Thoughtful eaters often notice that the flavor of the fruit changes depending on where you take your bite. A fat, tender peach may be sweet on one side and tart on the other, depending on how it ripened on the tree. There’s nothing like a juicy piece of fruit that gives gently as you sink your teeth into it and releases juice all over your tongue, many times leaving it dripping down your face. That’s one of summer’s true pleasures. It is the paying attention to the ingredient that is instrumental to understanding it.
When we trim fruits, an aesthetic plays a role. In the case of this melon, the aesthetic and the taste factor were in sync. The top and bottom of the melon were softer and not as flavorful as the center. The interior of the melon, which holds the seeds, was aromatic, but when eating it, the flavors fell short. The center cut of the melon was meaty, juicy, and aromatic. Too often, we trim without knowing why. We need to pause and taste what we are cooking. That way, we will be better prepared to stop chasing and actually indulge in that one perfect mouthful.
Ideas in Food: Great Recipes and Why They Work
Maximum Flavor: Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
About the Author
