My Fruit Patrol

In order to hang onto that summertime feeling, I had to find a fruit to replace the peach that would carry us into the fall. Kiwi, an Australian with a fuzzy skin and slightly sharp tang, fits the bill. The yellow version even has that peachy hue.

It defies logic (but probably not genetics) that a kiwi with yellow fruit (and skin) is sweeter than the old standard green variety.

The texture requires you to use a spoon rather than a bite.

This type of kiwi is also smoother skinned, and the ones I’ve found are branded Zespri.

These seem to be bred for a milder, less acidic flavor. The ones I sampled are also juicier. Expect to get your fingers sticky.

Apple picking

Never really cared for Red Delicious or Macintosh but there’s a place for all kinds!

Arguably it’s summer that yields the best fruit, what with an abundance of peaches or nectarines. Plums and cherries are also a sweet treat this time of year.

However, as we head into the autumn, we should reserve some appreciation for the apple.

It played a huge role in man’s downfall, for those of you biblically inclined. Let’s not remember apples only in that limited context.

An apple provides sustenance along the lines of the potato and should you need reminding the latter is an amazingly nourishing food.

Apples come in a range of remarkably diverse varieties. Braeburns and honeycrisps are among my favorites. I had a deep love for the sour-sweet Granny Smith once upon a time too.

Texture is as important as taste in a good apple, but whether you care for a soft or a firm-fleshed one is strictly your choice. For me, the apple du jour goes a bit with the mood.

The supermarket offers some types but to truly tune into the diversity of the apple kingdom you need to visit a farmer’s market. There you’ll find some fantastic choices. Cloning apples seems to be a cottage industry of some standing.

I find the origin stories of the apples to be very appealing. That’s a touch of color many green market vendors like to post.