What's Fresh in Early September: Eggplant, Asian Pears and Cucumbers
by Erin Harris
Seduction Meal suggestions by Terry Dagrosa


Let the flavors of sun-ripened fruits and vegetables linger on your taste buds as you prepare for autumn's chill. Keep your meals fresh and your heart healthy by incorporating eggplant, Asian pears, and cucumbers into your diet. All three are at peak ripeness right now, so fill your fridge before pumpkins and gourds take over the market stands.

Eggplant
Awkwardly shaped, curvy eggplant can be a wonderful treat if prepared correctly. Choose ones with deep, glossy skin; sprinkle with salt before cooking to prevent the absorption of too much oil. Eggplant comes in a range of hues, from shades of ivory to the deep purple of Japanese or globe eggplant. Christina Nunez of NPR says that most varieties share the same flavor regardless of color, but notes that the more seeds an eggplant contains, the more bitter its taste.


Asian Pears
What makes a pear Asian? Well for one thing, it lacks the tapered shape of European varieties, such as Anjou or Bosc, and is typically much juicier and sweeter. Like an apple, it ripens on the tree and bears crisp, white flesh. You've probably seen the 20th Century (aka Nijisseki) Asian pear, characterized by smooth, golden skin, at your local market.

Looking for a warm dish to tuck into when the cool weather rolls in? Try this recipe from the San Francisco Chronicle. Warm flatbread is topped with sliced Asian pears, caramelized onions, blue cheese and soy-glazed pecans. The perfect balance of tangy, pungent and sweet, this flatbread would serve as a great appetizer for a group or as a delicious meal for one. The melon undertones of Asian pears echo the sweet flavors of summer as they seep into this robust, early autumn dish.


Cucumbers  
Markets overflow with piles of cucumbers this time of year and you may want some help determining the uses of tiny gherkins or long Japanese cucumbers. Cook's Thesaurus provides images and information about each variety, from mild English cucumbers to bumpy, suitable-for-pickling Kirby cucumbers.


For more information and links to recipes go to FindingDulcinea.com and check out what's fresh in September