If you have a food question email
Glenys at glenyswoollard@clear.net.nz
Do you have a recipe for corn relish?
Place in a large pot: 4 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen or canned); 1 cup each diced red pepper, diced green pepper, chopped celery, chopped onion and sugar; 2 teaspoons each dry mustard and salt; 1 teaspoon celery seed; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 3 cups cider vinegar. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, then thicken with 3 tablespoons flour mixed to a smooth paste with a little extra vinegar. Simmer 10 minutes more then turn into sterilised jars and seal.
What's the difference between Chinese red dates and regular dates?
The Chinese red dates found in some supermarkets and Asian food stores have usually been candied and taste exceedingly sweet. They are the fruit of Ziziphus jujuba, aka the Jujube tree, whereas the more familiar dates come from date palms native to the Middle East. Although date palms are not easy to grow in New Zealand, the jujube tree is more tolerant of cold weather and can occasionally be found in nurseries that specialise in exotic food plants.