With produce at its peak, no better time to try something new
Last week at the Old Forge Farmers’ Market, a gentleman stopped by the Herkimer County Cooperative Extension booth and mentioned he had learned of the market through this column.
He said he was very excited about the information he gathered about the farm fresh fruits and veggies and wanted to stop by and see what was available at the market that week.
I thought that since we were in the midst of a terrific growing season that it wouldn’t hurt to expand on last week’s topic.
So today I’d like to offer some other ways to add more veggies to your daily diet.
1. Don’t use the excuse that you don’t have time to cook vegetables. Throw some green beans, carrots, cauliflower, etc. in a dish with a small amount of water, cover, and steam in the microwave.
This speedy method of cooking is actually better for you than boiling because you may lose some of the vegetables’ nutritional qualities in the boiling process.
And speaking of nutritional values, sometimes it’s better to choose frozen vegetables over fresh
ones at the supermarket. The frozen varieties are frozen quickly after harvest and do not lose as many nutrients as those that sit in trucks and warehouses for days prior to delivery.
Also, when you have your grill fired up, why not cook some veggies too. Oh sooooo yummy!
2. Tap into your inner Boy Scout and “Be prepared”. Once you get your farm fresh veggies home, give them a good washing. Then divide them into individual portions in baggies or plastic containers for a quick snack for you or the kids.
3. One of my favorite sayings is, “Eat from the Rainbow”. When you stop by any grocery store, roadside stand or farmers’ market look at the bright rich hues of the produce.
Vibrant reds, deep rich greens, bright orange—the richer the color of a fruit or veggie, the more phytochemicals there are. So throw some red peppers, carrots, red cabbage, etc. on your salad for a pretty—and yummy—dish.
4. Try veggie soup. I know what you’re thinking. It’s a million degrees and she wants us to eat soup! Why not try a wonderful cold soup such as gazpacho, borscht, or vichyssoise. I just came across a recipe for Avocado Soup that sounds amazing. Be adventurous!
5. Buy in season. Fortunately we are at the most incredible time of year when fresh produce is plentiful and incredibly tasty.
6. Try something new! If you’re not sure how to tell if something is ripe or how to cook it, ask the market vendor, your local grocer, or look it up on line. Try something new—I double-dog-dare you!
Hopefully this information will encourage you to increase your veggie intake. Don’t forget— general recommendations are that half your plate should consist of fruits and veggies.
The website: www.choosemyplate.gov, has some great info.
Stop by at this Friday’s Farmers’ Market and let me know what new veggie you will be trying this week.
In case I haven’t mentioned it before, The Old Forge Farmers’ Market operates every Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. behind the Old Forge Hardware.
