LCBO Food and Drink Early Summer 2016

SEASONAL  MYSTERY PRODUCE

August promises more of everything! More corn, more cabbage, eggplant and leeks… Then bring on the fruit, from juicy peaches, muskmelons and nectarines to pears, plums and seedless blue Coronation grapes.

AUGUST

TOMATILLOS Order salsa verde in a Mexican restaurant and enjoy the citrusy taste of these “little tomatoes” wrapped in their husk. Use when firm, without peeling or removing seeds. Make homemade salsa by blending tomatillos with serrano chili, garlic, cilantro, onion and oils, or stir chop roasted tomatillos into guacamole.

DONUT PEACHES Ontario peach growers are always trying new varieties, but this squashed version with the dime-sized pit, also known as Saturn peaches, may be the most unique. Juicy, sweet and mild, they’re great to eat out of hand, or scoop ice cream in the hollowed-out centre. You could even cut pitted donuts in half lengthwise, coat with crushed almonds and sugar and pan-fry, like a donut. Choose when firm and slightly soft, then leave on the counter for a few days to ripen.

ELDERBERRIES These small dark berries have gone from grandma’s house to hip restaurant menus. Elderberries have long been used as food, wine and medicine. Too astringent to eat raw, they need sugar or honey to bring out their pungent, distinctive flavour. Transform ripe berries into pancake syrup, pies, jams, jellies and cobblers.

ESPELETTE PEPPERS These long, deep red peppers with their mild heat and smoky-sweet flavour have made their way here from the Basque region of southern France. Look for fresh or dried espelettes hanging in bunches at markets, or purchase the ground version to sprinkle on seafood, salads, goat cheese and roasts.

SEA BUCKTHORN These bright orange berries have been prized in Eu– rope and Asia for centuries as a food and medicine. They grow in clusters on a hardy bush and add a tart flavour to baked goods, preserves, juice, wine, beer, even gourmet ice cream bars. If you find fresh berries, buy extra to freeze.

PHOTO CREDITS: DONUT PEACHES: ©ISTOCK.COM/ROMAN SAMOKHIN; ESPELETTE PEPPERS: ©ISTOCK.COM/TREE4TWO; SEA BUCKTHORN: ©ISTOCK.COM/ANNA1311; TOMATILLOS: ©ISTOCK.COM/DUCKYCARDS; ELDERBERRIES: ©ISTOCK.COM/AL_TER

72  FOOD & DRI NK EARLY SUMMER 2016