National Johnny Appleseed Day

John Chapman (September 26, 1774 – March 18, 1845), called Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as the northern counties of present-day West Virginia. He became an American legend while still alive, due to his kind, generous ways, his leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance he attributed to apples.

The Story of Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed, Wikipedia 

National Oatmeal-Nut Waffle Day

Ingredients
Waffles
1 cup whole-wheat flour
½ cup quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ cup unsalted pecans, chopped
2 large eggs, separated
1½ cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Fruit Topping
2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon powdered sugar

All berries may be substituted with frozen, thawed

Directions

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. Combine flour, oats, baking powder, sugar, and pecans in a large bowl.
3. Combine egg yolks, milk, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl, and mix well.
4. Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir together. Do not overmix; the mixture should be a bit lumpy.
5. Whip egg whites to medium peaks. Gently fold egg whites into batter.
6. Pour batter into preheated waffle iron, and cook until the waffle iron light signals it’s done or steam stops coming out of the iron. A waffle is perfect when it is crisp and well-browned on the outside with a moist, light, airy and fluffy inside. (Or make pancakes.)
7. Add fresh fruit and a light dusting of powdered sugar to each waffle, and serve.

Tip: For pancakes, do not separate eggs. Mix whole eggs with milk and oil, and eliminate steps 4 and 5.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size:
3 small (2-inch) or 1 large (6-inch) waffle (depending on waffle iron size)
Calories 340
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 107 mg
Sodium 331 mg
Total Fiber 9 g
Protein 14 g
Carbohydrates 50 g
Potassium 369 mg

Celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day and Dietetic Techician, Registered

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day and Dietetic Technician Registered Day were created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to increase the awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists as indispensable food and nutrition services providers. 

Acknowledge the Contributions and Celebrate the Dedication of the RDN & NDTR, who help people and communities achieve a healthy lifestyle through food and nutrition. 

Congratulations, RDNs! 

What I do as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist… I design recipes and menus with nutritional analysis for newspapers, magazines, and cookbook publishers. For over 40 years, I’ve loved being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

History

Embrace the Unusual: The Hidden Gem of Ugly Produce

 Don’t Judge Produce by Its Cover: Nutritious, Delicious, and Beautifully Unique

When you think of fresh produce, you likely picture pristine, uniform fruits and vegetables displayed neatly at the grocery store. But have you ever considered the fate of those that don’t meet these strict aesthetic standards? Enter ugly produce—a term that challenges our perception of beauty in food while addressing a major issue: food waste.

What is Ugly Produce?

Definition:
Ugly produce refers to fruits and vegetables deemed cosmetically imperfect due to irregular shapes, discoloration, blemishes, or scarring. While they may not look perfect, they are just as nutritious and delicious as their traditionally “ideal” counterparts.

Reasons for "Ugliness":

• Shape: Misshapen, asymmetrical, or odd-looking produce.

• Scarring: Natural surface blemishes or growth marks.

• Discoloration: Unusual or uneven color variations.

Some common examples of ugly produce include:
🍅 Lumpy tomatoes
🍑 Misshapen peaches
🥕 Twisted carrots
🍠 Triple sweet potatoes
🍓 Oddly shaped strawberries

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The Hidden Nutritional Value

Looks can be deceiving! Ugly produce is just as nutrient-rich as “perfect” produce, containing the same vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Their appearance does not impact their taste or health benefits in any way. In fact, some argue that these less uniform fruits and vegetables may even be tastier due to their natural growth patterns.

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The Ugly Truth About Food Waste

Did you know that up to 20% of fruits and vegetables are discarded because they don’t meet cosmetic standards? This leads to millions of pounds of edible food being wasted each year. Food waste is a significant environmental issue, contributing to excessive land, water, and energy use, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions.

By embracing ugly produce, we can:

• Reduce food waste and lessen its environmental impact.

• Support farmers by giving them a market for all their crops.

• Make fresh produce more affordable by purchasing discounted imperfect fruits and vegetables.

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The Ugly Produce Movement

The ugly produce movement aims to rescue and redistribute fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be discarded. Many companies and initiatives have emerged to make these products accessible to consumers while promoting sustainable practices.

Companies Leading the Way:

• Imperfect Foods

• Misfits Market

• Hungry Harvest

These companies specialize in sourcing imperfect produce directly from farms and delivering it to consumers, often through subscription boxes. By purchasing from them, consumers help reduce waste while enjoying fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables.

Benefits of the Ugly Produce Movement:

✔️ Reduced Food Waste: Less discarded produce means a smaller carbon footprint.
✔️ Sustainable Practices: Many ugly produce suppliers work directly with farmers and use minimal packaging.
✔️ Affordable Produce: Ugly produce is often sold at lower prices, making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible.

Criticisms and Considerations:

While the movement has many benefits, some critics argue that not all ugly produce should be redirected to consumers. Some may be better suited for animal feed, composting, or processing into other food products like sauces or juices. A holistic approach to food waste would incorporate all these solutions.

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Embrace the Beauty of Imperfection

Next time you shop for produce, consider giving ugly fruits and vegetables a chance. Whether it’s a knobby carrot, a curvy eggplant, or a perfectly imperfect peach, each one is a testament to nature’s diversity. By supporting the ugly produce movement, you’re making a sustainable choice and discovering some of the most delicious, unique, and affordable foods available.

Let’s redefine beauty in food—one oddly shaped vegetable at a time! 

Meatballs Around the World: A Global Comfort Food

Meatballs are a beloved dish found in cultures worldwide, each with its own unique twist. Whether served with pasta, rice, or sauce, these flavorful bites bring comfort and tradition to the table. From Italy to Sweden, Asia to the Middle East, let’s explore the delicious variety of meatballs enjoyed across the globe.

 

Meatball Nutrition

A Classic Dish with Endless Variations

At their core, meatballs are made by mixing ground meat, breadcrumbs, minced onion, eggs, butter, and seasonings, shaping them into balls, and cooking them by frying, baking, steaming, or braising. While many meatballs are made with beef, pork, chicken, fish, or even game meats, plant-based options using lentils, mushrooms, or chickpeas are also popular for a vegetarian twist.

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Meatballs from Around the World

Italian Meatballs (Polpette) – These rich, herby meatballs are often served in a hearty tomato sauce with pasta or crusty bread. Unlike American-style meatballs, Italian polpette are sometimes eaten as a standalone dish rather than over spaghetti.

Swedish Meatballs – Made with a blend of pork and beef, these tender meatballs are served in a creamy, savory gravy with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes. They’re a staple of Nordic cuisine and are famously found in IKEA cafés worldwide!

Turkish Köfte – These spiced, grilled, or pan-fried meatballs are a street food favorite in Turkey. They're often made with lamb or beef and served with rice, pita, or yogurt sauce.

Lion’s Head Meatballs – A Chinese delicacy, these oversized, tender pork meatballs are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth and served with steamed bok choy.

Indian Malai Kofta – Unlike traditional meat-based meatballs, malai kofta is a vegetarian delight made with paneer (Indian cheese) and potatoes and served in a rich, spiced tomato-cream sauce.

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Serving Meatballs in Different Ways

Meatballs can be served in countless ways:
🍝 Over pasta with a rich tomato or creamy sauce.
🍛 With rice or flatbread, accompanied by flavorful spices.
🥣 In soups or broths, adding depth and texture.
🥪 In a sandwich or sub, packed with melted cheese.

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A Dish That Stands the Test of Time

With a history that spans centuries, meatballs remain a staple in kitchens worldwide. Whether you're enjoying a plate of Italian polpette, Swedish köttbullar, or Turkish köfte, meatballs showcase the beauty of cultural diversity and how food connects us all.

Next time you’re in the kitchen, why not try making your own version of meatballs inspired by flavors from around the world? 

Recipes
Healthy Meatball recipes, EatingWell

International Women's Day

"Each year, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark women's economic, political, and social achievements. Organizations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations, and the media celebrate the day. Many groups worldwide choose different themes each year that are relevant to global and local gender issues.

2026 Theme:  “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, calls for action to dismantle all barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls."

Imagine a gender-equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together, we can forge women's equality.
Collectively, we can all #BreakTheBias.
Celebrate women's achievements. Raise awareness against bias. 

International Women’s Day