The Food Snob: Ripe Ethyl

The Food Snob: Ripe Ethyl: "Hey guys! Did you know that placing certain fruits and vegetables next to each other can affect the ripening process? Some fruits and veget..."

Ripe Ethyl

Hey guys!
Did you know that placing certain fruits and vegetables next to each other can affect the ripening process? Some fruits and vegetables produce a safe gas called Ethylene which is released as it ripens. BUT there are two types of produce in the world and not all produce get along...

As some fruits and vegetables ripen, they release ethylene, a gas that can cause other produce to become spotted, soft, or mealy. To prevent this, keep ethylene-sensitive fruits and vegetables separate from varieties that emit the gas.

Try it, place Bananas next to Apples for a couple days and see what happens. Here is a list of produce which should be kept separate but equal:
Ethylene-producing

• Apricots
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Cantaloupes
• Honeydew melons
• Kiwis
• Mangoes
• Nectarines
• Papayas
• Peaches
• Pears
• Plums
• Tomatoes

Ethylene-sensitive

• Apples
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Eggplants
• Green beans
• Lettuce and other greens
• Potatoes 
• Summer squash
• Watermelons

The Food Snob: Can't seem to find time to cook???

The Food Snob: Can't seem to find time to cook???: "Here are some tips: Ever thought about bulk cooking? Choose a day or a time during the day when you have a little extra time. Make a di..."

Can't seem to find time to cook???

Here are some tips:

Ever thought about bulk cooking?

1.  Choose a day or a time during the day when you have a little extra time. Make a dish that will last a couple of days i.e) Lasagna, a casserole, etc. If you can, make two, that way you can avoid getting bored and alternate dishes and days.

Don't like Leftovers?

1. When you purchase your groceries, go ahead and season the meat, even if it is as simple as Salt and Pepper. Place the meat in ziplock bags and freeze or refrigerate. If you decide to refrigerate, remember that the meat will only last a week or two depending on what it is.
2. Play around with that starch! Make a large batch of rice, for example. Then with each meal, take a portion of the rice and play with it! Make stir fry one night, Add cilantro and have burritos another night.

Have kids and don't have the time?

1. Get the kids involved! My grandma always put me to work in her kitchen. I crimped the beef patties, washed the meat, or I got whatever she needed (tupperware from the creepy room in the basement....)
2. They can be the taste testers!
3. Make a family friendly meal! Use this time to talk and cook. Food brings people together. 
4. Get the significant other involved. Decide who is going to cook on certain days. 

Other ideas?

1. Try Going Vegetarian or Vegan one day out of the week. It's a healthy choice and it SAVES MONEY!
2. If you still can't find the time...HIRE ME! (or just hire me anyway! www.foodsnob.net)