Eat

Have you seen all the gorgeous asparagus at the market recently? Asparagus has a short season, so now is the time to enjoy it thoroughly. There are of course so many ways to do that, but one of the easiest is to purée it into a creamy soup.

Tamarind is a member of the family Fabaceae ⁄ Leguminosae or Pea family of the genus Tamarindus L., commonly known as tamarind, containing the species Tamarindus indica L. or tamarind. The tree is native to Africa and was introduced to southern Asia in 2000 B.C.E. and arrived in the Americas in the 16th century.

Springtime is long at last here and it’s time to take full advantage of the fantastic wild food sources that are beginning to burst from the earth. Spring is my favorite time of year to do food foraging, because there are some particularly special offerings. Spring is all about fresh beginnings: light greens, tender shoots, and cool roots.

Now that the wet winter weather has blossomed into a decidedly fickle spring, how does cozying up with a warm bowl of porridge sound? Most of us equate porridge with breakfast, but what I’m talking about today will actually make a lovely dinner.

Jaboticaba is a member of the family yrtaceae or Myrtle family of the genus Myrciaria Berg, also known as guava berry, containing the species Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O. Berg or jaboticaba. The plant is native to Brazil and is also known as the Brazilian grape tree. For millennia the native peoples used jaboticaba as a snack and for making wine. Its nutritional value has made this fruit a valuable tool in their healing arsenal.

Looking for a delicious way to embrace spring? Tofu tacos are an easy way to get some plant-based protein. And since this protein is accompanied by lots of veggies, these tacos have extra doses of plant power to offer you. On a busy day, you’ll appreciate this recipe because it’s quick; and when you have more time you’ll love it because you can deck these tacos out with all kinds of festive accompaniments, like cashew crema and fresh pico de gallo.

Acerola is a member of the Family Malpighiaceae or Barbados Cherry family of the genus Malpighia L., commonly known as malpighia P, containing eight species. It has several other common nomenclatures that include Barbados Cherry, West Indian Cherry, cereza, cerisier, and semeruco.

After a long winter, the first signs of spring are glorious and exciting, but the season’s shifting weather might have you wondering what to eat. Changes in weather have real effects on our bodies—and our appetites. When the sunny side of spring shows herself, the heavier foods we needed through the winter don’t seem appropriate; yet with the sun around only intermittently, it can feel too early for spring’s lighter fare. So what to do? Make today’s Meatless Monday recipe: ribollita.

Sapoti is a member of the family Sapotaceae or Sapodilla family of the genus Sapota Mill., also known as sapota P, containing the species Sapota zapotilla (Jacq.) Cov. or manilkara zapota P. The plant is also called pouteria sapota, mamey sapote, marmalade tree, red mamey, and zapote. Sapoti is native to some islands in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.