Welcome to the last few weeks of winter! We wanted to let you know about the changes you’ll be seeing in your produce over the next couple of weeks.
It’s time to say goodbye some of the world’s best citrus. The Rio Start Grapefruits are now in their last couple of weeks for the season. These are our absolute favorite kinds of grapefruits, so get your hands on some now before their gone. Navel oranges will soon be making their exit too. But, that only means Valencia oranges are just around the corner. Much like a light bulb burning brightest before it goes out, Navel oranges are at their sweetest at the end of the season.
Thought we’re sad to see the end of citrus, but when citrus is gone that only means one thing… IT’S BERRY SEASON!! Strawberries, and Raspberries, and Blackberries, and Blueberries!! There’s no peeling, no cutting, just pop ‘em in your mouth and savor the sweet sweet flavors of the season. We can’t wait!
The spring will also bring an onslaught of veggies with it to! Pretty soon we’ll have Asparagus, Artichokes, Green Onions, Radishes, Spinach and Fresh Herbs. But, most of all, the number one thing that we are super-duper-doin’-back-flips-for-excited is… (wait for it) LOCAL PRODUCE!! Nothing is qutie as delicious as supporting local organic farmers with a meal featuring local organic produce!
There’s a Youtube video (you can watch the video at the bottom of this post) of a woman peeling, what she calls plastic, off of her romaine lettuce. While the video hasn’t gone full on viral yet, we have received some questions about what is being peeled off. So, we thought it best offer an answer.
What is being peeled off is NOT plastic. It’s called ‘epidermal peel’ (because you can peel it off!). Almost all lettuce grown this time of year is grown in the southwest United States. The days are sunny and warm, but the nights get really, really cold! So cold in fact, the mercury often dips below freezing. One of the results of lettuce’s exposure to the cold, is epidermal peel. Think of it as being similar to chapped lips. The cold damages the outer layer of the leaf and that layer beings to peel away from the rest of the leaf (that’s actually why it’s called epidermal peel). Epidermal peel might not look that pretty, but it is totally safe to eat and does not impact the flavor of your lettuce at all. Check out the other video posted here, that shows an urban farmer and the epidermal peel her greens are experiencing.
Heart health has become more and more important to us as we hear the alarming statistics that are out there or find ourselves reassessing our lifestyle in order to make better choices and decisions. Food can comfort and aid us in our efforts to enhance our health. Here I’ve utilized some of the most highly recommended foods in new and delicious combinations that will keep your heart and your tastebuds happy.
Breakfast is the best time to start the day with smart and tasty decisions. My Blueberry Banana Oatmeal is just the thing. The oatmeal is packed with Omega-3s and fiber. Blueberries add their own heart-protective antioxidants in the form of carotenoids. Feel free to substitute almonds or walnuts for their high fiber and heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats. Pouring in soy milk will also add another set of antioxidants that protect blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and aid in reducing LDL or “bad” cholesterol, as well as incorporating calcium.
Salmon is the highlight of the Spiced Salmon and Spinach with Brown Rice, with its high level of Omega-3 fatty acids. These help to boost the immune system, reduce blood clots, and protect against heart attacks. They also increase good HDL levels, lower triglyceride levels, protect arteries from plaque buildup, are anti-inflammatories, and lower blood pressure. Wow, all that in one tasty fish! I’ve paired it with spinach and brown rice, both well known for their high levels of B-complex vitamins, magnesium and fiber.
Perhaps you’ve decided another healthy lifestyle choice is to include more vegetable based meals or you need a new idea for Meatless Mondays. The Yam and Black Bean Mole Enchiladas are a savory option. Sub in sweet potatoes for the yams and for their Beta-carotene and fiber. The black beans are no slouch in the fiber department and also have Omega-3’s and calcium.
Taking a step forward in our quest for health and well being can be tasty and comforting. Keep in mind the various foods that can enhance your heart health and try to incorporate them throughout your meals to your hearts delight. And it doesn’t hurt that they all taste great too.
Welcome to the last few weeks of winter! We wanted to let you know about the changes you’ll be seeing in your produce over the next couple of weeks.
