Updated: July 27, 2023
Originally Published: July 16, 2005
Summer kicks off with high hopes for healthy eating: this season, we promise ourselves to enjoy fresh, local produce from farmers’ markets and even pick our own berries! While some folks show up to barbecues with stunning blueberry crumbles and vibrant salads, the rest of us find ourselves munching on tuna sandwiches and frozen treats, as our crisper drawers overflow with neglected fruits and veggies. This year, I’m determined to change that!
I’ve compiled a list of tricks that will help you prepare all those delicious but sometimes daunting summer ingredients with ease. No more soggy produce turning to compost in the fridge! Let’s dive into these handy hacks that will make your summer cooking a breeze.
1. Mastering Corn Shucking
Forget the tedious hours spent removing corn silk! With this two-step method, you’ll become a corn-shucking wizard in no time.
2. Effortlessly Remove Corn Kernels
Once you’ve shucked that corn, you might want to use it in a fresh salad. Grab a bundt pan and a bread knife for an easy way to get those kernels off the cob without the usual mess!
3. Efficiently Peel an Avocado
To remove the pit from an avocado, you might know to use a knife, but did you realize you can scoop the flesh out without losing half of it? You’ll love this method!
4. Peel a Mango in Seconds
Tired of dealing with stringy mangos? Use a glass to peel them in under 10 seconds. It might just make you a mango lover after all!
5. Keep Avocado Fresh
Don’t let that leftover avocado go brown! Instead of oil or lemon juice, try covering it with a wet paper towel and wrapping it in foil. This simple trick extends its life for a few days.
6. Core Strawberries Quickly
Fruit salad just got simpler! Learn this speedy method to core strawberries, and you’ll be whipping up desserts in no time.
7. Make Easy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Who said fruit salad is the only option? Use an ice cube tray with berries and melted chocolate, freeze, and voilà—delicious treats!
8. Pit Cherries with Ease
No pitter? No problem! Use the tip of a pastry bag to pit cherries without making a mess. You can even try this method for olives!
9. Cube a Watermelon Safely
Cut your watermelon into quarters, then slice and scrape to enjoy a perfect cube without losing a finger.
10. Slice Watermelon Like a Pro
Cut it in half, slice it, and you’re set! This technique makes serving watermelon easy and safe, even if it feels intimidating.
11. Homemade Veggie Wash
Instead of spending money on bottled produce wash, mix two parts water with one part apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle for a simple solution.
12. Make Quick Pickles
Got extra cucumber slices? Toss them in leftover pickle brine for a quick and delicious treat that won’t go to waste.
13. Slice Cherry or Grape Tomatoes Efficiently
Don’t toss whole tomatoes into your salad! Use a simple technique to slice them quickly, allowing them to soak up dressing better.
14. DIY Infused Water
Chop mint and citrus, place them in an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze for refreshing infused water anytime!
15. Juice a Lemon Without Seeds
Need fresh lemon juice? Roll the lemon on the counter, make small slits, and squeeze to get juice without seeds—a party trick for sure!
16. Revive Wilting Lettuce
Feeling bad about your sad lettuce? A quick five-minute soak in cold water will bring it right back to life.
17. Effortlessly Cut Bell Peppers
No more letting bell peppers rot! Use this efficient method to slice them up and enjoy their crunch in your dishes.
18. Access Pomegranate Seeds Easily
Pomegranate seeds can be tricky to extract, but with this simple method, you’ll have them ready for salads in no time.
19. Take a Break
You deserve a moment of relaxation after all that hard work in the kitchen!
For more tips on home insemination, check out Cryobaby’s At-Home Insemination Kit and for detailed information on the process, visit this Wikipedia article on artificial insemination.
In summary, these 19 hacks are designed to streamline your summer cooking and ensure that no produce goes to waste. Armed with these tricks, you can enjoy fresh, delicious meals throughout the season without the stress!
Keyphrase: Summer Produce Hacks
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