Ella Chiang 6/30/23 Ella Chiang 6/30/23

58: Lemons

Lemons are vibrant and versatile citrus fruits. They bring a zesty burst of freshness to dishes, beverages, and desserts. From classic lemonade to tangy lemon meringue pie, lemons enhance the flavor with their refreshing acidity. And we know acid is one of the important elements to making a dish taste good.

Lemons are also packed with vitamin C. They boost the immune system and help detox the body. Lemons also feature prominently in natural cleaning solutions and homemade beauty remedies.

Ella Chiang 6/29/23 Ella Chiang 6/29/23

57: Leeks

Leeks have slender, elongated green stalks with delicate white bulbs. They are a versatile and delightful addition to a dish. Known for their mild onion-like flavor, leeks bring a unique depth and complexity to dishes when cooked. They can be sautéed in butter, caramelized to golden perfection, or incorporated into soups and stews. In addition to adding unique flavor, leeks are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Ella Chiang 6/28/23 Ella Chiang 6/28/23

56: Kale

Kale has skyrocketed in popularity over the last several years to become a regular culinary staple. It has a reputation as a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, calcium, and antioxidants.

Kale has a robust and slightly bitter taste which adds a delightful dimension to salads, smoothies, and stir-fries. There are curly and frilly varieties as well as tender and milder baby kale. Kale can be enjoyed raw like in a salad or cooked in many preparations, including my favorite - kale chips! This is my favorite pack of kale chips from the local grocery store. I prefer these over regular chips as they’re healthier and lighter feeling.

Ella Chiang 6/27/23 Ella Chiang 6/27/23

55: Grapefruit

Grapefruit, with its vibrant and tangy profile, is a citrus fruit that never fails to awaken the taste buds. It has an invigorating aroma and pink or yellow flesh that blends both sweet and sour flavors.

Grapefruit is a colorful and delicious fruit with a tart taste that can enhance any dish. Enjoy it by itself, in juice, or in salads and desserts. Grapefruit is not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.

a pencil sketch of grapefruit — Grapefruit

Ella Chiang 6/26/23 Ella Chiang 6/26/23

54: Fennel

Fennel, scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare, is an aromatic and versatile herb. It has feathery emerald-green leaves and a bulbous white base. Fennel boasts a unique flavor profile. The taste of this herb can be described as a delicate fusion of licorice, citrus, and herbal undertones.

Fennel is also known for its medicinal properties - used for soothing digestion. Fennel can be incorporated raw into salads, roasted with vegetables, or infused into teas, adding a refreshing and complex dimension to a dish.