Posted by mturcotte on Dec 1, 2023 in fruits and vegetables, in season | 0 comments
While many types of fresh fruits and vegetables are out of season during winter time, there are some very nutritious choices including winter squash, pears, apples, navel oranges, sweet potatoes, sweet bell peppers and grapefruit. Wondering about winter squash? There are several types: butternut, Hubbard, turban, acorn and banana – and any of these can be used in recipes calling for winter squash. Winter squashes can be a tasty and filling treat, are great in casseroles, pies, soups, or mixed with grains and beans and are actually more...
read morePosted by mturcotte on Nov 10, 2023 in fruits and vegetables, recipes | 0 comments
Mighty Beets are Back… Have you ever bought fresh beets? Beets are back ‘in-style’ and add much more to your plate than vivid color. If you have not heard about the health benefits of beets, keep reading…not a fan? Well, maybe that’s because you’ve never tried this hearty root vegetable FRESH. Try ’em the grown-up way (uncanned) and get ready to love a food you never thought you’d like. It’s easy to love fresh beets, and not just for their nutritional advantages. While we often think of...
read morePosted by mturcotte on Sep 27, 2023 in fruits and vegetables, in season | 0 comments
In case you missed the chill in the air, the abundance of seasonal autumn produce – crisp apples, colorful squash, and pears should tell you that winter is just around the corner. Why pears? Why now? They are a truly versatile, luscious, flavorful and healthful fall fruit. Most North American pears are grown in Oregon and Washington. Though you can find some variety from August through May as some type is harvested year-round, true ‘pear season’ begins in September/October. That is when they are most abundantly available,...
read morePosted by mturcotte on Sep 9, 2023 in fruits and vegetables, recipes | 0 comments
This fresh vegetable-forward summer squash recipe is reminiscent of the south of France with the addition of Herbes de Provence, an herb blend that typically includes dried basil, fennel seed, marjoram, rosemary, sage and thyme. If unavailable, you can substitute 1-2 tsp of these herbs instead. Ingredients: 2 tsp. olive oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 large zucchini, cut into 1-inch cubes 1 large yellow squash, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 garlic cloves, finely minced 1 tsp. Herbes de Provence 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Salt and fresh ground...
read morePosted by mturcotte on Aug 30, 2023 in fruits and vegetables, healthy living | 0 comments
Onions are chock-full of healthy nutrients and plant chemicals, phytochemicals, that promote health and fight disease. One specific phytochemical group are polyphenols which contain a sub-group known as flavonoids. A specific flavonoid, quercetin, is among the most widely occurring polyphenols in nature. Onion is known to have the highest quantity of quercetin. Quercetin has anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, and anti-viral properties. The molecule can cross the blood-brain barrier, (BBB) to protect against...
read morePosted by mturcotte on Aug 24, 2023 in eat smart, food facts, in season | 0 comments
Hearty, robust herbs offer more flavor than their delicate counterparts. They are versatile yet distinctive. Herbs, robust and delicate, add flavor and depth to everything from beverages to soups and stews. Salt-free, they have additional health benefits and contain substances that act as antioxidants and fight inflammation. Experiment with fresh and dried herbs. Cilantro – AKA coriander. Slightly minty, fresh flavor. The root is more intensely flavored. Use in Mexican dishes and with veggies such as peppers, zucchini, yellow squash,...
read more