grapples, plumcots, and hybrids, OH MY!

I probably love grocery shopping more than anyone you have ever met.  Scanning the isles for new items, weekly deals and steals, and comparing labels - a few of the simple pleasures in life that I adore. So naturally, Trader Joe's is like Disney Land for me. Last week, I was making my usual rounds, and I noticed a crateful of plumcots on sale. Unconsciously, I think I've steered clear of hybrids...partly because of my "fresh out of school" budget, and partly because I was unsure about them. The word hybrid causes me to reminisce of my days in HS biology learning the "ins & outs" of the punnet square. This word does not conjure up "natural or fresh from the garden" thoughts for me.

But, It turns out that a lot of the produce I already put in my grocery cart are hybirds..those gorgeous heirloom tomatoes and golden rice.  But one question must be on your mind. As humans are altering these fruits and veggies natural genetic makeup - are these foods still safe? The word on the streets (aka the most current research articles) tells us that hybrids are perfectly safe for our consumption. With hybrids, typically the only thing to watch for are any added dyes that could cause problems for a small group of people. Also, in the case of the plumcot - make sure you know what the hybrid acutally is. If apricots make the back of your throat itchy....probably not a good idea to try out the plumcot.

I do think that these fun fruits like the grapple and plumcot are interesting to even the pickiest of kids - maybe enticing them to add another serving to their fruit and veggie goals.

PS: I waited as long as I could (about 3 days) to let my plumcot fully ripen...and it was delicious! It definitely has a more dominant plum flavor and just as sweet as candy.