Hedon Salads
T: 01430 441552Hedon Salads Ltd
Leading The Way. We are a leading grower and supplier of fresh, top quality produce in the UK.
How to
| Aubergine / Eggplant | |
| Selection | Aubergines should be firm, heavy in relation to size, with a uniform colour characteristic of the variety. Select those free of scars or cuts. Avoid dull, soft, shrivelled, blemished aubergines. The sharper the prickles around the stalks the fresher the aubergine |
| Storage | Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Aubergines bruise easily so handle with care |
| Nutrition | Contains small amounts of most vitamins and minerals. 73kj/100g |
| Preperation | Rinse aubergine. Remove stem and slice or dice. Skin can be peeled or left unpeeled.To cut down on oil absorption and bitter taste, the aubergine should be degorged (sprinkle the cut surface with salt and allowing to stand for 30 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly. This softens the flesh). |
| Courgette / zucchini | |
| Selection | Look for smooth, firm, well-shaped zucchini, heavy for their size |
| Storage | Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator |
| Nutrition | Good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fibre. 69kj/100g |
| Preperation | Rinse, trim stems, best used with skin on |
| Peppers / capsicums | |
| Selection | Select firm, well shaped peppers with glossy, smooth skin. Avoid dull-looking peppers with soft spots, wrinkled skin or blemishes |
| Storage | Store in the crisper section of the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days |
| Nutrition | Good source of vitamins A and C, especially the red peppers. Green 68kj/100g. Red 104kj/100g. good source folic acid |
| Preperation | Wash and pat dry. Remove stem, seeds and membranes |
| Good with | Salads, pasta, risottos, rice, potatoes, most meats and fish. |
| Cucumbers | |
| Selection | Select those that have a bright green skin, with a firm and fresh appearance. Avoid those with soft spots or yellowing colour, except in the case of the apple cucumber - it's skin is a pale yellow-white |
| Storage | Refrigerate in the crisper section or in a plastic bag. Do not store cucumbers with fruit, as they will yellow and age quicker |
| Nutrition | Fair source of dietary fibre, vitamins A and C and potassium. 42kj/100g |
| Preperation | Wash before eating, peel only if skin is tough |
Scooping out an aubergine
- Cut around the edge of the aubergine, and make criss-cross cuts over the surface. Degorge it by sprinkling the cut surface with salt and allowing to stand for 30 minutes, then rinsing thoroughly, then scoop out the flesh.
Scooping out a tomato
- Slice the top off and remove the flesh
De-seeding a pepper
- Halve the pepper, cut out the membranes and rinse any loose seeds
Peeling a pepper
- Best way is over a barbecue as it adds most flavour, but this method also works with holding the pepper in tongs over a naked flame.
- Place the pepper in a flame until the skin blackens, place the peppers in a bowl and cover with cling film. The peppers will then steam and after 15 minutes the skin should peel off easily.
- Alternatively prick the pepper all over with a fork, place in a jug and cover with cling film, cook them in a microwave for a couple of minutes, then allow to cool for 10 minutes and then the skin should peel away.