It’s June and Fresh Rules

With the start of June we celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month.  It’s perfect timing as the growing season is in full swing and there is an abundance of fresh produce available locally.  The goal of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month is to increase daily consumption of fresh produce.
Nutrition is Key

Fruit and vegetables provide a list of valuable nutrients your body needs including calcium, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.  Fruits and Veggies–More Matters even has a list of which fruit and veggies are good sources for these specific nutrients.
Storing Fresh Produce

There is a simple rule of thumb that can be applied to all fruit and veggies–FIFO.  That is First In, First Out.  Of course, when it comes to fresh produce, you must be diligent as these fruit and vegetables will spoil faster than those that are frozen, canned or dried.  In addition, some fruit and veggies should be stored at room temperature (tomatoes, bananas, melons), while others should be kept in your refrigerator (grapes, broccoli, lettuce).  Fruits & Veggies–More Matters has a detailed storage sheet for fresh fruit and veggies as well as tips for cleaning fresh produce.
Adding more fruit and vegetables to your diet is easy right now with all the fresh selection at your local supermarket, roadside stand or farmer’s market.  Fruits & Veggies–More Matters has added two new healthy plate selections that go perfectly with the season, one as a lunch entrée and the second as a meatless dinner option.
Take these California Avocado Super Summer Wraps with you on your next picnic or beach outing.  They’re portable and a delicious, new twist on your usual chicken salad recipe.  You’ll love the addition of fresh blueberries and chopped, fresh arugula!

Searching for something new to fix for your Meatless Monday entrée?  These Rainbow Bell Pepper Boats with Garbanzo Beans and Kale are filling and flavorful.  Peppers are coming into season and plentiful during summer so take advantage of them and their sweet flavor right now.  This recipe stuffs them with a blend of brown rice, garbanzo beans, chopped kale and walnuts, which makes for a variety of tastes and textures.

Need more reasons to add fresh fruit and veggies to your day?  Check out these Top 10 from Fruits & Veggies–More Matters.  I’ll be back next week with some ideas to spice up your meals naturally.
See all posts