Discover the Wonders of Avocados - From Farm to Table

Avocados offer nearly 20 vitamins and minerals in every serving, including potassium (which helps control blood pressure), lutein (which is good for your eyes), and folate (which is crucial for cell repair and during pregnancy).

Avocados are a good source of B vitamins, which help you fight off disease and infection. They also give you vitamins C and E, plus natural plant chemicals that may help prevent cancer.

Avocados are low in sugar. And they contain fiber, which helps you feel full longer. In one study, people who added a fresh avocado half to their lunch were less interested in eating during the next three hours.

Fat and Calories

Avocados are high in fat. But it's monounsaturated fat, which is a "good" fat that helps lower bad cholesterol, as long as you eat them in moderation. 

Avocados have a lot of calories. The recommended serving size is smaller than you’d expect: 1/5 of a medium avocado (or 1 ounce) is 50 calories.

Recipe: California Avocado Super Summer Wrap Recipe,
Fruits & Veggies— More Matters  

How to Prepare Avocados

Store avocados at room temperature, keeping in mind that they can take 4 to 5 days to ripen. To speed up the ripening process, put them in a paper bag along with an apple or banana. When the outside skins are black or dark purple and yield to gentle pressure, they’re ready to eat or refrigerate.

Wash them before cutting so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the pulp.

While guacamole is arguably the most popular way to eat avocado, you can also puree and toss with pasta, substitute for butter or oil in your favorite baked good recipes, or spread or slice onto sandwiches. Try adding avocado to salad, pizza, soup, salsa, eggs, and sandwiches.

When ordering at a restaurant, remember that not all avocado dishes are created equal. Some items -- like avocado fries and avocado egg rolls -- are coated in batter and fried, making them much higher in both calories and fat.

Top Ways to Enjoy Avocados

1. Skip the Mayo! Mash 1/3 an avocado and spread it on your sandwich instead of mayonnaise. Rich in monounsaturated fat, avocados are a healthy substitute for mayonnaise, cream cheese, butter, or sour cream.  

2. Avocado is a deliciously rich, healthy, and filling addition to salads. Just dice and toss!

3. Add some avocado slices to your sandwiches! This tasty fruit adds a delicious flavor but it also adds substance to an otherwise meager concoction. 

4. Enjoy avocado as part of a healthy stir-fry dish.

5. Grab a Spoon. Halve avocados, remove the pit and start spooning. Want a little kick? Add some low-sodium soy sauce in that little dip in the middle.

6. Avocados are perfect in fish and seafood sauces.

7. Halve avocados then use a small ice-cream scoop to fill the little dip in the middle with your favorite chicken, tuna, or ham salad recipe.

8. Mix together one mashed avocado, 1/2 cup of non-instant oatmeal, and one tablespoon of honey. Apply to your face, wait 15 minutes then rinse.

9. Prepare Guacamole 

Allergic to Latex?

If you have a latex allergy, talk to your doctor before adding avocado to your diet. People with a serious allergy to latex may also experience symptoms after eating an avocado.

Resources

Choose Healthy Fats,    #avocado #eatright
WebMD, Everything You Need to Know About Avocados  

Top 10 Ways To Enjoy Avocados, Fruits, and Veggies More Matters

July 29, National Lasagna Day Featuring Spinach Tofu Lasagna

Spinach Tofu Lasagna
Makes six to eight servings. 
Adapted from Animals Deserve Absolute Protection Today and Tomorrow (ADAPTT.)  ADAPTT believes all animals have an inherent right to be free and live completely unfettered by human dominance. 

Ingredients
1/2 lb. lasagna noodles
2 10-oz. packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained
1 lb. soft tofu
1 lb. firm tofu
1/4 cup soy milk
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 tbsp. lemon juice
3 tsp. minced basil
4 cups vegan tomato sauce

Directions 
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside on a towel. Do not let them stick together. If this happens, run warm water over them to separate.

Preheat oven to 350ᵒ degrees F.

Squeeze the spinach as dry as possible and set aside. Place the tofu, soy milk, garlic powder, lemon juice, and basil in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.

Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish with a thin layer of tomato sauce, then a layer of noodles (use about one-third). Follow with a layer of half of the tofu filling and half of the spinach. Continue in the same order using half of the remaining tomato sauce and noodles and all of the remaining tofu filling and spinach. End with the remaining noodles, covered by the remaining tomato sauce.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

To encourage healthy eating, prepare and present
the foods with the same attention to detail,
as if you were a pastry chef.

- Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND

National French Fry Day

Nutrition Information was obtained from the following resources.

McDonald’s Nutrition Information
Burger King Nutrition
Wendy’s Nutrition

Baked Oven Parsley Fries

Yield 4 servings

Ingredients

3 russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch strips

cooking spray

1 teaspoon dried thyme

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F° (200° degrees C). Use a non-stick baking sheet or spray lightly with cooking spray.

Arrange potato strips in a single layer on the baking sheet, skin sides down. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with thyme and salt and pepper to taste.

Bake 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

July 3, Eat Beans Day

The nutrition information provided below is based on 1/2 cup cooked beans, prepared from dry beans. No salt has been added, therefore sodium levels are insignificant. Beans contain no cholesterol and a small amount of fat. They are a great source of fiber, high in potassium and contain many of the B vitamins. Beans also provide between 7% to 18% of one's daily iron needs.

All About Beans

US Dry Bean Council

The US Dry Bean Council (USDBC) is a private trade association comprised of leaders in the bean industry with the common goal of promoting the U.S. edible bean trade, both in the United States and abroad, and educating U.S. consumers about the benefits of beans. The USDBC gives a voice to the bean industry and provides information to consumers, health professionals, buyers, suppliers and the media about the good taste, nutritional value and versatility of beans.

The USDBC also is a resource for information on U.S. exporters, overseas importers, U.S. dry bean classes, trade policy issues and the role of U.S.-grown beans in international food-aid efforts. USDBC also publishes foreign language newsletters and other publications designed to help overseas importers, packagers and canners better understand and maintain contact with the U.S. dry bean exporting trade.

As part of USDBC’s mission, the organization collaborates with public health organizations, research centers, universities, and the entire supply chain, from seed suppliers to farmers, processors, wholesalers, distributors and transporters.

While the USDBC is privately funded, its representatives work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in overseas markets, and often co-sponsors activities with the U.S. Government. These activities include hosting trade missions from foreign countries to visit U.S. production and processing facilities, participating in trade shows worldwide, coordinating trade missions of U.S. exporters and growers to visit overseas markets and producing education

The USDBC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a marketing office in Pierre, South Dakota. In addition, USDBC representatives around the world facilitate activities and dialog between U.S. and overseas trade.


Benefits
Unlike meat-based proteins, beans are naturally low in fat and are a cholesterol-free source of protein. Research shows that a diet including beans may reduce your risk of heart disease.

A nutrient-rich food, beans contain protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and important vitamins and minerals, such as folate, B-Vitamins, manganese, potassium and iron.

Folate, a vitamin very important for pregnant women and their unborn babies, is found in beans. During pregnancy, women need more folate. Expectant mothers who consume enough of the right nutrients can help reduce the risk of birth defects.

Beans are especially important for people with certain food allergies and intolerances. For example, some people can’t tolerate gluten, a natural protein present in wheat, barley and rye. Because beans don’t contain gluten, or major allergens found in various grains, substituting beans can help provide the fiber and other nutrients that people on restricted diets may be missing. Beans come in a variety of convenient forms (such as canned beans, bean flours and dehydrated beans) that can be used in place of allergenic and gluten-containing ingredients.


Bean Recipes

Bean Burrito

Black Bean Soup Garnished with

Green Onions

Black Bean Soup Garnished with Green Onions and
Reduced-fat Sour Cream Served in a Sourdough Roll

From Farm to Table: Pineapples - Creative Creations

Nutrition Profile

Pineapples contain the bromelain enzyme, which can break down proteins, and you can use them to tenderize meat.

Bromelain may help with arthritis pain by easing inflammation. Pineapple is also a good source of vitamin C, which helps the immune system.

Pineapple Tidbits 
1. Hawaii produces about 1/3 of all pineapples in the world.
2. Pineapples are a cluster of hundreds of fruitlets.
3. Pineapples take about 18-20 months to become ready to harvest.
4. One pineapple plant can produce one pineapple at a time.
5. In 1493, explorer Christopher Columbus found pineapples on Guadeloupe Island in the Caribbean.
6. Historically, Hawaii was the world's largest producer and source of U.S. pineapples. Today, the largest producers include the Philippines, Brazil, and Costa Rica.

Pineapple Selection
Pass over sour-smelling or bruised pineapples. Fruit from Hawaii or Central America tends to be freshest.

Pineapple Care
To make your pineapple softer and juicier, keep it at room temperature for 1 or 2 days before cutting.

How to Select
Choose pineapples with dark green leaves that are heavy in size. Avoid soft or dark spots and dry-looking leaves.

How to Store
Eat as soon as possible.
Refrigerate cut pineapple for 2-3 days.

Waffle with Peanut Butter, Pineapple, and Blueberries

Ingredients

1 Waffle
2 teaspoons Peanut Butter, reduced fat
1/4 cup Pineapple1/
3 cup Blueberries

Resources
1. Pineapple, Wikipedia  

2. 8 Fun Facts About Pineapple, #WebMD 

3. Pineapple: Nutrition. Selection. Storage @Fruits_Veggies 

National Onion Day - From the Farm to the Table

Onions are bulb-shaped vegetables growing underground. Also known as bulb onions or common onions, they are grown worldwide.

Onions are rich in plant compounds and antioxidants, especially quercetin and sulfur-containing compounds. Colorful varieties, such as yellow or red ones, have different antioxidants than white ones.

Nutrition Benefits

Fat-free; saturated fat-free; very low sodium; cholesterol free; good source of dietary fiber.

Selection

Choose onions that are firm and dry with bright, smooth outer skins.

Storage

*Store whole onions in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place; use within 4 weeks.

*Refrigerate cut onions in a tightly sealed container; use within 2-3 days.

How to Grow Onions from Seed

Culinary Uses

Onions are served cooked as a vegetable or part of a prepared savory dish and can also be eaten raw or used to make pickles or chutneys. For example, onions may also be used as a main ingredient in French onion soup, creamed onions, and onion chutney. They are versatile and can be baked, boiled, braised, grilled, fried, roasted, sautéed, or eaten raw in salads.

Recipe: RoastedOnions

Onions are pungent when chopped and contain certain chemical substances which irritate the eyes.

Onions are toxic to dogs, cats, guinea pigs, and many other animals.

Tips on how to add onions to your diet:

*Add sliced or diced white, yellow, green, or red onions to your favorite salad.

*Add caramelized onions to savory baked goods.

*Combine cooked onions with other vegetables for a healthy side dish.

*Add cooked onions to egg dishes, such as omelets, frittatas, or quiches.

*Top meat, chicken, or tofu with sautéed onions.

*Use onion and garlic as a base for stocks and soups.

*Make a homemade salsa with onions, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.

*All onions to soup, chili, or stir-fry

*Blend raw onions with fresh herbs, vinegar, and olive oil for a tasty homemade salad dressing.

Resources 

1. Onion, @Fruits_Veggies 
2. Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Onions, Old Farmer’s Almanac
3. Health Benefits of Onions, Healthline, by Jillian Kubala, MS, RDN

May 4, National Orange Juice Day - Nutrition, Health, Recipes and History

The Benefits of Orange Juice

Orange juice is rich in Vitamin C. It helps maintain healthy teeth and gums; improves circulation; enhances iron absorption and helps resist infections. Orange juice contains Hesperidin, a bioflavonoid that may lower the risk of heart disease.

Bottled Sunshine...A Juicy Story (1968)

Part of the story of Florida citrus cultivation, processing and manufacturing. Produced by Hack Swain Productions; sponsored by Tropicana Products.

 

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

Go Bananas: A Journey from Tree to Table

National Banana Day

Nutrition Profile

Selection

Choose bananas that are firm and free of bruises. Bananas are best to eat when the skin color is solid yellow and speckled with brown. Bananas with green tips or with practically no yellow color have not developed their full flavor. Bananas are overripe when they have a strong odor.

Storage

To ripen bananas leave at room temperature for a couple of days. Once ripe store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The peel may turn brown in the refrigerator, but the fruit will not change.

Recipes

If you love bananas, Eating Well has a collection of Banana Recipes you are sure to enjoy.

Chiquita Banana The Original Commercial 

Produced by Disney Studios in the '40s, this commercial appeared only in movie theaters, and for over 50 years kept us humming its catchy tune.

DOLE Banana Growing and Planting
Dole explains the growing and planting of bananas.

Banana Farm

The banana farm at EARTH University uses socially and environmentally responsible practices at every stage of the process. The farm plants trees along river banks to promote biodiversity and reduce harmful erosion. In addition, they do not use herbicides. The farm's eco-friendly practices produce some of the most flavorful bananas in the world.

National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day

Ingredients
2 slices Whole Wheat Raisin Cinnamon Bread
1 Tbsp Jelly, favorite
2 Tbsp Low Sodium Crunchy Peanut Butter 

Artichoke Adventures. Unlock the secrets of artichokes:

Artichoke Adventures. Unlock the secrets of artichokes.

A study conducted by the USDA shows artichokes contain a large amount of antioxidants, in the form of phytonutrients. Among the most powerful phytonutrients are Cynarin and Silymarin, which have strong positive effects on the liver. 

Artichoke Harvest

Serving an Artichoke

Resources:

Ocean Mist Farms. Since 1924, Ocean Mist Farms has provided multiple generations of customers with Artichokes and vegetables and is still family-owned. Called the California Artichoke and Vegetable Growers Corporation until 1995, Ocean Mist Farms is headquartered in Castroville, California - “The Artichoke Capital of the World” and home of the annual Castroville Artichoke Festival.

Artichoke Basics

National Clam Chowder Day

Many regional variations of Clam Chowder exist. The two most common are New England or "white" clam chowder and Manhattan or "red" clam chowder. Manhattan versus New England Clam Chowder.

Recipes

1. Manhattan Clam Chowder, MyPlate
2. New England Clam Chowder, EatingWell

Homemade Soup Day - Southwest Black Bean and Vegetable Soup

Serves: 13

Serving Size: 3/4 cups

Ingredients.

1 onion, large, chopped

1 green pepper, medium, chopped

2 garlic cloves

1 (32 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth

1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 ounces) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

28 ounces diced tomatoes, unsalted

6 ounces chopped green chilies

1 (15 ounces) can corn, drained
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Directions.

1. In a large nonstick saucepan, sauté vegetables and
garlic until almost tender.

2. Stir in all ingredients and bring to a boil.

3. Simmer 20 minutes.

4. Soup freezes well.

Nutrition Information

Resources.
1. Wikipedia. Soups - History, Types, and Varieties
2. Food Network.  Healthy Soup Recipes
4. EatingWell. Healthy Winter Soup Recipes


Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 30 years of experience. A valuable service for Recipe Bloggers, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com  954-294-6300

Popcorn, Everyone’s Favorite Snack, Everywhere

Popcorn, also known as popping corn, is a type of corn that expands from the kernel and puffs up when heated. Popcorn is able to pop because its kernels have a hard, moisture-sealed hull and a dense, starchy interior. Pressure builds inside the kernel, and a small explosion (or "pop") is the end result. Some strains of corn are now cultivated specifically as popping corn. From Wikipedia

Popcorn, Everyone’s Favorite Snack, Everywhere

How Popcorn is Made

Apricot, a Little Fruit Wonder

In 1961, the Apricot Producers of California (APC) was established. It is a non-profit cooperative association providing information and services to its grower members within the major apricot-producing areas of California.

APC created a website that features practical information about California apricots. It contains nutritional information, serving suggestions, and tips on using and selecting California apricots. APC is actively involved in lobbying governmental and trade organizations; sponsorship of a variety of educational and informational efforts to the foodservice industry, dietitians, and consumers; participation and attendance of trade shows; and continued media enhancement.

Today, there are over four hundred apricot growers. They produce apricots from orchards covering 21,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley and northern California. About 95 percent of the apricots grown in the U.S. come from California.

Apricot Stone,
Eva Rivas, Armenia

Spanish explorers introduced the apricot to California in the 18th century, and recorded history indicates in 1792, the first major California crop was produced. By 1920, the California apricot was flourishing in the Santa Clara Valley. Eventually, California apricot farms found their way to the San Joaquin Valley after World War II.

Apricot Selection and Storage
Fresh apricots range in color from yellow to deep orange. Avoid green apricots, as they will not ripen. When selecting fresh apricots, look for fruits soft to the touch and juicy. These are ready to eat. The fruits vary in size from about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter. The apricot should have a bright, ripe aroma. Stay away from bruised, soft, or mushy apricots.

Apricots will ripen at room temperature or can be stored in the refrigerator to prevent over-ripening. A hard apricot can ripen by placing it in a paper bag for one to two days. To freeze apricots, cut the fruit in half and place on a baking sheet until frozen. Once they are frozen, store them in plastic freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Apricots can be purchased fresh, canned, frozen, pureed, dried, and as nectar, both in juice and concentrated form.

Nutrition Information
Apricots are rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, potassium, iron, and Vitamin A. They are also high in fiber and low in saturated fat and sodium. Apricots contain no cholesterol. Just three apricots contain 40 percent of the daily requirement of Vitamin A.

Preparation

Apricots are great to eat raw, but they are excellent in fruit salads and added to baked goods such as pies, cakes, muffins, breads, puddings, and ice cream. They can be used in cooking and are compatible with many poultry and pork dishes.

Canned apricots can be added to cereals, yogurt, cottage cheese, and smoothies. Fresh, canned, frozen, or even dried apricots can be served on top of waffles and pancakes. They can be pureed and used as a fat substitute. 

Recipe: Fresh Apricots with Goat Cheese and Lavender Honey, Flavour and Savour @enessman

  

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 40 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com  954-294-6300