Blueberry Bliss: Fresh, Tasty, and Healthy

Blueberry Bliss: Fresh, Tasty, and Healthy

On May 8, 1999, Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture of the United States of America proclaimed the month of July as "National Blueberry Month".

Spotlight on Blueberries

Blueberry Facts.
Blueberries are a native North American fruit produced in 35 States.

Fresh blueberries are available for about eight months of the year from producers across the United States and Canada. North America is the world's leading blueberry producer. The North American harvest runs from mid-April through early October, with peak harvest in mid-May through August.

Blueberries can be found in the market all year round, along with frozen, canned and dried blueberries.

Blueberries are low in calories and sodium and are a good source of fiber.

Blueberries rank high in antioxidants that help protect against cancer, heart disease and other age-related diseases.

Researchers have found compounds in blueberries that may help prevent urinary tract infection.

Purchasing Blueberries
When purchasing fresh blueberries, look for firm, plump, dry berries with smooth skins and a silvery sheen. Check the color - reddish berries aren’t ripe but can be used in cooking. Avoid soft or shriveled fruit or any signs of mold. Containers with juice stains indicate that the fruit may be bruised.

Storing Blueberries
Refrigerate fresh blueberries as soon as you get them home, in their original plastic pack or in a covered bowl or storage container. Wash berries just before use. Use within 10 days of purchase.

Freezing Blueberries
Freeze unwashed and completely dry. Discard berries that are bruised or shriveled. Blueberries can be frozen in their original plastic pack or in resealable plastic or frozen bag or transferred to a freezer container. Remember to rinse them before using.

Serving Suggestions
*Add blueberries to your favorite muffin or pancake recipe.
*Combine blueberries with yogurt and granola cereal.*Sprinkle blueberries over mixed greens.
*Serve blueberries with sour cream, yogurt or cottage cheese.

Celebrating Blueberries
During the month of July, we enjoyed the sweet flavor of blueberries in various recipes. Below are some of the photographs taken to capture their versatility and beauty.

Recipe: Blueberry Smoothie

Recipe. Frozen Blueberry Yogurt (low fat)
with Fresh Blueberries 

Recipe. Blueberry Ices with Kiwi and Blueberries 

Recipe. Orange Sections and Fresh Blueberries 

Recipe. Blueberries with Vanilla Ice Cream (light),
Blueberry Ices and Frozen Blueberry Yogurt (low fat)

Recipe. Blueberry Crumb Ice Cream
with Fresh Blueberries 

Resources
North American Blueberry Council. NABC, The North American Blueberry Council
U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

June 14, Flag Day History and Snacks

Flag Day is celebrated every June 14 in remembrance of the adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777. The flag is a national symbol of patriotism and freedom. In 1775, the “Grand Union” flag, also known as the Continental Colors, was flown in the colonies.

Flag Recipes

Dessert Pizza with

Brie, Blueberries, and Strawberries

Yield: 3 servings

Serving Size: 1/3 crust

Ingredients

1 Pizza Crust, (7-inches)

1.5 oz Brie6 Strawberries

1/3 cup Blueberries

Nutrition Information

Blueberries, Watermelon, and Part-Skim Mozzarella

Egg Recipes from Around the World - Nutrition and Food Safety

History

National Egg Day's history is related to a poultry plague around 45 A.D. When the poultry and eggs were safe, the emperor issued a royal proclamation to the Roman people, dedicating the third day of June as the Holy Roman Day of Eggs.

Egg Recipes from Around the World

Recipes.
1. A Celebration of Egg Dishes from Around the World, Egg Farmers of Canada

2. Egg Recipes from Around the World. Skill Share

Vegetable Cheese Egg White Omelet

Egg Whites filled with Diced Tomatoes,
Zucchini and Feta Cheese

Ingredients
1 Egg White, cut in half
1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes
1/3 cup Diced Zucchini
1/3 ounce Feta Cheese

Let's Talk about Safely Handling

and Preparing Eggs

July Health, Nutrition, and Food Events

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. To view the entire Newsletter online click here.

July Featured Causes and Events

An Independence Day Tribute

July Health, Nutrition, and Food Events

National Baked Bean Month National Blueberry Month National Culinary Arts Month National Grilling Month National Horseradish Month National Hot Dog Month National Ice Cream Month      National Pickle Month National Picnic Month National Watermelon Month

Smart Irrigation Month Herbal/Prescription Interaction Awareness  International Group B Strep Awareness Month Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month Family Reunion Month National Make a Difference to Children Month National Recreation and Parks Month Sandwich Generation Month

Wellness News employs young adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com).

Prepared by 

http://www.dietitians-online.com/

http://www.weighing-success.com/

Wellness News (www.weighing-success.com/WellnessNews.html)

Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LD, FAND

Jake FrankJohn Gargiullo

Michelle Canazaro

Meatless Monday - History and Nutrition of Quinoa with Recipe

“Quinoa is considered to be the organic food of the future and holds great potential in efforts to eradicate poverty worldwide and provide global food security and nutrition.” United Nations.

Quinoa´s biodiversity and nutritional value play an important role in providing food security, nutrition, and the eradication of poverty. 

Quinoa is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain. Quinoa originated over 3,000 years ago in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. 

Quinoa Nutritional Information

Quinoa is high in protein, a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus, and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is also gluten-free.

Preparation. Quinoa has a natural bitter-tasting coating called saponins. Most quinoa sold commercially has been processed to remove this coating. However, the directions may require additional rinsing before cooking.

Quinoa can be added to a wide variety of dishes and substituted in recipes using rice or couscous. Quinoa flour can be used in wheat-free and gluten-free baking. To enhance the flavor, stock can be exchanged for water during cooking. Quinoa also can provide a nutritious breakfast with the addition of honey, nuts or fruits.

Quinoa with Berries

Ingredients
1/2 cup Quinoa Salad, prepared
1/2 cup Blueberries and Raspberries

Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 35 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: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com. www.dietitians-online.com

Whole Grain Waffle, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Strawberries, & Blueberries

Whole Grain Waffle, Crunchy Peanut Butter, Strawberries, & Blueberries

July Wellness News and Events

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 up-dated daily and includes weekly and daily events. To view the entire Newsletter online click here or subscribe to Wellness News by adding your email address to the link on the left.

July 2011 Featured Causes and Events

An Independence Day Tribute

 

 

National Blueberries Month

The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) is a non-profit agricultural association representing cultivated blueberry growers and marketers in the United State and Canada. The NABC as established in 1965 and its members currently represent approximately 70% of the North American cultivated blueberry crop

National Ice Cream Month.  In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. 

The International Ice Cream Association (IICA) encourages retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. In 2011, National Ice Cream Day will be Sunday, July 17th.

National Recreation and Parks Month

NRPA encourages recreation facilities and parks across the country to kick-off summer programs, promote outdoor physical recreation, and pull together volunteers to make their outdoor space a thriving center of community activity.

This year’s theme is “Rock Your Park.” NRPA is encouraging members, agencies, and citizens to plan events and initiatives that remind local decision makers and the community of the exciting and vital role parks and recreation play in the lives of Americans.

National Grilling Month

Grilling is applying food directly to the heat and flame of a grill. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has prepared a fact sheet on Grilling and Food Safety. Armed with the fact sheet, you can enjoy many delicious, healthy and safe meals.

July 17th - 20th, 2011 Florida Dietetic Association Annual Symposium: Nutrition Experts “Making a Difference”

The Florida Dietetic Association Board, Executive Director and headquarters staff are proud to extend an invitation to attend the 76th annual symposium at the Hyatt Regency
Bonaventure. 

The FDA annual symposium is always planned with an eye for emerging trends, understanding controversies, and offering a wide-spectrum of educational opportunities. This year there is over 30 educational sessions, including the “Great Vitamin D Debate”, biochemistry of protein to informatics, wound healing, feeding kids, and the latest on dietary guidelines and trends. There will be 80+ vendors providing valuable information and exciting new products.

Join us as we gather in southeast Florida for  diverse educational sessions lead by nationally-recognized speakers in a setting that offers the best of what Florida has to offer.

National Recreation and Parks Month UV Safety Month Cell Phone Courtesy Month Herbal/Prescription Interaction Awareness Month International Group B Strep Awareness Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month Family Reunion Month National Make a Difference to Children Social Wellness Month National Wheelchair Beautification

National Baked Bean Month National Blueberry Month National Culinary Arts Month National Grilling Month National Horseradish Month National Hot Dog Month National Ice Cream Month National Pickle Month National Picnic Month Sandwich Generation Month Smart Irrigation Month

Wellness News employs young adults with "Special Needs" (Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy). Please visit our Gallery to purchase photographs of our Food Art with the proceeds going to special need young adults. Contact Dr. Sandra Frank for additional information (recipenews@gmail.com).

Prepared by
http://www.dietitians-online.com/
http://www.weighing-success.com/
Wellness News (www.weighing-success.com/WellnessNews.html)
http://www.wheelchair-connection.com/
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LDN
Jake Frank
Lance Li

Jonathan Cruz

July Wellness News and Events

July Featured Causes and Events


God bless the USA
Independence Day Tribute

 

National Blueberries Month

The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) is a non-profit agricultural association representing cultivated blueberry growers and marketers in the United State and Canada. The NABC as established in 1965 and its members currently represent approximately 70% of the North American cultivated blueberry crop

National Ice Cream Month

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation's population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."

The International Ice Cream Association (IICA) encourages retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. In 2010, National Ice Cream Day will be Sunday, July 18.

National Recreation and Parks Month

NRPA encourages recreation facilities and parks across the country to kick-off summer programs, promote outdoor physical recreation, and pull together volunteers to make their outdoor space a thriving center of community activity.

This year’s theme is “Celebrate, Advocate, Recreate!” NRPA is encouraging members, agencies, and citizens to plan events and initiatives that remind local decision makers and the community of the exciting and vital role that parks and recreation play in the lives of Americans.

National Grilling Month

Grilling is applying food directly to the heat and flame of a grill. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has prepared a fact sheet on Grilling and Food Safety. Armed with the fact sheet, you can enjoy many delicious, healthy and safe meals.

UV Safety Month

Fireworks Safety Month

Cell Phone Courtesy Month

National Make A Difference to Children Month

Social Wellness Month

National Wheelchair Beautification Month

Smart Irrigation Month

Baked Bean Month

Family Reunion Month

National Culinary Arts Month

National Horseradish Month

National Hot Dog Month

National Veggie Hot Dog Month

National Recreation and Parks Month

Sandwich Generation Month