Thursday, May 30, 2024

Vinegar Vibes: Unlocking the Magic in the Kitchen

Vinegar Vibes: Unlocking the Magic in the Kitchen





Vinegar has been around for more than 10,000 years. The Babylonians used it as a preservative and condiment, and they began flavoring it with herbs. Romans used it as a beverage. Hippocrates proclaimed its medicinal qualities, and it was probably one of our earliest remedies. The Bible references show how it was used for its soothing and healing properties. As recently as World War I, vinegar was used to treat wounds. Today, research is being done to lower the glycemic index of foods and decrease appetite.

Vinegar is an acidic liquid produced from ethanol fermentation in a process that yields acetic acid (ethanoic acid). It also may come in a diluted form. The acetic acid concentration usually ranges from 4% to 8% by volume for table vinegar and up to 18% for pickling. 



Vinegar, as defined by the FDA
CPG Sec. 525.825 Vinegar, Definitions

No standards of identity for vinegar have been established under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. However, the FDA has established "Compliance Policy Guides" that the Agency follows regarding the labeling of vinegar, such as cider, wine, malt, sugar, spirit, and vinegar blends. In other countries, there are regional standards for vinegar produced or sold in that part of the world.

POLICY:
Historically, definitions have been developed for different types or combinations of vinegars. The United States FDA requires that any " vinegar " product contain at least 4% acidity. This requirement ensures the minimum strength of vinegar sold at the retail level.

FDA considers the following to be satisfactory guidelines for labeling vinegar: Natural vinegar, as it comes from the generators, typically contains more than 4 grams of acetic acid per 100 mL. When vinegar is diluted with water, the label must bear a statement such as diluted with water to _______ percent acid strength", with the blank filled with the actual percent of acetic acid - in no case should it be less than 4 percent. Each of the varieties of vinegar listed below should contain 4 grams of acetic acid per 100 mL.

VINEGAR:

VINEGAR, CIDER VINEGAR, APPLE VINEGAR. The product is made from alcoholic and subsequent acetous fermentations of apple juice.

WINE VINEGAR, GRAPE VINEGAR. The product is made from the alcoholic and subsequent acetous fermentations of the grape juice.

MALT VINEGAR. The product made by the alcoholic and subsequent acetous fermentations, without distillation, of an infusion of barley malt or cereals whose starch has been converted by the malt.

SUGAR VINEGAR. The product is made by the alcoholic and subsequent acetous fermentations of sugar syrup, molasses, or refiner's syrup.

GLUCOSE VINEGAR. This dextrorotatory product is made by the alcoholic and subsequent acetous fermentations of a glucose solution.

SPIRIT VINEGAR, DISTILLED VINEGAR, GRAIN VINEGAR. The product is made by the acetous fermentation of dilute distilled alcohol.

VINEGAR IS MADE FROM A MIXTURE OF SPIRIT VINEGAR AND CIDER VINEGAR. The product should be labeled as a blend of the products with the product names in order of predominance. This labeling applies to a similar product made by acetous fermentation of a mixture of alcohol and cider stock.

VINEGAR IS MADE FROM DRIED APPLES, APPLE CORES, OR APPLE PEELS. Vinegar made from dried apples, apple cores, or apple peels should be labeled as "vinegar made from ______," where the blank is filled in with the name of the apple product(s) used as the source of fermented material.

Cooking with Balsamic Vinegar

Below are some of the uses found on the Internet. Many have yet to be tested or researched, making recommendations difficult.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work?

Food Preparation

 1. Soak fish in vinegar and water before cooking it. It will be sweeter, more tender, and hold its shape better. When boiling or poaching fish, a tablespoon of vinegar added to the water will keep it from crumbling so quickly.

 2. Vinegar is used in pickling, vinaigrettes, marinades, mustard, ketchup, and mayonnaise.  

 3. When boiling an egg and it's cracked, a little vinegar in the water will keep the white from running out. (Forget this one. If the egg is broken, throw it out.)

 4. A teaspoon of white distilled or cider vinegar added to the water in which you boil potatoes will keep them nice and white. You can keep peeled potatoes from turning dark by covering them with water and adding 2 teaspoons of vinegar. 

 5. Freshen up slightly wilted vegetables by soaking them in cold water and vinegar. 

 6. Fruits and vegetables. Add 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar to 1-pint water and use to wash fresh fruits and vegetables, then rinse thoroughly. This is supposed to help kill bacteria in fruits and vegetables. 

 7. Flavor Enhancer. To enhance the flavor of soup, gravy, or sauce, add your favorite specialty vinegar.

 8. Use as a meat tenderizer for tough meat or game.

 9. Simmer a small vinegar and water solution to eliminate unwanted cooking smells.

10. Rice will be fluffier and less sticky if you add a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar to the boiling water before adding the rice.

11. Remove fruit stains from your hands by cleaning them with vinegar.

12. Remove heavy, stale smells from lunch boxes by dampening a piece of fresh bread with white distilled vinegar and leaving it in the lunch box overnight.


Cleaning

 1. White vinegar is often used as a household cleaning product. The acidity is said to dissolve mineral deposits from glass, coffee makers, and other smooth surfaces. Dilution with water is recommended for safety and to avoid damaging the surfaces being cleaned.

 2. Vinegar can be used for polishing brass or bronze.

 3. Vinegar has been marketed as a green solution for some household cleaning problems, such as an eco-friendly urine cleaner for pets and as a weed killer.

Medical

 1. Experts advise against using vinegar preparations for treating wounds. 

 2. Acetic acid solutions were ineffective at inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli, group D Enterococcus, or Bacteroides fragilis bacteria and only slightly effective at inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.

 3. Experts caution against using vinegar as a household disinfectant against human pathogens because chemical disinfectants are more effective. 

 4. Undiluted vinegar may be used effectively for cleaning dentures; unlike bleach solutions, vinegar residues left on dentures were not associated with mucosal damage.

 5. Vinegar is commonly recommended for treating nail fungus, head lice, and warts; however, scientific support for these treatment strategies is lacking.

 6. Vinegar may reduce hunger by reducing the meal-time glycemic load. 

 7. The use of vinegar in controlling blood sugar as an adjunct therapy for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes has yet to be determined.


Additional uses and tips can be found at the Vinegar Institute.


Fat-free vinaigrette Recipes are easy to prepare and can be used as marinades, salad dressings, or sauces.   

Oriental Vinaigrette, Yield: 1 cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
1 clove garlic, cut into several pieces
1 cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)
1 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 slice of fresh ginger, cut into several pieces
Combine all ingredients, stirring well. Let stand for 45 minutes. Strain dressing. Discard ginger and garlic (or use them in food preparation later).


Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, Yield: 1 cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons capers
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1½ teaspoons dried basil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Combine the ingredients. Adjust vinegar to taste. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator.


Chili-Cilantro Vinaigrette Dressing, Yield: ¾ cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
1 small green chili, diced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup water
¼ cup fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic
pinch, artificial sweetener
freshly ground pepper to taste
Place all of the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.


Citrus Herb Vinaigrette Dressing, Yield: 1½ cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
½ medium-sized red bell pepper,
2 medium tomatoes, diced
½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup fresh orange juice
½ cup loosely packed fresh parsley
¼ cup raspberry vinegar
1 Tablespoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons fresh tarragon
2 teaspoons fresh oregano
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until pureed. Makes approximately 1½ cups


Indian Vinaigrette Dressing, Yield: ¼ cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
¼ cup orange juice
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon chopped cilantro
½ teaspoon prepared hot mustard
Put all ingredients in a small bowl and stir. Let sit for about 10 minutes.


Orange and Lemon Vinaigrette, Yield: 1 cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
½ cup wine vinegar
4 Tablespoons lemon juice
4 Tablespoons orange juice
grated rind of 1 lemon
½ teaspoon French mustard
pinch garlic
ground black pepper to taste
Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Store in the fridge and use within 2 days.


Orange Thai Vinaigrette Dressing, Yield: ½ cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
5 Tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 Tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup rice vinegar
pinch of cayenne
Whisk together all ingredients with a fork.


Parsley-Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing, Yield: ¾ cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
¼ cup tomato juice (low sodium)
Pinch of cayenne pepper
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon oregano, fresh
1 Tablespoon onion, minced
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup parsley chopped fresh
½ cup tomatoes, chopped, fresh
1 garlic clove, minced
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth.


Red Pepper Vinaigrette, Yield: ½ cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
¼ cup apple juice
¼ cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons white onion
1 cloves garlic, pressed
Pinches of rosemary and thyme
½ teaspoon dried whole oregano
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ of a roasted red bell pepper
Mix in a blender. Blend thoroughly and chill overnight.


Tomato Vinaigrette, Yield: ½ cup; Serving Size: Unlimited
½ cup tomato, chopped
2 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Mix in a blender. Blend thoroughly and chill overnight. Lasts about 2 days. Serve on salads.

Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated: Beat the Heat! - Heat Safety Awareness Day

Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated: Beat the Heat!





Heat Safety Awareness Day
Resources.
1. National Weather Service
2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hydrate Right

Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. Heat-related illnesses may occur when the body’s temperature rises too quickly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration, excessive urination, or sweating.

Heat-related illnesses can range from cramps to heat exhaustion to heatstroke. Heatstroke can result in death and requires immediate medical attention.


At-Risk

Factors or conditions making some individuals more susceptible to heat-related illnesses include older adults, young children, physically disabled, excessive body weight, fever, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, prescription medication, alcohol use, and sunburn.



Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Our body needs water to keep cool. Persons who are on fluid restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Limit caffeinated beverages and do not drink alcoholic beverages. 

Staying hydrated is important, especially when the temperature rises or during increased physical activity. Try these easy ways to increase your fluid intake:

1. Carry a reusable water bottle. Keep it full.
2. Add flavor to your water, such as slices of lemon, lime, cucumber or strawberries. Herbal ice teas can be a great way to increase fluids.
3. Eat fruit or popsicles. You can get fluids from the foods you eat. Watermelon and cantaloupe have high water content. A 100% fruit juice pop provides fluids and is refreshing on a hot day.
4. Plan ahead. If you are going to be outside at a picnic or ball game, make sure to pack plenty of fluids.


Never Leave Children, Disabled Individuals
or Pets in Parked Vehicles

Each year children and pets left in parked cars die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition occurring when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Studies have shown temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.

 

PBSO demonstrates dangers of heat inside a car




Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Learn About Composting Day

Composting Basics


Why Should You Compost?

Composting not only benefits the environment by breaking down organic materials and transforming them into rich, fertilizing soil… composting is also:
  • When you invest a little time learning to compost, it’s all yours, for free.
  • Fun for the children. 
  • Composting reduces household trash. 
  • It’s hard to mess up.


Basic Supplies Needed for Composting

You’ll need a pail for the kitchen to collect scraps, a composting bin (if you’re using one), or a spot in the yard for a pile.

Worm Composter

Some people choose to use earthworms to help speed up the composting process in a worm composting bin. This is done by adding kitchen scraps, dried leaves, etc., and allowing the worms to digest the organic material as it passes through their bodies while they move around.

If you have a compost pile in the yard, earthworms will usually find their way to it naturally.

Composting Tumbler

A composting tumbler is a handy bin with a handle that you can turn by cranking the handle around. These are helpful for people with limited space, and they tend not to smell or attract insects.


How to Start Composting
  1. Pick a spot for your pail. Tell your family the plan. 
  2. Pick a spot for your pile or composting bin. You want it to be close enough to the house. 

What to Compost
Kitchen waste. Mainly produce trimmings 
Coffee grounds
Teabags
Grass clippings and Dead leaves
Straw
Sawdust
Garden waste

Do Not Compost the following:
Meat or bones
Leftovers that are not plant-based
Branches or stalks 
Garden waste treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizer
Weeds and Diseased plant material

Method for Composting
  1. Start collecting compostable material and add it to your pile.
  2. Empty your pail into the pile (or bin) daily. It’s the perfect chore for children.
  3. Turn your compost pile. Every month or so, grab your pitchfork or a shovel and mix your pile up a bit. Helps speed up the decomposition process and keeps away any unwanted pests. 
  4. When you don’t see any more recognizable scraps, the compost is ready to be used.
  5. Harvest your finished compost from the bottom of your pile (or bin) once or twice a year. Whatever is not ready put it back into the pile to continue breaking down.
  6. Spread finished compost on the garden beds or containers. 
Note: Do not bring fresh compost into the house since it may contain outside critters.

Potential Problems with Composting
  • Smell. If your pile starts to stink, just give it a quick turn and add some grass clippings or leaves if available.
  • Insects. Wash out the kitchen pail about every other day.
  • Animals. Use an animal-resistant bin or turn your pile more regularly.

How Long Does it Take to Compost?

Different organic materials take different lengths of time to transform into compost. Food scraps are quicker than twigs or sticks. Paper from coffee filters or tea bags takes longer than organic materials. The bottom of the pile or bin will transform first, so it is important to turn the pile monthly.

Composting as an accompaniment to gardening is a worthwhile routine and fun for the whole family.

National Senior Health and Fitness Day - "Living the Best Life: Ageless and Awesome!"


"Living the Best Life: Ageless and Awesome!"






Celebrate the annual National Senior Health and Fitness Day. The goal is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. National Senior Health and Fitness Day is the nation's largest annual health promotion event for older adults. 


Benefits of Getting Older

Global Aging

Shopping and nutrition tips
for senior citizens

from Elisa Zeid, MS, RD

Resource

National Hamburger Day
Fast Foods, Varieties, Recipes and Safety








There are many variations of the burger. This article looks at the nutrition information of Fast Food Burgers, varieties, recipes, and food safety.


The Fast Food Burger
Burger Love Handles is a song written by Don MacLeod about his personal battle with being overweight. The song focuses on the fast-food burger as one of his difficulties in losing weight.


Many fast food items are high in Fat, Cholesterol, Saturated Fat, and Sodium and are Risk Factors associated with Heart Disease. However, the informed customer can make healthier choices at fast-food restaurants. Below is the nutrition information of some Fast Food Hamburgers. Calories range from 140 for a White Castle Slyder to 1061 calories for a Burger King Cheeseburger, Double Whopper.



Burger Variations
The variations of burgers are constantly changing and expanding to meet our personal preferences, cultural differences, and/or nutritional needs.

A burger is not just a ground beef patty served on a bun with numerous extras, such as tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, onions, jalapeno, cheese, ketchup, mayo, mustard, relish - the list is endless. Today, you can prepare or order a burger made from just about any food you can ground up and serve on a bun.

Some of the ground beef alternatives include:
Beans
Tofu
Seitan
Turkey
Chicken
Veal
Pork
Lamb
Bison
Deer
Seafood

In addition, to the variations listed above, there are numerous variations based on the percent of fat in ground beef and ground poultry.



Recipes using Alternatives to Ground Beef
Click the recipe title to obtain a copy of the recipe.

Black Bean Burgers. courtesy Sandra Lee from Sandra's Money Saving Meals. This recipe is 302 Calories and 5 g Fat


Stuffed Turkey Burgers, Ellie Krieger, Show: Food Network Specials Episode. Calories 286 and 10 grams Fat.

Food Safety
Memorial Day is quickly approaching and many Americans will be using the Barbecue to prepare their favorite Burgers. It is extremely important to practice good food safety techniques.


US Dept of Agriculture experts are sharing advice
on food safety for barbecuing with
chefs from the US Army's "Grill Sergeants"

Monday, May 27, 2024

Watermelon Pizza

A refreshing fruit dessert made with watermelon. Topped with yogurt, your favorite berries, and mint. 

Watermelon Pizza


Ingredients
½ cup low-fat plain yogurt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
6 Watermelon wedges (about 1 inch thick), cut from the center of the melon
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1 tablespoon torn fresh mint leaves

Directions
1. Combine yogurt and vanilla in a small bowl.
2. Spread 1/4 cup yogurt mixture over each slice of watermelon. Cut each slice into 6 wedges. Top with raspberry, blueberries, and mint.


Sunday, May 26, 2024

Memorial Day Traditions and Safety



Memorial Day Foods


Memorial Day Weekend Food Safety








Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.  Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials of soldiers who lost their lives protecting our freedoms.  On Memorial Day the flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day. At 3 p.m. local time, a national moment of remembrance takes place.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season. Families gather together for a long weekend marked by barbecuing, fireworks, and trips to the beach. This is an important time to remember food safety practices.

USDA Joins Grill Sergeants For Safe BBQ Advice




Cherry Dessert Day - Celebrate Cherries and the Health Benefits

About seventy percent of the cherries produced in the United States come from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. There are two main types of cherries: sweet and sour. Sour cherries are lower in calories and higher in vitamin C and beta-carotene than sweet cherries.


From Tree to Table


Selection
Select firm, red cherries with stems attached. Avoid soft, shriveled, or blemished cherries. Good cherries should be large (one inch or more in diameter), glossy, plump, hard, and dark-colored for their variety. Avoid fruit that is bruised or has cuts on the dark surface.

How to Store
Refrigerate cherries for up to 10 days.

Nutrition Benefits
Fat-free; saturated fat-free; sodium free; cholesterol free; good source of vitamin C; good source of potassium.


Health Benefits

Cancer
Sweet cherries have several cancer-preventive components including fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. The potential role of sweet cherries in cancer prevention lies mostly in the anthocyanin content, especially in cyanidin. Sweet cherries are a good source of cyanidins, which appear to act as an antioxidant and may reduce cancer risk.


Cardiovascular Disease
Sweet cherries have been shown to have significant levels of anthocyanins as well as other pigments in perhaps smaller concentrations that together provide synergistic effects thought to be protective to heart and related vascular tissue

Diabetes
Researchers are interested in the role of anthocyanins in reducing insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. The lower glycemic response shown in relation to cherry consumption may be the result of glucose-lowering effects of cherry phytochemicals in combination with the fiber content of cherries.


Potassium
Sweet cherries are considered a good source of dietary potassium, with approximately 260 mg potassium for every cup of fresh cherries consumed. Adequate potassium intake has shown to reduce the risk for hypertension and stroke.

Quercetin
Sweet cherries also contain a small amount of quercetin. Quercetin is an antioxidant which may play a beneficial role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer.

Melatonin
Cherries are one plant food source of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that plays a role in promoting healthy sleep patterns.

Ease muscle soreness
Researchers believe tart cherries’ antioxidants protect against exercise-induced free radicals, which can lead to painful inflammation.

Gout
Cherries may help reduce the swelling, inflammation, and tenderness associated with gout. Research reveals eating about 2 cups fresh sweet Bing cherries daily lowered uric acid levels by 15%.


Recipes

1. Health, Health Benefits of Cherries
2. Better Homes and Gardens, Healthy Cherry Recipes
3. The Greatest Table: 5 Healthy Cherry Recipes from Around the Web