Summer is here, and with it comes an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that promise delicious meals and healthy snacks. You might be declaring this summer the one where you embrace wholesome eating by shopping at local farmers’ markets and even picking your own berries! Yet, let’s be honest: while some folks are impressing their neighbors with homemade blueberry crumbles and fresh corn salads, the rest of us are left with a fridge full of produce that’s slowly going bad. This season, let’s change that narrative and make preparing summer produce a breeze. I’ve gathered a collection of tricks to help you tackle everything from watermelons to avocados, so that you can enjoy the season without the stress.
- Shuck Corn Like a Pro
Gone are the days of spending forever picking silk from corn cobs. With this two-step method, you’ll shuck corn in record time. - Get Corn Off the Cob
Want to make a summer succotash? Grab a bundt pan and a bread knife, and you’ll have corn kernels flying off the cob without a mess. - Remove Avocado Skin
You already know how to remove the pit, but did you know there’s a better way to scoop out the avocado? No more wasted fruit; this method is a game-changer. - Peel a Mango in Under 10 Seconds
Mangos can be tricky, but using a simple glass trick, you can peel one in no time. Goodbye, stringy mess! - Store Cut Avocados Properly
If you find yourself with half an avocado, don’t let it brown! Wrap it in a wet paper towel and foil. It’ll stay fresh for days—if it lasts that long! - Core Strawberries
Making fruit salad has never been easier! Core strawberries quickly and efficiently to throw together a delicious mix. - Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, Anyone?
Who needs fruit salad when you can make chocolate-covered strawberries in an ice cube tray? Just pour in melted chocolate and freeze for a treat that’s a hundred times better. - Pit Cherries Without a Pitter
Skip the cherry pitter and use an icing tip instead. Smash the cherry down, and voilà—no more pits! - Cube a Watermelon Like a Pro
Quarter your watermelon, make some strategic cuts, and scrape it out. Just be careful with those sharp knives! - Slice a Watermelon
Cut it in half and slice it like a cucumber. It’s easier than you think, and the results will impress your friends. - Clean Fruits and Veggies
Forget overpriced veggie washes; mix two parts water with one part apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle for an effective cleaning solution. - Make Lazy-Girl Pickles
Got leftover cucumber slices? Toss them in a jar of pickle brine and refrigerate them for a quick and easy snack. - Cut Cherry or Grape Tomatoes Efficiently
Don’t throw whole tomatoes into your salad! Use this quick trick to cut a bunch at once and elevate your dish. - Infuse Water Easily
Chop your favorite herbs and citrus, place them in an ice cube tray, and fill with water for instant flavor in your drinks. - Get Fresh Lemon Juice Without Seeds
Roll a lemon on the counter, make slits in one end, and squeeze it for juice without the seeds. It’s a party trick that’ll make you the star of any gathering! - Revive Wilting Lettuce
Give your sad-looking lettuce a cold water bath for five minutes, and watch it perk back up. - Cut a Bell Pepper in One Go
Core and de-seed a bell pepper quickly with this nifty technique. It’s like carving out a soap animal but way more useful! - Easily Access Pomegranate Seeds
Struggling with pomegranates? Here’s a simple method to get those juicy seeds out without the hassle. - Take a Load Off
Remember, you’ve earned it! Relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally.
With these tips in your back pocket, you can confidently tackle summer produce and impress dinner guests with your culinary skills. For more on home insemination, check out this informative post on our blog here. And if you’re looking for quality products, visit Make a Mom for their home insemination kits. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, UCSF has fantastic resources.
Summary:
This article offers a comprehensive list of 19 handy tricks for preparing summer produce more easily, ranging from shucking corn to infusing water. By implementing these techniques, you can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables without the usual hassle, making the most of your summer bounty.