Specializing in nutrition analysis, recipe, and menu development.
Every year, I look forward to our Mango tree harvest. Family and friends come together to help pick the mangoes. This year, our tree was overflowing with mangoes. I tried a few new recipes and old favorites.
8-ounce Mango equals 136 Calories, 1g Fat, 34g Carbohydrates, 30g Total Sugars, 2g Protein, 2 mg Sodium, 4g Dietary Fiber.
1/2 cup Mango pieces equals 50 Calories, 12g Carbohydrates, 11g Total Sugars, 1g Protein, 1 mg Sodium, 1g Dietary Fiber.
Cucumbers are a popular vegetable known for their refreshing taste and crunchy texture. They belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes other plants like melons, squash, and pumpkins.
Here are some key facts about cucumbers:
Varieties: There are three main cucumber types: slicing, seedless, and pickling. Slicing cucumbers are typically larger with thicker skin, while pickling cucumbers are smaller and have thinner skin, making them ideal for pickling.
Nutritional Value: Cucumbers are low in calories and rich in water content, making them a hydrating vegetable. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, potassium, and manganese. The skin of the cucumber contains most of the nutrients, so consuming it unpeeled is beneficial.
Health Benefits: Cucumbers offer several health benefits. They are known for their hydrating properties and can help maintain proper hydration, promoting healthy skin. Cucumbers also contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and may contribute to overall heart health. Additionally, their high water and fiber content can aid in digestion.
Culinary Uses: Cucumbers are versatile and can be used in a variety of culinary preparations. They are commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and wraps to add crunch and freshness. Cucumbers can also be juiced, pickled, or used to make refreshing summer drinks, such as cucumber-infused water or cucumber lemonade.
Growing Conditions: Cucumbers thrive in warm climates and require plenty of sunlight. They can be grown in gardens or containers with adequate support for their vine-like growth. Cucumbers are a popular choice for home gardening due to their relatively easy cultivation.
Harvesting: Cucumbers are typically harvested when they are firm, crisp, and have reached their desired size. It's important to regularly harvest cucumbers to encourage continued fruit production. Overripe cucumbers can become bitter and less enjoyable to eat.
Storage: Cucumbers are best stored in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness and freshness. If not consumed immediately, they can be wrapped in a plastic bag or stored in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss.
Start your herb garden today and watch the magic unfold.
There’s something truly special about growing your own herbs. It’s more than just having fresh basil for your pasta or mint for your tea—an herb garden is an invitation to slow down, savor, and connect with your food in a hands-on, meaningful way.
Whether you have a spacious backyard or just a sunny windowsill, starting an herb garden is easy, rewarding, and surprisingly transformative.
Why Grow Your Own Herbs?
Freshness: Nothing beats the vibrant flavor of herbs
picked just minutes before using them.
Cost-Effective: A small investment in seeds or starter plants saves money in the long run compared to buying bundles at the store.
Sustainability: Growing your own reduces packaging waste and the carbon footprint tied to shipping fresh herbs to supermarkets.
Connection to Nature: Tending to plants encourages mindfulness, patience, and a deeper appreciation for the food you eat.
Getting Started: The Basics
Choose Your Herbs Wisely:
Start with easy growers like basil, parsley, mint,
oregano, rosemary, and thyme. They’re hardy, versatile, and perfect for
beginners.
Pick the Right Spot:
Herbs love sunshine. Aim for a place that gets at least 6
hours of sunlight per day—whether it’s a garden bed, patio container, or
kitchen windowsill.
Soil and Water:
Well-draining soil is key. Herbs don’t like soggy roots.
Water consistently but don’t overdo it; most herbs prefer to dry out slightly
between waterings.
Harvesting Tips:
Regular harvesting encourages plants to grow fuller.
Pinch off the tops of herbs like basil to prevent them from flowering too soon.
From Soil to Plate: The Delicious Payoff
Plant Today, Savor Tomorrow
There’s magic in watching something you planted with your
own hands flourish into something you can taste, smell, and enjoy. Start your
herb garden today—small or large—and you’ll see how easily a little bit of
green can turn into a whole lot of joy.
Older Americans Month
 Arthritis Awareness Month Better Hearing & Speech Month Lupus Awareness Month Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month National Celiac Disease Awareness Month  National Stroke Awareness Month Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month National Physical Fitness and Sports Month National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month National High Blood Pressure Education Month National Family Month May Food Events  |
National Seed Swap Day is a special event for gardening enthusiasts, celebrated on the last Saturday of January each year. This day is dedicated to the practice of seed swapping, which is both an ancient tradition and a practical way to share and preserve diverse plant species. Here's an overview of its history and traditions:
History
