3. Kick it up a notch with shrimp skewers slathered with a chipotle-garlic sauce (Garlic Delight Chipotle flavor).

4. Keep munching with sun-dried tomato and garlic sliders (BLT Burger Delight recipe).

5. Add a side of oven-roasted vegetables like cauliflower and fingerling potato fries with a flavorful garlic dipping sauce such as garlic aioli or Lebanese-style “toum” like Frieda’s Garlic Delight.

6. Fill up with a savory Mediterranean pasta salad tossed with olives, tomatoes and fresh garlic or a garlicky-green olive tapenade-style dressing (Frieda’s Garlic Delight Green Olive).

7. Round out your garlic journey with a Roma tomato slice topped with a dab of garlic paste and a caper on top.

(Warning: Just be sure that your friends and significant others also partake in the celebration. Garlic Breath should never be a solo affair!)

Easter Dessert Crepes

If you've ever tried making your own crepes, you've probably had a few kitchen mishaps and unsuccessful attempts. Frieda's French Style Crepes come pre-made and ready to use, saving you time and headaches. And, they are quite tasty, too!

Here's a simple recipe for quick and easy Easter dessert crepes:

Minted Strawberry Crepes

4 cups sliced fresh strawberries or mixed fresh berries

1 ½ tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped

2 teaspoons grated orange peel

1/3 cup + ½ cup strawberry glaze

4 Frieda's Crepes at room temperature1

½ - 2 cups frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed

Fresh mint leaves for garnish

In a medium bowl toss together 3 cups of the strawberries with mint and orange peel. Add 1/3 cup strawberry glaze and toss gently to coat. (To make ahead, refrigerate this mixture for up to 3 hours before serving.) Reserve remaining berries for garnish.

To assemble crepes, place one crepe on a dessert plate. Spoon one-fourth of the strawberry mixture down the center of the crepe; add a dollop of whipped topping. Fold edges of crepe over filling. Repeat with remaining crepes and filling. To serve, warm remaining ½ cup strawberry glaze for about 45 seconds on High power of microwave until warmed through. Top each serving with reserved sliced berries and spoon warm glaze over each crepe. Garnish with additional whipped topping and mint leaves. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Note: Recipe can be doubled.

More delectable dessert ideas.

ProducePicker.com Episode 19: Mangosteen

Ray with the Produce Picker Podcast shows you how to select and enjoy one of the world's most delicious exotic fruits!