August 8, Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor's Porch

Due to the overzealous planting of zucchini, people are asked to drop off baskets of squash on neighbors’ doorsteps.
Annually, August 8.

Hot weather brings an abundance of summer squash. Yellow crookneck, straight neck, zucchini, pattypan, and Mediterranean are some of the popular varieties.

Fruits and Veggies More Matters has a list of 10 ways to enjoy zucchini.

The Produce Lady in the following video provides
preparation ideas, cooking tips and recipes for squash.

Sesame Street: Veg Side Story
Sesame Street introduces the zucchini to children
everywhere through music and a delightful story.

National Farmers Market Week

To celebrate National Farmer's Market Week we visited a local market in Tamarac, Florida. The group is known as the Community Farmers Markets of South Florida. 

"As a food photographer, my visual senses came alive; as an explorer of foods, the smells and flavors were enticing; and as a dietitian my mind raced with the food combinations, satisfying the senses and nutritional needs." Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LN, FAND

Farmer's markets are worldwide and reflect an area's culture and economy. They often feature produce locally grown, meats raised humanely, handmade farmstead cheeses, eggs and poultry from free-range fowl, as well as heirloom produce.

“Farmers grow the food, talk about how they grew the food, and learn from the shoppers who in turn prepared the food for family dinners. The farmers market is the place where food is both fuel and culture and thus the place where we grow healthy communities.”  - Richard McCarthy, founding President of the Farmers Market Coalition and Executive Director

The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening farmer's markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities. 

Twelve Reasons to Visit a Farmers' Market

 Alice Henneman, RD

Food Safety and the Farmers Market

With the number of farmer's markets increasing throughout the country, food safety inspectors are working harder to make sure consumers get safe products when they shop.

Abbey Harding is a food safety inspector for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Part of her job is to inspect farmer's markets, like the one in Grand Rapids, to make sure vendors are complying with current regulations.

One thing an inspector looks at is the labeling. Vendors need to specify where their products are grown. Typically with packaged goods, vendors must list weights, ingredients, and whether the product requires refrigeration.

"If it's coming from a licensed source, we'd check with license control," Abbey Harding said. Michigan vendors need to be licensed and if they process food, they may be subjected to inspection at their facility.

Resources.

USDA, Farmers Markets

Community Farmers Markets of South Florida. Current Farmers Markets are located at the following places:

• Plantation Farmers Market, a year-round adventure, every Saturday from 8-2, in Volunteer Park on Sunrise Blvd, between NW 188th ave and Flamingo Road.
• Tamarac Farmers Market, also year-round Market, every Sunday from 9-2 on the NW corner of Southgate and University.
• Boynton Beach Farmers Market, year-round every Saturday from 9-2, on the SE corner of Boynton Beach Blvd and Federal Highway.
• Margate Farmers Market is a seasonal Market only open from November to April.

American Family Day The Family Meal Time

Family mealtime is an ageless tradition shared by people all around the world. Eating dinner together keeps the doors of communication open. It's a perfect time to show your children they are your priority. Studies have shown children who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs and more likely to develop good eating habits.
 

Family Dinner

Segment from World Report, April 2009

A recent family study conducted by Brigham Young University, quizzed more than 1500 IBM employees. The results show that families who spend time eating dinner together will encounter less conflict between family and work.

The BYU study appeared in issues of Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News and World Report and Slate magazine. Dr. Jacob expressed the hope for society to value dinner time, and not allow things to interrupt it.

In fact, a multi-national study cited by the marriage and family therapy program at the University of Minnesota and its director, reports family meal time has a more positive influence on emotional and intellectual development in children and teens than sports or additional time in school.

Nutritious Meals for Families on a Budget

National Mustard Day - All About Mustard

Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant (white or yellow mustard; brown or Indian mustard; or black mustard). The whole, ground, cracked, or bruised mustard seeds are mixed with water, salt, lemon juice or other liquids, and sometimes other flavorings and spices, to create mustard ranging in color from bright yellow to dark brown. Mustard often has a sharp, pungent flavor.

There are many varieties of mustard, which come in a wide range of strengths and flavors. The basic taste and heat of the mustard is largely determined by seed type, preparation, and ingredients. Black seeded mustard is usually the hottest type. Preparation also plays a key role in the outcome.

The National Mustard Museum, located in Middleton, Wisconsin was founded by Barry Levenson in 1986. The Museum has a collection of more than 5,300 mustards and hundreds of mustard memorabilia.

The Mustard Museum hosts the Annual National Mustard Day festival in Middleton, Wisconsin. The festival is considered the "world's largest condiment party." There will be mustard tastings, mustard-themed games, kid's activities, live music, and special treats. Last year, some 6,000 people turned out and the festival raised more than $3,500 for charity.

World Famous Mustard Museum

The world's foremost collection of mustards and mustard memorabilia
with curator Barry Levenson in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.

Culinary Uses

Mustard is often used at the table as a condiment. It is also used as an ingredient in mayonnaise, vinaigrette, marinades, barbecue sauce, and salad dressing. Mustard is popular with hot dogs, pretzels, and sausages. Mustard is also an emulsifier which can stabilize a mixture of two or more unblendable liquids such as oil and water.

Weight Control Tip. Mustard is low in calories and depending on the brand contains a moderate amount of sodium (see table below). Instead of mayonnaise, tartar sauce or other high fat-high caloric dressings try mustard. Use prepared mustard with fish, instead of tartar sauce to create a wonderful flavor that saves 50 calories per tablespoon.

Mustard Nutrition Information

A strong mustard can cause the eyes to water and inflame the nasal passages and throat. Mustard can also cause allergic reactions: since 2005, products in the European Union must be labeled as potential allergens if they contain mustard.

How Mustard is Made
Discovery Channel

Resources:
National Mustard Museum
Mustard (condiment), Wikipedia

August 3, National Grab Some Nuts Day

Nuts once considered a high fat, high-calorie food is now being recognized as a Nutritious Snack with essential fatty acids, omega fats, protein, and many vitamins and minerals.

August 3, National Watermelon Day - Food Safety, Nutrition, and Recipes

The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 by watermelon growers and shippers. Their goal is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research, and educational programs. The NWPB has developed marketing programs to boost watermelon sales in supermarkets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their site contains recipes, nutrition facts, fun games for children, lessons for educators, and information for health professionals and the media.

Watermelon and Food Safety
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before cutting watermelons.

2. Wash the outer surface of the melon with clean running water and dry to remove any dirt. If you purchase a pre-cut piece of watermelon, you should rinse the rind portion in fresh water and dry it.

3. Wash cutting boards, countertops, scoops, knives, and other equipment or utensils with hot water and soap to avoid cross-contamination.

4. If you refrigerate the watermelon after purchasing, be sure to keep the watermelon cool.

5. Always refrigerate watermelon once you have cut into it. Place in a covered container or cover the cut surface with plastic wrap to prevent the melon from becoming mushy.

Nutrition Facts about Watermelon

Watermelon is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, contains no Trans Fatty Acid, no Cholesterol, very low in sodium, and has only 46 calories in One Cup. Watermelon contains lycopene, an antioxidant which may reduce the risk of cancer.

Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. It is a great way to get additional fluids.

Creating Snacks or a 
Light Meal using Watermelon

Watermelon Circles with Feta Cheese and Lentil Salad

Fun with Fruit

Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad

Selecting a Watermelon

How to Grow Watermelons

Carving Watermelon 

National Root Beer Float Day

A root beer float, also known as a "black cow" is traditionally made with vanilla ice cream and root beer.

From the traditional root beer float to an ice cream treat made with vanilla ice cream and frozen root beer soda, National Root Beer Float Day was a big hit in our home.

We chose a diet root beer soda to avoid excess sugar and limit the calories. The amount of diet root beer is not limited because it has "zero" calories.

Beverage. Make sure you carefully combine the soda and ice cream. The reaction causes bubbles to form and a rapid rise in foam, which is part of the fun and can get messy.  Use 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream. Add a straw and a spoon and enjoy.

Ices.  Add 1/4 cup light vanilla ice cream to a 4-ounce cup. Slowly pour diet root beer soda on top. Add an ice pop stick (optional). Leave in the freezer overnight.  Serve as an ice pop or with a spoon.

Ice Cubes. Freeze root beer soda in an ice cube tray. Leave in the freezer overnight. Add ice cubes to water, milk, or explore the possibilities.

National Avocado Day - Celebrate Avocados

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

National Horseradish Month - All About Horseradish

Horseradish is a perennial plant which also includes mustard, wasabi, broccoli, and cabbage. It grows up to 4.9 feet (1.5 meters) tall, and is cultivated primarily for its large, white, tapered root.

The intact horseradish root has hardly any scent. When cut or grated, enzymes break down sinigrin (a glucosinolate) to produce allyl isothiocyanate (mustard oil), which irritates the mucous membranes of the sinuses and eyes. Grated horseradish should be used immediately or preserved in vinegar for best flavor. Once exposed to air or heat it will begin to lose its pungency, darken in color, and become unpleasantly bitter tasting.

Growing Horseradish

Nutrition: The fresh plant contains an average 79 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of raw horseradish.

Culinary Use
Cooks use the terms "horseradish" or "prepared horseradish" to refer to the grated root of the horseradish plant mixed with vinegar. Prepared horseradish is white to creamy-beige in color. It will keep for months refrigerated but eventually will darken, indicating it is losing flavor and should be replaced. The leaves of the plant, while edible, are not commonly eaten, and are referred to as "horseradish greens", which have a flavor of the root.

Horseradish sauce made from grated horseradish root and vinegar is a popular condiment; used with roast beef and other dishes, including sandwiches or salads. In the USA, the term "horseradish sauce" refers to grated horseradish combined with mayonnaise or salad dressing. Prepared horseradish is a common ingredient in Bloody Mary cocktails and in cocktail sauce and is used as a sauce or sandwich spread.

Recipes

Baked Salmon with Horseradish Sauce

Number of Servings: 2

Ingredients:

2, 5 oz Salmon filets

2 Tbs. Lemon Juice

1 Tbs. Worchester Sauce

1 Tbs. Mayonnaise, light

1 Tsp. Horseradish

Paprika

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Rinse filets and pat dry. In baking dish, combine lemon juice and Worchester sauce. Add salmon and coat both sides with the mixture. Combine mayonnaise and horseradish, mix well, and spread over top of salmon filets. Sprinkle paprika over filets. Cover the dish with foil. Bake in 400 degrees F oven for eight minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 3 more minutes.

Nutrition Analysis

Additional Recipes

1. About.com, Home Cooking, Horseradish Recipes

2. Horseradish Information Council, Recipes 

3. Huffpost Taste, Horseradish Recipes  

Medical

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of horseradish for the following medical uses: Urinary tract problems, Fluid retention (edema), Cough, Bronchitis, Achy joints and muscles, Gout, Gallbladder disorders,  Sciatic nerve pain, Colic, and Intestinal worms in children.

Side Effects, Precautions and Warnings

Mustard oil is extremely irritating to the lining of the mouth, throat, nose, digestive system, and urinary tract. Horseradish can cause side effects including stomach upset, bloody vomiting, and diarrhea. It may also slow down the activity of the thyroid gland.

When used on the skin, horseradish is possibly safe, but in large quantities may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Horseradish is unsafe in children less than 4 years old. In young children, it may cause digestive tract problems.

Horseradish in large amounts is unsafe when pregnant and breastfeeding. The mustard oil in Horseradish can be toxic and irritating. Horseradish tincture should not be used regularly or in large amounts because it might cause a miscarriage.

Horseradish is not recommended for any of the following conditions: stomach or intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, infections, or other digestive tract conditions.

Horseradish may worsen hypothyroidism. 

There is a concern horseradish might increase urine flow. This could be a problem for people with kidney disorders. 

References and Resources

1. Wikipedia, Horseradish 

August 1 - 7 World Breastfeeding Week: Nutrition, Food Security and Poverty Reduction

 World Breastfeeding Week 

Coordinated by World Alliance for
Breastfeeding Action (WABA)

August 1 - 7

World Breastfeeding Week is coordinated by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), a global network of individuals and organizations concerned with the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide based on the Innocenti Declarations, the Ten Links for Nurturing the Future and the WHO/UNICEF Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding.

WABA’s core partners are the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), La Leche League International (LLLI), and Wellstart International. WABA is in consultative status with UNICEF and an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC).

By linking breastfeeding to the SDGs, the breastfeeding movement will be able to connect with a variety of development issues by 2030 for maximum impact.

WBW materials cover the main links between breastfeeding and the SDGs along 5 broad themes:
(1) nutrition/food security
(2) health, well-being, and survival
(3) environment and climate change
(4) work productivity, empowerment, social protection
(5) sustainable partnerships and rule of law

Objectives of WABA World Breastfeeding

*To inform people about the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they relate to breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF).

*To firmly anchor breastfeeding as a key component of sustainable development.

*To galvanize a variety of actions at all levels on breastfeeding and IYCF in the new era of the SDGs.

* To engage and collaborate with a wider range of actors around promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Is Really Good For Babies,
But Millions Can't Do It

“By recognizing that breastfeeding is a key to sustainable development, we will value our wellbeing from the start of life, respect each other and care for the world we share.” 

 - UNICEF & WHO WBW

Breastfeeding Benefits for Baby and Mom

KidsEatRight

Resources

1. Kids Eat Right, reference: Breastfeeding

2. World Breastfeeding Week (WABA)

August, National Sandwich Month - Use Your Creativity

August is National Sandwich Month. The sandwich was named after John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. During the 1700s, it is said John Montagu created the sandwich because he wanted to eat his meal with one hand.

Resource: Build a Better Sandwich, @Healthyfamprj

 

Greatest Movie Sandwiches