NATIONAL LEMON JUICE DAY

When the sun is blazing high in the sky, National Lemon Juice Day comes along just in time to bring a refreshing squeeze to just about anything. On August 29th, celebrate with a tart drop of lemon juice in your cooking, beverages, or freshen up the world around you.

These brightly colored sour fruits originated in the Himalayan Mountains millions of years ago. However, they have evolved since then, and today the citrus fruit is grown commercially in temperate climates. In the United States, California and Arizona produce more lemons than any other state.

Why Lemon Juice?

Why do we love lemons so much? Is it because we enjoy watching a baby’s face scrunch up at their first taste of the lemon juice? Well, we do, but that’s not the only reason. In cooking, the acid in lemon juice enhances the flavors. Add lemon juice to a salad dressing, and suddenly your salad goes from ho-hum to wow! In a sauce, the addition of lemon juice will transform it from being something that drowns a meal to something that brightens it. This one ingredient can save an entire dish.

The same applies to beverages. Lemon juice adds punch to teas, soda, and even water. But it also adds an extra level of flavor for mixed drinks. Bourbon, tequila, gin, cognac, vodka. They all have recipes that call for lemon juice, and that’s because, without it, the drink would be missing a vital element to the cocktail. Every bartender worth their salt has fresh lemons behind the bar. Alternatively, when paired with honey and a hot beverage, lemon juice soothes a sore throat and cough.

But lemon juice doesn’t stop there. No way. This powerhouse also makes us and our homes look good, too. Everything from home remedies to cleansers using lemon juice can be found on the internet. While you might not want to use fresh lemons (save those for the cooking and beverages), you can use bottled to save a few pennies. The fresh scent of lemon will also lift your mood as you brighten your pots and pans, clean your pores and windows and make your garbage disposal smell fresh again. While you’re at it, you should probably pour yourself a chilled glass of lemonade, too.

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HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL LEMON JUICE DAY

Squeeze yourself some lemons. Reap the benefits of this refreshingly versatile fruit. There are so many ways to celebrate, too! Where will you start?

Give a baby a slice of lemon. Stop by your favorite bakery for the best lemon baked goods. You know, lemon meringue pie, lemon poppy seed muffins, or lemon pound cake with a lip-puckering icing.Try your hand at making limoncello. It takes time and patience, but it is also one very satisfying experience when done correctly. If you start now and make enough, you can give some of it away as Christmas gifts!

Celebrate the bright, beautiful freshness of lemon juice by using #NationalLemonJuiceDay on social media.

Lemon Juice FAQ

Q. When are lemons in season?
A. Most lemon trees produce fruit all year long.

Q. How many calories are in lemon juice?
A. One tablespoon of lemon juice contains 3 calories.

Q. How does lemon juice prevent fruits from browning?
A. The acid in lemon juice neutralizes an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase that causes fruit to brown.

NATIONAL PEACH DAY

August 27 is National Peach Day, celebrate one of summertime’s most scrumptious fruits known as the peach! August is prime peach season in the U.S. and we want everyone to enjoy a few peaches, plus remember the hardworking peach growers who provide us with this delicious fruit.

Summertime brings plenty of opportunity to enjoy fresh fruits, especially a flavorful, juicy peach. Local farmers’ markets and orchids are busy picking peaches to deliver to anxious peach lovers. Whether you enjoy a peach by itself or use your peaches for canning and baking, National Peach Day is here to encourage you to celebrate this wonderful food holiday.

Brief History of Peaches in the U.S.

The history of the peach begins in China and Central Asia dating back 4,000 years. However, peaches were not just a delicious food, they were also an expensive and highly traded commodity along the ancient Silk Road in Asia. The Silk Road is one of the most important trade routes in history that allowed for goods to be transported between East and West Asia. Transporting peaches on the Silk Road led to introducing the fruit to other parts of the country, and eventually the world.

Peaches made their way to the U.S. some time during the 17th century. Settlers from Europe and Spain began cultivating peaches upon arrival. However, it’s uncertain who receives credit for introducing them first. Spanish explorers and missionaries were known to bring peach pits to Florida and Southwest and planting them. English settlers began cultivating peaches in Virginia around the same time. It’s possible both Spanish and English settlers receive equal credit because of the location they landed and began growing peaches.

Production of peaches happens along the south eastern and southern parts of the country. Peach farmers work to provide peach varieties that grow well in different parts of the U.S. Peach farming requires dedication, knowledge, and in-depth management to maintain healthy peach orchids. However, peach farmers are passionate about their work to provide delicious peaches to consumers. They work endless hours growing, managing, and harvesting peaches to transport to markets, grocery stores, and other destinations. Thanks to these hardworking people, we are able to use peaches in dishes, desserts, sauces, and preservatives daily.

Did you know?

In Chinese culture, peaches are a symbol of immortality and longevity.

6 FAVORITE PEACH VARIETIES

  1. Elberta peaches are one of the most popular peaches available. They are juicy and have a sweet, yet tart flavor. Some people say Elberta peaches are the best peaches for canning.
  2. White peaches are pale with creamy skin sweet flesh. They have a strong floral aroma and are often enjoyed in desserts and salads.
  3. Yellow peaches come in shades of orange and yellow and have a classic peach flavor. You can frequently find these peaches grocery stores.
  4. Clingstone peaches come in different sizes and colors. These peaches are a more common peach for making preservatives.
  5. Freestone peaches a popular peach for fresh eating because of their juicy flavor.
  6. Georgia Belle peaches are an early-season peach with a yellowish-red skin and sweet flavor. This peach is normally the first summer peach.

Peaches offer several health benefits. They are low in calories and are a good source of vitamins, including vitamins A and C. They contain beta-carotene and flavonoids, which are beneficial for fighting heart disease and anti-inflammatory disease. Peaches also promote healthy skin and boost the immune system, too. In fact, peaches contain high amounts of antioxidants to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Best of all, eating peaches is twice as good knowing you are promoting good overall health every time you take a bite!

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NATIONAL PEACH DAY CELEBRATION

  1. Visit a peach orchid or a local farmers’ market. Picking your own peaches allows you to choose the ripest and most fragrant peaches.
  2. Try a few recipes using peaches. We recommend trying peach cobbler. It’s quick, easy, and tastes delicious!
  3. Find a peach festival and celebrate with other peach lovers!
  4. Host a peach party! Include a peach theme with as much peach inspired food as possible.
  5. Share your recipes, photos, and peach growing tips on social media and tag #NationalPeachDay to celebrate this yummy food day.

NATIONAL WAFFLE DAY

National Waffle Day on August 24th commemorates the anniversary of the first waffle iron patent issued. Celebrate by savoring your favorite kind of waffle!

On August 24, 1869, Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York received his patent for the waffle iron. While waffles existed long before then, the invention made waffles more readily available.  

Eaten throughout the world, a waffle is a leavened batter or dough. When cooked between two patterned plates, the dough bakes in the waffle’s characteristic uniform impressed surface. Waffles also come in many forms. Depending on the type of batter or iron used, the resulting waffle varies by consistency, size, shape, and flavor.  

Waffle irons and waffles originated around the 14th century.  An anonymous husband penned the first known waffle recipe as a set of instructions for his wife.  According to the manuscript, Le Ménagier de Paris, each of the four recipes began: 

Beat some eggs in a bowl, season with salt and add wine. Toss in some flour, and mix. Then fill, little by little, two irons at a time with as much of the paste as a slice of cheese is large. Then close the iron and cook both sides. If the dough does not detach easily from the iron, coat it first with a piece of cloth that has been soaked in oil or grease. 

  •  1911 – First electric waffle iron introduced by General Electric.
  • 1953 – Frank Dorsa’s Eggo Frozen Waffles are sold in Supermarkets for the first time.
  • 1964 – Belgian Waffles debut at New York’s World’s Fair.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWaffleDay

Enjoy your favorite waffle recipes. Or visit a local restaurant for some fresh served waffles. Restaurants across the country specialize in waffles, crafting delicious combinations for every meal of the day. No matter your preference, there’s a waffle for you!

Invite friends over for a waffle making party. Set up a buffet with fresh fruit, syrups, and nuts. Ask them to bring their best ingredients and get tasting! You never know what you’ll discover. Make it breakfast, brunch, snack or dessert, waffles are very versitile.

True Belgian WafflesClassic Buttermilk WafflesApple Cinnamon WafflesBanana Oatmeal Buttermilk WafflesBest Chocolate Chip Waffles

Use #NationalWaffleDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL MASSACHUSETTS DAY

National Massachusetts Day on August 17th recognizes the first New England colony and the sixth state to join the Union. Named after the indigenous people who populated the area when explorers (and later the pilgrims) first arrived, Massachusetts became an incubator for independence, education, and industry.

Cradle of Liberty

It should come as no surprise that the state earned the name of Cradle of Liberty. After all, Massachusetts hosted the founding of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party. The list of notable names from history grows long from Massachusetts. Of course, their stories and the historic events leading up to the founding of a country make for fascinating tales.

Patriots come to mind first, but don’t stop there! Poets, inventors, authors, politicians, architects, activists, athletes and those who have managed the amazing. It’s much too long for these pages. So, we encourage you to explore them further during National Massachusetts Day!

With her numerous bays and abundant shorelines, Massachusetts offers many seaside escapes. Discover mountain exploration inland, and for those who seek urban adventure, encounter adventures there, too. Everywhere you go, there’s history, beauty, and perhaps a bit of an adjustment to the New England language. Either way, dive into the food, the past and the future of Massachusetts.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMassachusettsDay

During National Massachusetts Day, explore all the adventures, history and more the state has to offer. Share your favorites by using #NationalMassachusettsDay on social media.

Massachusetts Flavor

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Boston Cream Pie
Cranberry Juice
Corn Muffin
Cod
Fried Clams
Fluffernutter
Boston Cream donut
Clam Chowder
Cranberry

Massachusetts Day Flavor

We’ll start with the obvious when the topic of Massachusetts food comes to the table: Boston Cream Pie. What other states would this layered, hot milk cake hail from? Well, to be specific, it was created in 1856 in the kitchen of the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston and is still made there today.

Next, we turn to the salty sweet combination of Fluffernutter. A blended combination of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter, Fluffernutter became a household name in New England in the 1960s.

On July 3, 1916, Lawrence and Bessie Woodman fried the first clam at their roadside concession stand in Essex, Massachusetts. The rest, as they say, is history. Massachusetts has been in love ever since. Speaking of clams, don’t forget the chowder.

For those who like a less fishy flavor of the sea, cod is the way to go. Massachusetts celebrates the Sacred Cod. A notable cape is named after it. Also, it’s their state fish.

Finally, and tastefully, Massachusetts is one of five states known to grow cranberries. It’s their state berry and juice, too! Of course, each state has a wide list of favorite combinations of flavors. Share with us your Massachusetts favorites!

Massachusetts State Symbolism

State Capital – Boston
State Nickname – The Bay State
State Motto – Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
State Bird – Black – Capped Chickodee
State Flower – Mayflower
State Animal –
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Cod
State Dessert – Boston Cream Pie
State Fossil – Dinosaur Tracks
State Mineral – Babingtonite
State Tree – American Elm
State Song – All Hail to Massachusetts
State Gemstone – Rhodonite
State Folk Hero – Johnny Appleseed
State Heroine – Deborah Samson Shurtleff
State Insect – Ladybug

Notable People

Squanto- Native American Guide – (c.1585 – November 1622)

Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans) Library Binding – August 15, 2020

by Ann Byers  (Author)
Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans)

by Ann Byers  (Author)

Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father – (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790)

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Kindle Edition

by H. W. Brands  (Author) 
The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Kindle Edition

by H. W. Brands  (Author) 

John Hancock- Patriot – (January 23, 1737 – October 8, 1793)

John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author) 
John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author) 

Eli Whitney – Inventor – (December 8, 1765 – January 8, 1825)

Eli Whitney
Eli Whitney

Susan B. Anthony – Activist – (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906)

Susan B. Anthony (Illustrated) Kindle Edition

by Alma Lutz  (Author) 
Susan B. Anthony (Illustrated) Kindle Edition

by Alma Lutz  (Author) 


Theodore Seuss Geisel – Author – (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991)

Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination Kindle Edition

by Brian Jay Jones  (Author) 
Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination

by Brian Jay Jones  (Author) 
Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss  (Author)
Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss  (Author)
Dr. Seuss's Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss  (Author), Random House (Illustrator)
Dr. Seuss’s Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss  (Author), Random House (Illustrator)

John F. Kennedy -President – (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963)

John F Kennedy
John F Kennedy

George H. W. Bush – President – (June 12, 1924 -)

George W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 43rd President, 2001-2009 Kindle Edition

by James Mann (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor), & 1 more
George W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 43rd President, 2001-2009 Kindle Edition

by James Mann (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor), & 1 more


Donna Summer – Singer/Songwriter – (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012)

Ordinary Girl: The Journey Kindle Edition

by Marc Eliot (Author), Donna Summer (Author)  Format: Kindle
Ordinary Girl: The Journey Kindle Edition

by Marc Eliot (Author), Donna Summer (Author)  Format: Kindle

Last Dance one of my favorites.
Last Dance
One of my favorites.

Emeril Lagasse – (October 15, 1959 -)

Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse

Season 1
Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse

Season 1
Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril's) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse  (Author)  
Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril’s) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse  (Author)  


Martha Ballard – Midwife – (1735 – May 1812)

A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition
by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich  (Author) 
Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition

by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich  (Author) 




Hidden Treasures

Salem Witch House – Salem  Hammond Castle Museum – Glouster  Franklin Park’s Overlook Shelter Ruins – Boston (See National Connecticut Day Notable People, Frederick Olmsted for more information).  Fort Standish – Hull  Dr. Seuss Museum – Springfield

NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY

National Mustard Day on the first Saturday in August recognizes a versatile condiment. Used in many different cuisines, mustard comes from the seeds of the mustard plant.

Depending on the kind of mustard, flavors and color will vary. For example, white or yellow mustard comes from a mustard known as Sinapis hirta. Brown or Indian mustard come from Brassica juncea. And black mustard comes from Brassica nigra. 

The mustard seed may be used whole, ground, cracked or bruised in cooking, too. When mixed with liquids such as water, lemon juice or broth, mustard produces different textures and flavors. At times, cooks use the paste as a sauce or even a marinade. Try mixing mustard with other seasonings to create a dry rub for roasts, chicken or chops.

Since some mustards are zestier than others, the spice pairs well with meats and cheeses. Pile up slices of ham, turkey, and Munster between your favorite crusty bread. Next, add some creamy mustard and fresh veggies. That’s how you build a sandwich with zing. The same can be done with salads, hamburgers and hot dogs, too. 

Once you’ve mastered the sandwich move on to dressings, glazes, and soups. Around the world, the spice is used in many forms beyond the seed. For example, in India, the entire plant is used from the sprouts to the mature greens. Expressing the oil of the seed is beneficial for both cooking and medicinal uses. Try a Mediterranean recipe by making creamy tahini or aioli and make your dishes sing. Similar recipes can be found in northern and southeastern Europe, too.

And don’t forget Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Because of mustard’s diversity, cooks reach for the spice and condiment more often than almost any other spice in the world. 

NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY HISTORY

The Mustard Museum began sponsoring National Mustard Day in 1991. In 2010, the event moved to the current home of the Museum in Downtown Middleton, Wisconsin. With more than 6,000 enthusiastic mustard lovers in attendance annually, this event has raised thousands of dollars for local charity.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALMUSTARDDAY

If you’re in Middleton, Wisconsin, head down to the Mustard Museum for a festive day of mustard sampling and events. Everywhere else, try tasting a variety of mustards at home or in a local spice store. Find one that makes your tongue happy and add it to your cooking. An even easier way to celebrate is by inviting friends over for a cookout of hot dogs and burgers. Top one off with your favorite kind of mustard and enjoy!

Experiment and try new recipes with mustard as the spotlight ingredient. Post photos on social media using #NationalMustardDay.