Tag acorn squash

NATIONAL ACORN SQUASH DAY

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National Acorn Squash Day is observed annually on September 7th. The day celebrates winter squash that is also known to some as a pepper squash.

Even though it is considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash.

The most common variety comes in a mostly green outer shell, often with a splotch of orange on its side or top. However, varieties, including the Golden Acorn and the White Acorn, offer gardeners and cooks options. This versatile squash also grows in variegated color.

The acorn squash resembles its name in shape, an acorn. They usually weigh between one to two pounds and generally grow between four and seven inches long.  This hardy squash also keeps for several months, making it a great item to store for yumminess all winter long. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry location.

Since acorn squash is versatile, it can be baked, microwaved, sautéed, or steamed. Some cooks like to stuff it with rice, meat, cheeses, or vegetable mixtures. You can also toast the seeds of the acorn squash much like pumpkin seeds.

Nutritionally, the acorn squash offers a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also has some vitamin C and B, magnesium and manganese.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #AcornSquashDay

Visit your favorite farmer’s market. You can also drive out to a pick your own farm. Once you’ve collected your squash, share your recipes or growing tips. Try acorn squash in soup or broil it. Experiment with the flavors as you fill your plate with this colorful garden vegetable. Whatever you do to celebrate, be sure to share it with others. Use #AcornSquashDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL ZUCCHINI DAY

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National Zucchini Day is today. Today, we honor this adaptable green vegetable and all the delectable meals it can be used to create.

A near relative of the cucumber and the melon is the common zucchini. It is a kind of squash that originates in Italy. In actuality, the term “zucchini” is derived from the Italian word “zucchino,” which meaning “small squash”. The longest and heaviest zucchini ever measured 69.5 inches and 65 pounds, respectively! Though I doubt it would have tasted very nice. Always select a small or medium-sized zucchini for the finest taste.

Make sure to include this nutritious vegetable on your dinner menu to honor National Zucchini Day! It may be grilled, baked into bread, or used in a salad. Good appetite!

Zucchini Cookbook: Quick & Easy Recipes for Preparing Delicious Zucchini
Zucchini Cookbook: Quick & Easy Recipes for Preparing Delicious Zucchini
Zucchini Cookbook: Fun and Delicious Zucchini Recipes for Eating Clean
Zucchini Cookbook: Fun and Delicious Zucchini Recipes for Eating Clean
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Brieftons 10-Blade Vegetable Spiralizer: Strongest-Heaviest Duty Spiral Slicer, Best Veggie Pasta Spaghetti Maker for Low Carb/Paleo/Gluten-Free, With Container, Lid, Blade Caddy, 4 Recipe Ebooks

Did you know that zucchini was a fruit? Well, if you’re a gardener, you know this fact already.  You also know that zucchini grows in abundance and is ready for harvest in August. Zucchini growers also know that one plant of zucchini allows you to share this wonderful treat!

Zucchini is also incredibly helpful with weight loss. The produce is low in calories, high in fiber, and full of water. As such, when you eat it, your tummy doesn’t feel empty. Hopefully, you are less likely to overeat. If your zucchini produces well, add it soups, salads, and baked goods. 

When you receive a zucchini on your porch, savor the delicious squash. Eat if fresh by slicing it. Other ways to use it are:

  • To preserve zucchini, shred it and freeze it in freezer bags to use later.
  • Baking it into quick breads and delivering it to a neighbor will also please them.
  • Add zucchini slices to tomato sauces or pasta dishes.
  • Make Ratatouille. You won’t be disappointed. 
  • Grill the zucchini. Add garlic and parmesan.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalZucchiniDay

To celebrate National Zucchini Day, plan a dinner menu full of this healthy vegetable! Grill it, bake it into bread, or add it to a salad. Make sure to share your favorites on Social media with #NationalZucchiniDay Bon appétit! 

Southern Soup Jockeys 100 Favorite Squash Recipes
Southern Soup Jockeys
100 Favorite Squash Recipes

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STRAWBERRY RHUBARB WINE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day on the third Saturday in July celebrates the strawberry sweetness of summer with a relaxing sip of wine. The day offers an excellent opportunity for a wine tasting featuring a strawberry rhubarb wine, too. 

In July of 2010, Maple River Winery in historic downtown Casselton, North Dakota, proudly accepted the Double Gold Award at the Indy International Wine Competition for its Strawberry Rhubarb Wine. What a delicious way to celebrate! But what is rhubarb?

It may be difficult for the common person to classify rhubarb. Is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? While technically rhubarb may be known as a tart perennial vegetable, combining it with strawberries creates a unique flavor. Some even consider it the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Rhubarb even went to court over the matter. In 1947 in a customs court in Buffalo, New York, the court ruled that since rhubarb is used as a fruit in the United States, for the purposes of regulations and duties, it was to be counted as a fruit. 

And from the wine perspective, that’s a good thing. Fruit wines sound so much better than vegetable wine. Of course, strawberry rhubarb wine celebrates the day with a flavor that tastes like summer. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #StrawberryRhubarbWineDay

While enjoying the summer day, savor some chilled strawberry rhubarb wine. Uncork a bottle and pour a glass. Actually, pour a few glasses and share it with a friend or two. Strawberry rhubarb wine goes well with a picnic, so take a bottle or two! A bottle makes a great gift, too. Strawberry rhubarb wine also complements many dishes and you just can’t go wrong! Share your celebration by posting on social media using #StrawberryRhubarbWineDay.  

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OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew with Removable Foil Cutter
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Loomie Wine Bar Cabinet with LED Light, Home Coffee Cabinet with Wine Rack and Glass Holder, Kitchen Buffet Sideboard W Storage Shelf, Freestanding Liquor Cabinet for Living Room, Dining Room (Black)

NATIONAL FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 12 Comments

Add color to your meals during National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month in June. As the peak season for many early garden crops find their way into markets, it’s an excellent time to take advantage of these freshly picked fruits and vegetables.

Find farmers market near you
Find a Farmers Market Near You

Berries and salad items come to mind first, but don’t hesitate to try exotic produce, too. As we head into a season where more variety is available, our family gets to enjoy the benefits of early summer’s bounty in vibrant color.

From zucchini and tomatoes, leafy greens, onions, and avocado, each provides added fiber, protein, and vital nutrients. Whether we eat them as a snack, on a salad or in smooth, it’s important to have five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

Cucumber, Tomato Salad
Cucumber, Tomato Sald
Red, Blue, and Cheesecake Salad
Red, Blue and Cheesecake Salad
Easy Broccoli Salad
Easy Broccoli Salad
No-Fail Fresca Sangria
No – Fail Fresca Sangria

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Skip the canned and frozen aisle and check out the delicious fresh fruits and vegetables coming into the grocery, farmers markets, and even your garden every day in June. Maybe visit a pick-your-own-fruit-and-vegetable farm and bring home the fruits of your labor. Savor the goodness of these delicious foods and use #FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth to share on social media.

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A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*
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“Stir it Up” Bundle
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Boxed Greens 20lbs Organic Vegetable Box – Box Includes Cauliflower, Onions, Potatoes, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Peppers, Brussel Sprouts, Carrots, Broccoli & More – Fresh Produce Assortment
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TOMATO AND WINTER SQUASH MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

As the seasons transition and we welcome the cozy embrace of winter, it’s time to celebrate the delightful combination of tomatoes and winter squash. November brings us the perfect occasion to revel in the rich flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse culinary possibilities these two ingredients offer.

The Versatile Tomato:

From the Vine to the Plate:
Tomatoes, often deemed a staple in kitchens worldwide, come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether plump and juicy heirlooms or petite cherry tomatoes, these gems bring a burst of freshness to every dish.

Nutritional Powerhouse:
Beyond their flavorful appeal, tomatoes boast an array of health benefits. They’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins like C and K, and lycopene, known for its potential in promoting heart health.

Recipes to Savor:
Explore an assortment of recipes showcasing tomatoes’ versatility. From classic marinara sauces to caprese salads and hearty stews, there’s a tomato-based delight for every craving.

Embracing Winter Squash:

A Harvest Treasure:
Winter squash varieties, including butternut, acorn, and kabocha, grace our tables during the colder months. Their sweet, nutty flavors elevate both savory and sweet dishes.

Nutritional Prowess:
Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with fiber and antioxidants, winter squash supports immune health and offers a delicious way to stay nourished during the winter season.

Cooking Inspirations:
Indulge in the delightful ways to prepare winter squash. Roast it to caramelized perfection, blend it into velvety soups, or incorporate it into hearty casseroles for a comforting winter meal.

Pairing Possibilities:

Harmonizing Flavors:
The combination of tomatoes and winter squash is a culinary match made in heaven. Their complementary flavors and textures create a symphony of tastes in dishes like roasted vegetable medleys, savory tarts, and flavorful pasta dishes.

Gardening Tips:
For the green-thumbed enthusiasts, November offers an opportunity to plan ahead. Consider the possibilities of growing these fantastic ingredients in your garden for future bountiful harvests.

How to OBSERVE #tomatoandwintersquashmonth

Tomatoes and winter squash, each with its unique characteristics, bring warmth and vibrancy to our tables during this transitional month. Whether you’re a cooking enthusiast, a health-conscious foodie, or a gardening aficionado, take this month to appreciate the abundance and versatility these ingredients offer.

Let’s celebrate Tomato and Winter Squash Month by savoring their deliciousness, exploring new recipes, and embracing the joys of seasonal cooking! Be sure to share on social media with #Tomatoandwintersquashmonth

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Oh! 1001 Homemade Winter Squash Recipes: More Than a Homemade Winter Squash Cookbook
Farmer's Market Foods Canned Organic Butternut Squash Puree, 15-Ounce (Pack of 12) #tomatoandwintersquashmonth
Farmer’s Market Foods Canned Organic Butternut Squash Puree, 15-Ounce (Pack of 12)
Simply Tomato: 100 Recipes for Enjoying Your Favorite Ingredient All Year Long #tomatoandwintersquashmonth
Simply Tomato: 100 Recipes for Enjoying Your Favorite Ingredient All Year Long
Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes (Pack of 6) #tomatoandwintersquashmonth
Cento San Marzano Organic Peeled Tomatoes (Pack of 6)