Bacon Bonanza

Bacon day celebrations typically include social gatherings during which participants create and consume dishes containing bacon, including bacon-themed breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and drinks.

Bacon Bonanza

Bacon is the "B" in a BLT sandwich, the star of breakfast buffets, the garnish on a spinach salad, and the "pork" in pork and beans. It imparts a smoky flavor to many dishes. This ancient, cured meat now appears in modern forms as shelf-stable or refrigerated fully cooked strips, bacon made from turkey and/or beef, and organic meats.

The term "bacon" describes the cured belly of a swine (hog) carcass. If meat from other carcass portions is used, the product name must identify the portions where the bacon comes from, e.g., "Pork Shoulder Bacon." Bacon is generally produced from young animals (6 to 7 months old) weighing 175 to 240 pounds.

Bacon and Food Safety

Bacon is made with salt as a curing agent, and nitrite (but not nitrate) is the other most frequently used additive. Bacon may also contain other additives such as sugars, maple sugar, wood smoke, flavorings, and spices.

Under certain conditions not yet fully understood, the products from the natural breakdown of proteins known as "amines" can combine with nitrites to form compounds known as "nitrosamines." There are many different types of nitrosamines, most of which are known carcinogens in test animals.

Not all cured meat products contain nitrosamines; however, when present, they usually are in very minute amounts. Many variables influence nitrosamine levels: amount of nitrite added during processing, concentrations of amines in meat, type and amounts of other ingredients used in processing, actual processing conditions, length of storage, storage temperatures, method of cooking, and degree of doneness.

Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) found that the addition of vitamin C (ascorbate) and vitamin E (tocopherol) reduced the levels of nitrosamines in fried bacon and in nitrite-cured products. The findings led to changes in Federal regulations and industry processing to minimize consumer exposure to nitrosamines. USDA now requires adding 550 ppm (parts per million) of either sodium ascorbate or sodium erythorbate to pumped bacon. This addition greatly reduces the amount of free nitrite and, thus, minimizes the formation of nitrosamines. This regulation is found in 9 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 424.22 (b)(1).

Nutrition Information

BLT Sandwich

References

1. Wikipedia, List of bacon dishes
2. Eat Right Chicago, Is Everything Really ‘Better with Bacon?’
3. USDA, Bacon and Food Safety

An educated consumer has the knowledge to make healthy choices - Choose Moderation.

National Cheese Pizza Day Garden Pizza with Mozzarella, Asparagus, Peppers, Tomatoes, Mixed Greens

Yields: 2 Servings

Serving Size: 1/2 pizza

Ingredients

1 Pizza Crust, 7-inch

8 Asparagus

2 Tbsp Red Onions

6 Grape Tomatoes

1 sl Squash

1/3 Red Pepper

1/4 cup Mixed Greens

1/3 cup Part-Skim Mozzarella, shredded

Nutrition Information

International Day of Charity and Hunger Action Month

 Hunger knows no boundaries — it touches every community in the U.S., including your own.

The International Day of Charity is observed annually on 5 September. This day was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace." It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.

The prime purpose of the International Day of Charity is to raise awareness and provide a common platform for charity-related activities all over the world for individuals, charitable, philanthropic, and volunteer organizations for their own purposes on the local, national, regional, and international level.

A charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, and supplement public services in health care, education, housing, and child protection.

The following is a summary of the information found on the Feeding America Website. 

September is Hunger Action Month™, when Feeding America and member food banks ask everyone in America to take action to fight hunger in their community, all month long. Hunger Action Month is your opportunity to join a movement that has a real and lasting impact on our effort to feed more Americans than ever before. Whether it’s by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or volunteering, you can find the way that’s right for you to make a difference during Hunger Action Month. Together, we can solve hunger.

Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that provide food and services to people each year. Together, we are the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization. Our network serves virtually every community in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

The process of getting food to hungry Americans requires a dynamic infrastructure and sophisticated management. Feeding America secures donations from national food and grocery manufacturers, retailers, shippers, packers and growers and from government agencies and other organizations. Feeding America then moves donated food and grocery product to member food banks.

The food banks, in turn, distribute food and grocery items through food pantries and meal programs that serve families, children, seniors, and others at risk of hunger. Last year alone, the Feeding America network distributed more than 3 billion meals to people in need.

Feeding America nationwide network of food banks also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses, and government all have a role in ending hunger. 

Hunger can affect anyone. Feeding America has identified groups at risk, including young children, hunger in the suburbs, rural hunger, senior hunger, and the working poor.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

Special on Childhood Hunger
Kate is a fictional character who represents the very situation in which many children find themselves when their parents lose their jobs. Find out how you can help this Hunger Action Month http://hungeractionmonth.org/

Childhood hunger hinders a young person's ability to learn. They are more likely to suffer from poverty as an adult. Scientific evidence suggests that hungry children are less likely to become productive citizens. Insufficient nutrition puts children at risk for illness and weakens their immune system. The immature immune systems of young children, ages 0 – 5, make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the ability to learn, grow, and fight infections are adversely affected.

Please find out how you can help during
 Hunger Action Month http://hungeractionmonth.org/

Macadamia Nuts: From Farm to Table

The macadamia nut is the seed of the macadamia tree. It is native to Australia and is also known as the Australian Nut. Macadamia nuts are commercially grown in Hawaii and, to a much smaller degree, in California and Florida. Roasted macadamia nuts are a popular snack. 

Macadamia Nuts: From Farm to Table

Health Benefits and Nutrition

Macadamia nuts are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), such as oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. Studies suggest that eating macadamia nuts as part of a healthy meal plan seems to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and to raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Compared to other common edible seeds such as almonds and cashews, macadamias are high in fat and low in protein. Macadamia nuts have a sweet taste. One ounce of nuts provides about 200 calories.

They contain numerous nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health and wellness.

One ounce (28.3 g) of macadamia provides 2 g or 8% of the daily-recommended levels of dietary fiber. Additionally, they are a very good source of phytosterols such as β-sitosterol. Macadamia nuts contain no cholesterol.

Macadamia nuts are free from gluten; it is a popular ingredient in the preparation of gluten-free foods. This provides a healthy alternative in people with wheat gluten allergy and celiac disease.

Macadamia Nut Side Effects & Safety
Macadamia nuts are safe as food. They can cause an allergic reaction, but this is unusual.

Special Precautions & Warnings
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs.

Recipes

Ono Mango Macadamia Nut Bread

Cooking Healthy Across America by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Culinary Professionals

1. Food Network, Macadamia Nut Recipes

Resources

1. Wikipedia, Macadamia Nuts
2. Nutrition and You, Macadamia Nuts

World Coconut Day - Coconut Products

Coconut is the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). Coconuts have been grown in tropical regions for more than 4,500 years. Unlike their name suggests, coconuts aren’t nuts. They form part of the drupe family, which are fruits consisting of a fleshy external part with a pit and seed inside. Drupes have three layers: the outer layer, a fleshy middle layer, and a hard layer that surrounds the seed.

Recently, coconut has gotten a lot of publicity as being a super-healthy food, but much of the information is not supported by science. There is a variety of coconut-derived products adding flavor to your food - from coconut oil to coconut flour and coconut milk. But can a food so high in calories and rich in saturated fat be healthy?

Coconut Oil and Coconut Butter

Coconut oil is simply the oil extracted from the coconut meat, while coconut butter is made from coconut flesh ground into a spreadable paste

Coconut oil is high in saturated fat and solid at room temperature. It is used in some packaged foods and for cooking and baking. Cook with coconut oil in dishes where you'll notice and appreciate the flavor, like curries, soups and even muffins.

Coconut butter is a rich and creamy product with a peanut butter-like texture. Unlike coconut oil, the butter actually contains the meat of the coconut so it is more solid and white. It is a common ingredient in the Paleo Diet and uses include replacing other nut butters in baking, spreading on toast, melting and drizzling on desserts, or just eating it straight.

It can be used as a vegan, dairy-free butter replacement, nut-free butter, as a base for desserts such as fudge and for frosting. Coconut butter is also known as coconut manna.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is made from a brew of coconut meat and water. It is rich and thick and more like a cream than milk. This plant-based milk has a delicious creamy taste and is great in smoothies, curries, soups, stews, desserts, etc. It’s very popular in Asian and Caribbean cuisine.

Coconut milk is a common replacement in recipes that traditionally call for cow’s milk. It’s also very popular among vegans and people who follow a dairy-free diet.

Coconut cream is the thick, creamy part of coconut milk that contains less water than coconut milk. It’s very suitable for desserts and in dishes requiring a rich consistency. You can also use it to make dairy-free whipped cream.

Condensed coconut milk is cooked coconut milk. The evaporation during the cooking process gives it a thick, creamy consistency.

Beyond the more traditional canned coconut milk, there is a creamer for coffee, yogurt in various flavors, and coconut milk ice cream. While it may be a good option for vegans and those with lactose intolerance, the low protein content and high amount of fat actually make it a poor nutritional replacement for cow's milk.

Coconut Water

Coconut water is known for being an alternative to sports drinks, the hydrating water has electrolytes, sodium, and magnesium to help post-workout recovery. Some brands have been found to have fewer benefits than listed on the cartons, so be sure to buy from a trusted source.


Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is gluten-free flour made from de-fatted dried and ground coconut meat. The high fiber content is nutritionally beneficial, but it can sometimes make it difficult to bake with. Coconut flour is a great way to add coconut flavor to baked goods. Coconut flour is popular with special diets, like Paleo and Keto

Coconut Meat 

Once the outer green husk of the coconut is removed, what remains is the seed and its rich inner white lining, the coconut meat. It is a creamy and healthy snack with a bite. It can be used in granola, fruit salad, or by itself. Coconut meat is the base for many healthy coconut products such as coconut milk, coconut oil, shredded coconut, coconut ice cream, coconut yogurt, coconut kefir, and coconut flour.

Dried Shredded Coconut / Unsweetened Coconut Flakes

This is dehydrated coconut meat and it’s typically used in desserts, baking, and fruit salads. Coconut flakes are a tasty, healthy snack on their own or combined with nuts, seeds, and other fruit. You can buy them as flakes and chips. Prepackaged dried flaked coconut or dried shredded coconut is the most convenient to cook or bake with. Choose unsweetened dried shredded coconut or coconut flakes over sweetened dried coconut, which has 2 teaspoons of added sugar per ounce.

Coconut Sugar is made from the sap of the coconut flower rather than the coconut itself. In comparison to granulated sugar, it has a darker color, deeper flavor, and some versions come with added flavors. Coconut sugar has a rich taste with a hint of caramel. It’s not to be confused with palm sugar. Nutritionally, it's very similar to granulated and can be substituted 1-for-1 in baking or other cooking.

Recipe:

Vegetable Fritters with Green Chile-Coconut Chutney
recipe from Sara Moulton‘s cookbook Home Cooking 101 

Resources

1.  5 Impressive Benefits of Coconut, Anne Danahy #RDN
2.  What Is Coconut Meat, and Does It Have Benefits? Lauren Panoff #RDN

3. The Health Benefits of Coconut: Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk, Coconut Water, Coconut Flour & More, Karen Ansel #RDN  Is coconut healthy? 

September Wellness News

Current News, Resources, and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers, and Health Professionals. Wellness News is updated daily and includes weekly and daily events. 

Celebrate the flavors of September Produce! Fresh, seasonal, and nutritious. @Healthyfamprj https://healthyfamilyproject.com/whats-in-season-for-september/

September Health, Nutrition, and Food Events

 

Monthly

Hunger Action Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness
National Food Safety Education Month
Fruit and Veggies - More Matters Month
Better Breakfast Month
Family Meal Month
America on the Move
Go Wild During California Wild Rice Month
Great American Low-Cholesterol,
 Low-Fat Pizza Bake Month
National Biscuit Month
National Italian Cheese Month
National Chicken Month
National Cholesterol Education Month
National Coupon Month
National Ethnic Foods Month
National Honey Month
National Mushroom Month
National Organic Harvest Month
National Papaya Month
National Potato Month
National Prime Beef Month
National Rice Month
Whole Grains Month
Hug a Texas Chef Month
Healthy Aging Month
National Yoga Month
Malnutrition Awareness Month
Baby Safety Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
National Recovery Month
Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
National Menopause Awareness Month
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
National Service Dog Month
World Alzheimer's Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month
(September 15 October 15)
National Preparedness Month
College Savings Month
Library Card Sign-up Month
Update Your Resume Month
International Women's Friendship Month
Pain Awareness Month
Self-Improvement Month
Mold Awareness Month

Weekly

1-7 International Enthusiasm Week

1-7 National Nutrition Week (India)
6-12 National Waffle Week
6-12 Suicide Prevention Week
20-26 International Clean Hands Week
20-26 National Farm Safety and Health Week 

21-27 National Dog Week

Daily

1. National Cherry Popover Day; National Gyro Day; Random Acts of Kindness Day

2. Blueberry Popsicle Day; World Coconut Day; National Grits for Breakfast Day

3. National Welsh Rarebit Day

4. Macadamia Nut Day; National Wildlife Day; Spice Blend Day; National Food Bank Day; Stand Up To Cancer Day

5. National Cheese Pizza Day; International Day of Charity

6. National Coffee Ice Cream Day; National Read A Book Day; Great Egg Toss Day, National Play Outside Day, National Tailgating Day

7. Labor Day; National Beer Lover’s Day; National Acorn Squash Day; National Salami Day 

8. Intl Literacy Day; Ants On A Log Day

9. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day; California, 31st State; National Steak Au Poivre Day; National Wiener Schnitzel Day

10. World Suicide Prevention Day; Swap Ideas Day; TV Dinner Day

11. Patriot Day; Natl Hot Cross Bun Day; Day of Service and Remembrance

12. National Chocolate Milkshake Day; National Report Medicare Fraud Day; Rosh Hashanah (sundown); Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day

13. National Celiac Disease Awareness Day; National Peanut Day; Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day; Snack A Pickle Time; International Chocolate Day; Grandparents' Day

14. National Kreme Filled Donut Day; National Coloring Day; Chef Appreciation Week

15. National Linguine Day; National Cheese Toast Day; National Creme de Menthe Day; National Online Learning Day; National Double Cheeseburger Day; National Voter Registration Day

16. National Guacamole Day; Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day; National Working Parents Day; National GED Day

17. Constitution Day; Apple Dumpling Day; National Monte Cristo Day; National Teach Ag Day

18. National HIV/AIDS &Aging Awareness; World Water Monitoring Day; National Cheeseburger Day; Read an E-book,  National Pawpaw Day

19. Butterscotch Pudding Day; National Pepperoni Pizza Day; International Eat An Apple Day; National Clean Up Day

20. Yom Kippur  (sundown); National Punch Day; National String Cheese Day; National Fried Rice Day

21. World Gratitude Day; UN Intl Day of Peace; National Pecan Cookie Day; World Alzheimer's Day; National Chai Day

22. National White Chocolate Day; American Business Women’s Day; Dear Diary Day; National Ice Cream Cone Day; Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Kids

23. Autumn, National Great American Pot Pie Day; National Snack Stick Day; Za'atar Day,  Dogs in Politics Day, Teal Talk Day

24. National Cherry Jubilee Day, National Familial Hypercholesterolemia Day

25. World Ataxia Awareness Day; National Crab Newburg Day; National Cooking Day; National Quesadilla Day; National Lobster Day; Hug A Vegetarian Day; National Bakery Day

26. National Pancake Day; National Dumpling Day; National Johnny Appleseed Day; National Better Breakfast Day; Native American Day; Family Health and Fitness Day USA; R.E.A.D. in America Day

27. World Tourism Day; National Chocolate Milk Day; National Corned Beef Hash Day; Vegan Bakery Day

28. National Strawberry Cream Pie Day; National Drink Beer Day, National Good Neighbor Day, World Rivers Day

29. World Heart Day; National Biscotti Day; International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Reduction; National Coffee Day; National Energy Drink Day

30. National Mulled Cider Day; National Chewing Gum Day; Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day; National Potato Month; Women's Health & Fitness Day

	Months
	January	July
	February	August
	March	September
	April	October
	May	November
	June	December

 

National Sandwich Day - Endless Possibilities

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.

Greatest Movie Sandwiches

Banana Lovers Day

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 40's, 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 Banana Split Day - Fruit Festival

Ingredients
1 Banana, split in half
1 Kiwifruit, peeled and sliced
4 Strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup Cherries, sliced
1/2 cup Orange Segments
1/2 cup Low Fat Ice Cream, optional

August 24, National Waffle Day: Portion Control and Variety

Whole Grain Waffle with 
Crunchy Peanut Butter and
Blueberries and Strawberries

August 22, Eat a Peach Day - Nutrition, Safety and Presentation

Presentation. Transform a peach into an eloquent dessert by cutting it into slices or cubes and serving it in a dessert glass. The presentation somehow makes the peach taste sweeter and the experience more filling.

Peach, a Versatile Fruit

Peach Nutrition

Low fat; saturated fat-free; sodium free; cholesterol free; 

Good source of vitamin C.

From Fruits and Veggies, More Matters:
Peaches

How to Select
Choose peaches with firm, fuzzy skins that yield to gentle pressure when ripe. Avoid blemishes.

How to Store Peaches and Nectarines
Store unripe peaches in a paper bag. When ripe, store at room temperature for use within 1-2 days.

Resources.
Georgia Peach Council
Fruits and Veggies, More Matters. Peaches
Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Peaches 

National Tooth Fairy Day Nutrition and Your Child's Dental Health

Healthy teeth are important to your child's overall health. From the time your child is born, there are things you can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities. For babies, you should clean teeth with a soft, clean cloth or baby's toothbrush. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle and check teeth regularly for spots or stains.

For all children, you should
1. Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner if a dentist or doctor suggests it.
2. Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks
3. Schedule regular dental check-ups

Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life.

Resources
1. WebMD. Nutrition and Your Child's Teeth
2. National Institute of Health, Child DentalHealth

Growing Together: Connecting Generations Through Gardening & Healthy Eating National Senior Citizen Day

National Senior Citizens Day 

On August 19, 1988, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5847 creating National Senior Citizens Day to be August 21.

On this day, we are encouraged to recognize and show appreciation for the value and contribution of older people to home, family and society. It is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude for what seniors have achieved in their lives and their contributions to our communities.

Things to do with Older Adults
- Spend time together.
- Show our appreciation.
- Volunteer to help.
- Enjoy a walk together.
- Go out for dinner.

If you are a senior citizen, enjoy your day. Make sure to take advantage of senior citizen discounts and specials.

The goal is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. 

Growing Together: Connecting Generations Through Gardening & Healthy Eating

Resources and References

to Help Eating Well as We Age

Resources for Seniors from Nutrition.gov

From Farm to Table: The Journey of Eggplant

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable used in cuisines worldwide. Known for its glossy skin, soft texture when cooked, and ability to absorb flavors, eggplant can be grilled, roasted, baked, sautéed, or stir-fried. Before it reaches our plates, however, eggplant goes through several important stages, from growing and harvesting to market selection and proper storage.

Growing Eggplant

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) belongs to the nightshade family, along with tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. It is a warm-season crop that grows best in warm soil and plenty of sunlight. Seeds are commonly started indoors about six to eight weeks before outdoor planting. Transplant young plants after the danger of frost has passed, and nighttime temperatures remain above about 50°F.

Eggplants grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.5 is suitable for growing eggplant. Plants also need consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Depending on the variety, eggplants are generally ready for harvest about 65 to 80 days after transplanting.

Eggplants come in many varieties. The familiar American or globe eggplant is large, oval, and dark purple, while Asian varieties may be long and slender. Other varieties can be white, green, lavender, or striped.

Harvesting

Knowing when to harvest is important because eggplant quality declines when the fruit becomes overmature. A ripe eggplant should have smooth, shiny skin and feel firm when gently pressed. If it stays on the plant too long, the skin may become dull, the seeds can become hard and brown, and the flesh may develop a bitter or pithy texture.

Farmers and gardeners should cut eggplants from the plant with a sharp knife or pruning shears rather than pulling or twisting them. Leaving a short section of stem attached helps prevent damage to the fruit and plant.

From the Farm to the Market

After harvesting, eggplants need careful handling because they are highly perishable. Producers sort the vegetables for quality and size before packing and transporting them to markets, grocery stores, restaurants, or other buyers.

High-quality market eggplants should be firm, well-formed, uniformly colored, and relatively heavy for their size. Produce should also be free from significant scars and damage. Proper postharvest handling is especially important because bruising, excessive heat, and improper temperatures can shorten shelf life. Commercial recommendations call for keeping eggplant around 50°F with high relative humidity because the vegetable is susceptible to chilling injury at temperatures that are too low.

Farmers may sell eggplants through several channels, including farmers markets, grocery stores, wholesalers, restaurants, and community-supported agriculture programs. For growers, appearance, freshness, flavor, cleanliness, and proper handling can influence the marketability of fresh produce.

Picking Eggplant at the Store or Farmers Market

When shopping for eggplant, look for one with smooth, glossy skin and a rich, even color. It should feel firm and heavy for its size. Avoid eggplants that have major bruises, cuts, wrinkles, soft spots, or dull skin.

The stem and cap should also look relatively fresh. Smaller or medium-sized eggplants may have more tender skin and a milder flavor than some larger, more mature fruits.

Storing Eggplant

Eggplant is best used soon after purchase or harvest. Unlike many vegetables, it is sensitive to very cold temperatures. Extended storage below approximately 50°F can result in chilling injury, including pitting, discoloration, and browning of the flesh.

Penn State Extension recommends storing eggplant in a paper bag in a cool location for up to two days or placing it in the warmest part of the refrigerator. Under refrigeration, it is best used within about four to five days, although it may last up to approximately one week.

For longer storage, you can freeze eggplant. Blanch sliced eggplant before freezing to help preserve its quality.

Uses in the Kitchen

Eggplant's mild flavor and tender texture make it useful in many different dishes. It absorbs seasonings, sauces, oils, and spices well during cooking.

Eggplant can be:

• Grilled and served as a side dish
• Roasted with herbs and other vegetables
• Baked in eggplant Parmesan
• Used in casseroles and pasta dishes
• Puréed to make baba ganoush
• Added to curries
• Sautéed or stir-fried with vegetables and tofu
• Used as a meat substitute in some vegetarian dishes

The USDA's SNAP-Ed program notes that eggplant can be grilled, roasted, sautéed, baked, or stir-fried. One cup of cubed eggplant is also relatively low in calories and provides dietary fiber.

From Farm to Table

The journey of eggplant demonstrates how many steps are involved in bringing fresh produce to our tables. It begins with seeds planted in warm, fertile soil. Farmers care for the plants until the fruits reach the proper maturity, then carefully harvest, sort, pack, and transport them. Consumers complete the journey by selecting high-quality eggplants, storing them properly, and turning them into nutritious, flavorful meals.

Understanding where our food comes from can also help us appreciate the work involved in agriculture. The next time an eggplant is roasted, grilled, or baked into a favorite dish, it is worth remembering that its journey started long before it reached the kitchen.

References

Penn State Extension. (2024). Eggplant in the Garden and the Kitchen.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Home Garden Eggplant.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP-Ed. Eggplant: Seasonal Produce Guide.