NATIONAL MANGO DAY

July 21, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Sweet, fragrant, and juicy mangoes add an abundance of flavor to beverages and meals. That’s why on July 22nd, National Mango Day recognizes all the nutritious variety this tropical fruit brings to the table!

Originating in Bangladesh and parts of Myanmar and India, hundreds of varieties of mangoes grow around the world today.

Ataulfo – Also known as the Honey mango, the Ataulfo is considered the Cadillac of the fruit. With a small seed and firm, sweet flesh, the Ataulfo doesn’t become fibrous and stringy like other varieties.
Haden – This popular mango variety was one of the first originated in Florida. It produces large fruits with a sweet and aromatic pine scent. With only thin fibers, it doesn’t become stringy and is one of the most popular varieties.
Irwin – Developed from the Haden, this mild mango is fiberless and is popular for home growers.
Tommy Atkins – While this mango is tart and sweet, it is one of the stringiest mangoes on the market.

The type of mango will help determine where to use it. Sweet, buttery mangoes make for great eating. They also taste great in salads, develop flavor in marinades and add a pop of sweetness to spicy salsas. Drop more fibrous mangoes into the blender for a refreshing smoothie.

Mangoes also pack in the nutrients. Did you know that one mango contains almost two and a half times more vitamin C than an orange? Mangoes are also high in vitamins A, B-6 and K, antioxidants, potassium and dietary fiber.

Dried Mango Slices - Delicious Texture Soft & Juicy - Naturally Ripened Mangos Dried Fruits - Gluten Free Dry Mangoes Natural Source of Vitamin C, Fiber, (16 Oz Dried Mango) — Dried Mango Slices – Delicious Texture Soft & Juicy – Naturally Ripened Mangos Dried Fruits – Gluten Free Dry Mangoes Natural Source of Vitamin C, Fiber, (16 Oz Dried Mango)

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NATIONAL MANGO DAY HISTORY

National Mango Day on July 22nd originated in India but in the United States, the National Mango Board began promoting the day, too.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMangoDay

On National Mango Day, explore your produce section and discover the kinds of mangoes they offer. Celebrate the day by tasting and sampling new recipes. How about trying these ideas, too!

Order a mango-inspired dish at a local restaurant.
Make Mango Margarita’s
Highlight a dish with mango.
Purchase different varieties of mangoes and have a mango tasting.
Share your favorite mango recipes.
If you live in a region where mangoes grow, plant a mango tree.

What a versatile fruit! How many ways will you celebrate with mangoes? While you enjoy, Share your mango celebration using #NationalMangoDay on social media.

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Sparkling Ice, Orange Mango Sparkling Water, Zero Sugar Flavored Water, with Vitamins and Antioxidants, Low Calorie Beverage, 17 fl oz Bottles (Pack of 12) — BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink Low-Calorie Sports Beverage, Peach Mango, Natural Flavors With Vitamins, Potassium-Packed Electrolytes, Perfect For Athletes, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

NATIONAL EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY

June 16, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Every year on June 17, National Eat Your Vegetables Day is honored. National Eat Your Vegetables Day is another chance to encourage everyone to keep up with this component of a balanced diet as June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month.

Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Vegetables may be consumed in many different ways, whether as a snack or as part of the main course. Each vegetable has a unique nutritional profile, but in general, they all include a small amount of protein or fat as well as provitamins, dietary minerals, carbs, and vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin B6 in variable amounts. They also contain a wide range of other phytochemicals, some of which have cancer-fighting, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Additionally, a lot of veggies have fiber, which is crucial for gastrointestinal health. Vegetables include the critical nutrients required for good skin and hair, which is another advantage.

Consuming the recommended serving sizes of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These diets could also lessen bone loss and offer some cancer protection. The potassium supplied could aid in preventing kidney stone development.

The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise eating 3 to 5 servings of veggies daily. Nevertheless, based on a person’s age and gender, this advice could change. One serving of most vegetables is equal to 1/2 to 1 cup and can be either raw or cooked.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Make sure you consume your recommended daily allowance of vegetables. Use #EatYourVegetablesDay on social media.

NATIONAL ASPARAGUS MONTH

April 30, 2026April 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 12 Comments

May is National Asparagus Month. These delicious spears of the lily family can be enjoyed from breakfast to a bedtime snack.

Fresh from the garden, the thin stalks taste like sweetpea but sautéd the vegetable enhances the flavor of meats, potatoes or other garden veggies.

Asparagus bakes and grills well, too. Added to a souffle, wrapped in bacon, or tossed into a salad, this vegetable is a powerhouse in the kitchen.

It’s also packed with potassium which helps to lower blood pressure and risk of stroke.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy some delicious asparagus. It’s an excellent time to plant some, too. This perennial plant comes back year after year. Use #NationalAsparagusMonth to share on social media.

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NATIONAL SPINACH DAY

March 25, 2026March 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On March 26th each year, National Spinach Day reminds us of the health benefits packed into this leafy green vegetable. Not only are there so many delicious ways that you can enjoy spinach, but it is also incredibly good for you!

An annual plant, spinach grows natively in central and southwestern Asia. Thought to have originated in ancient Persia, Arab traders carried spinach into India and then later introduced into ancient China. There it was known as “Persian vegetable.” The earliest available record of the spinach plant was found in Chinese, saying that the spinach plant was introduced into China via Nepal.

Spinach Recipes (Superfoods Cookbook)#NationalSpinachDay — Spinach Recipes (Superfoods Cookbook)

365 Delicious Spinach Recipes: Unlocking Appetizing Recipes in The Best Spinach Cookbook#NationalSpinachDay — Spinach Recipes (Superfoods Cookbook)

During her reign as queen of France, Catherine de Medici enjoyed spinach so much, it was served at every meal. To this day, dishes made with spinach are known as “Florentine” reflecting Catherine’s birth in Florence.

Spinach is:

eaten raw or cooked and is available fresh, frozen or canned.
one of the best sources of iron.
an excellent source of calcium, folic acid, fiber, protein, calcium and vitamins A, C and K.
loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants
believed to help improve cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.

Types of spinach:

Savoy: dark green color with curly leaves; usually sold in fresh bunches.
Flat or Smooth Leaf: broad, smooth leaves; mostly grown for canned and frozen spinach as well as soups, baby food and processed foods.
Semi-savoy: a hybrid variety with crinkly leaves: is sold fresh and processed.

Following China, the United States produces the world’s second-largest crop of spinach.
California, Arizona, and New Jersey are the top spinach-producing states in the United States.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSpinachDay

Many of us enjoy spinach that celebrating is easy! Shake up your vegetable routine and mix up your greens. Experiment with some spinach.

Fresh spinach salad
Spinach pizza
Spinach dip
Cream spinach
Spinach lasagna
Add spinach to scrambled eggs

You can also plant some spinach in your spring garden. Not only will you reap the benefits of a lush green salad, but spinach doesn’t require much space.

Spinach grows in pots on a sunny balcony or in a small garden space.
Use fertile soil.
Plant in cool weather.
Keep moisture levels consistent.
Harvest and enjoy!
You can plant again in the fall. Double the bounty!

Share your favorite ways to add spinach to your meals. Use #NationalSpinachDay to post on social media.

Del Monte Canned Fresh Cut Leaf Spinach, 13.5 Ounce (Pack of 12)#NationalSpinachDay — Del Monte Canned Fresh Cut Leaf Spinach, 13.5 Ounce (Pack of 12)

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NATIONAL ARTICHOKE HEARTS DAY

March 15, 2026February 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On March 16th, National Artichoke Hearts Day offers a tasty option to add flavor to any dish.

According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin. Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium, and protein while low in calories. These reasons, plus being fat-free and cholesterol-free, make artichokes a healthy and delicious food to celebrate!

The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable.
California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichokes.

While artichokes may be a little difficult to prepare, you can find artichoke hearts packed in vinegar, oil, or marinade. Don’t let the artichoke heart fool you. They’re more versatile than they seem. Eat them as a snack or add them to dips or sauces. They also make excellent toppings on pizzas and flatbread. Toss them into the skillet for a savory sauté or infuse them into a broth. Artichoke hearts just might turn into a healthy addition to your cooking routine!

Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys#ArtichokeHeartsDay — Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys

Easy Artichoke Cookbook: 50 Delicious Artichoke Recipes#ArtichokeHeartsDay — Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys

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HOW TO OBSERVE #ArtichokeHeartsDay

Pick up some fresh artichokes or canned artichoke hearts to make your favorite recipes. You can even test out a few new recipes with friends and family. Be sure to save and share your best ones. We offer a few techniques for you to try with your artichoke hearts, too.

Roast artichoke hearts with your potatoes and carrots. Season them lightly with olive oil and salt and pepper.
Try grilling fresh artichoke hearts for a smoky addition to your meal.
Create an artichoke salad or an artichoke dressing.
Make an artichoke heart and grilled cheese sandwich with smoked provolone.
Warm-up with this Lemony Artichoke Soup.
Another hearty recipe is this Artichoke Hearts Gratin.
Make a variety of dips and sauces, too.

Use #ArtichokeHeartsDay to post on social media.

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