Ask Evan

My answer, though not scientifically informed is what I do based on trial and error over many strawberry seasons and much crying over moldy fresh market berries. First of all I’ve learned not to buy more than I can eat or preserve within 3 days. Better to gorge one day then “save” them only to discover they’ve molded three days later.

In short, no! When I saw your question I immediately emailed David Karp. He is a pomologist with UC Riverside and writes the Market Watch column for the LA Times. He explained, “The supposition that there are male and female peppers is a common canard, but untrue. Peppers grow from flowers that have both male and female parts. The fruits do not have a gender.”

Do you have a cooking question you need answered? Write to me. Whenever I get a question from a Good Food listener I answer it right here on the Good Food Blog. You can email me a question to goodfood@kcrw.com, leave one on Facebook or add one in the comments section here. This week’s question came from Alyson:
I had amazing braised octopus at Superba Snack Bar last weekend and …

Every week I answer a question from a Good Food listener. You can email me a question to goodfood@kcrw.com, leave one on Facebook or add one in the comments section here. This week’s came from Callie:
I have a patio for the first time in a long time so I attempted to grow a balcony herb garden. My parsley and rosemary are thriving, but my Mint, Sage, Thyme, and Basil …

Every week I answer a question from a Good Food listener. You can email me a question to goodfood@kcrw.com, leave one on Facebook or add one in the comments section here. This week’s came from Jesus:
I used to make my own ricotta when I lived in Atlanta GA but recently moved to Panama City Panama. Over here there is no organic non UHT milk and the dairy farms are …

Every week I answer a question from a Good Food listener. You can email me a question to goodfood@kcrw.com, leave one on Facebook or add one in the comments section here. This week’s came from Chrissie:

I have about 6oz of duck fat leftover from making popovers from last month’s Bon Appetit. My boyfriend and I have a now 3 year old tradition of going vegan for January. Any ideas …

 
Every week I answer a question from a Good Food listener. You can email me a question to goodfood@kcrw.com, leave one on Facebook or add one in the comments section here. This week’s came from Birdie:
How long does balsamic vinegar last and do you have to keep it in the frig?
To answer this question I have to first define what Balsamic Vinegar is vs the imposters.  Real Balsamic vinegar is made …

Every week I answer a question from a Good Food listener. You can email me a question to goodfood@kcrw.com, leave one on Facebook or add one in the comments section here. This week’s came from Susan:
What is a special, quick and delicious appetizer to bring to a holiday party when you don’t want to get in the way of the hostess in the kitchen? (Dips are OUT).
Why not make …

Every week I answer a question from a Good Food listener. You can email me a question to goodfood@kcrw.com, leave one on Facebook or add one in the comments section here. This week’s came from Margaret:
What is the Best Way to Ripen Fruit?
You can leave fruit out on your countertop and let it ripen or if you’re in a hurry or if the fruit is rock hard use the …

Every week I answer a question from a Good Food listener. You can email me a question to goodfood@kcrw.com, leave one on Facebook or add one in the comments section here. This week’s came from Daniel:
If I Put My Pyrex Pie Dish Over or Near Direct Flame Will It Explode?
It is true that Pyrex tells you to avoid putting their baking dishes on a direct flame or directly under …