Donna Schakelaar wrote:
>>> Apples and oranges are extremely boring.
>>>
>>> I want to try exotic fruits and vegetables, like black sapote, taro,
>>> durian,
>>> and lychees.
>>
>>
>> Taro is a tuber, not a fruit; it grows into a plant like elephant
>> ears. You can get it at HEB or Fiesta. You'll find oranges much more
>> exciting, imo. When cooked into poi, it's pretty bland and starchy.
>> Mmm...
>> http://www.foodsubs.com/Photos/poi.jpg
>
> While I can't comment on where to find taro etc in your area [although
> if you are ever in my neck of the woods, these exotic fruit and
> vegetables are the norm], I suggest checking out the local Cypriot
> population. For some reason they use quite a bit of taro.

Houston has a Cypriot population, but Rubystars lives way out on the
outskirts of town. I didn't know they used much taro. I know Mexicans
and Central Americans do, which is why I listed Fiesta and suggested
Mexican markets below.

>> Black sapote (sapote negro) is like a persimmon. You can find them at
>> Mexican markets, but you'll probably face the same problem you're
>> having at HEB. Lychees are usually available fresh (and always
>> available canned in syrup) at Asian markets; I've only seen them once
>> at HEB. You can sometimes get them at Mexican markets. Same with
>> durians. I often see both at Asian supermarkets if I pay attention.
>
> Black sapote icecream! One of my favourites!

That's lovely. It's also commonly used as a filling for Mexican
pastries, with lots of cinnamon blended into the pulp, and in smoothies
(again, with cinnamon). The Guatemalans ferment it and make a liqueur.

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