Tracy IsemingerHealthy eating affects you in many ways, and its benefits go way beyond weight loss and glowing skin. Eating the right foods can actually also improve your brain health and boost brain power. Interesting right? Keep …
Currants #KnowYourFruitsandVeggies
Cindy's Recipes and WritingsCurrants pack a lot of nutrition into those tiny red berries. These red jewels are high in fiber, Vitamin C. Vitamin B, zinc, magnesium, iron and potassium. Currants are eaten whole as fresh fruit or …
It’s a Fingerling Thing #KnowYourFruitsandVeggies
Fingerling potatoes grow short and small, resembling fingers. These potatoes are variants of different species found throughout the world. Fingerlings are harvested as full size potatoes. They are not the same as new potatoes or …
Watermelon- Knows Your Fruits and Veggies
Summer is just around the corner. There is one fruit that signifies this season more than any other around here. Watermelon of course! You can get watermelon all year the same way you can get …
Chayote Squash Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Chayote squash is native to Mexico and parts of Central America. Many cultures call Chayote, “vegetable pear” in honor of its shape. This light green squash can be served raw, fried, mashed, with skins or …
Ramps Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Ramps are a spring thing. These wild growing cousins of leeks, onions and garlic appear for a short time. What makes them even more in demand is they need to be foraged. Ramps are only …
Mango Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Mangoes are said to be the most consumed fruit worldwide. One cup of contains 100 calories, 1 gram protein, 0.5 grams fat, 25 grams of carbohydrate (23 grams of sugar and 3 grams of fiber), …
Nectarines Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Nectarines are the smooth-skinned cousin in the peach family. That smooth skin is a result of a genetic mutation of peaches. Trees sporting nectarines and peaches look identical. The fruit is the only difference. According …
Pomelos Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Pomelos are a winter citrus and very high in vitamin C. These fruits were used like pineapples to calm coughs. Pomelos flavor is mild, sweet, and not as bitter or sour as most grapefruit. You …
Watercress Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Watercress grew along a spring-fed stream a few miles from my house. The stream ran alongside an old country road, popping up here and there before going back underground. Back then, owners along the road …
Spinach- Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Spinach is another one of those love it or hate it vegetables. This leafy green is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folic acid as well as being a good …
Lima Beans Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Lima beans are good for more than succotash. These legumes are high in fiber, thiamin (vitamin B1), and vitamin B6. Other nutrients include manganese, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Studies showed that lima bean consumption …
Kale-Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Mention kale and you will either hear applause or clear the room. It is one of those, love it or hate it vegetables. Strong in flavor, kale can be raw but is most nutritious when …
Breadfruit: Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Flickr Photo credit Philip Tellis:Breadfruit https://flic.kr/p/4wjM7 Breadfruit is a staple in many Pacific Island and Caribbean countries. This starchy, white-fleshed fruit is similar to plantain and sweet potato in texture. It has also been compared …
Jicama Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Jicama plant grows as a vine and is actually a legume or member of the bean family. The root of the plant tastes like a cross between an apple and a potato. It has the …
Jerusalem Artichokes Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Jerusalem Artichokes (Sunchokes) Earth Apples Jerusalem artichokes or “sunchokes” are members of the sunflower family. These vegetables have a slightly nutty taste and the texture of potatoes. These vegetables contain only a little starch. Instead …
Horseradish Know Your Herbs and Spices
Horseradish is one of those vegetables that you either love or you hate. I love it. What makes horseradish unique is its volatile oils. The grated root is mixed with vinegar and sometimes other spices …
Grapes Know your Fruits and Veggies
Grapes are now at their peak (available every season May – January!). Grapes of all colors – red, black and green – are a natural source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols. One serving of …
Endive Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Endive, also known as Belgian Endive is high in vitamin A, Vitamin K, folate, manganese and b vitamins. This low-calorie vegetable is said to be a good cure for acne and skin problems. …
Eggplant Know Your Fruits and Veggies
Eggplants belong to the nightshade family of vegetables. This family includes tomatoes and sweet peppers. The growth pattern of these fruits is similar to their tomato cousins. Most commercial eggplants are deep purple in color. …