NATIONAL ZUCCHINI DAY

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!

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
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Southern Soup Jockeys
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NATIONAL ORANGE BLOSSOM DAY

National Orange Blossom Day is observed annually on June 27th.  This day is set aside to enjoy Orange Blossoms for their aesthetic beauty.  Orange blossoms have been used in culinary dishes, desserts, and teas worldwide.  They add a slight citrus flavor to any dish!

Fragrant orange blossoms offer multiple health benefits when prepared correctly to make a tea or orange blossom water. Some of the advantages may include improved sleep, reduced anxiety and improved circulation.

Not surprisingly, the orange blossom is Florida’s state flower. Not only do the flowers result in the sweet as sunshine orange fruit, but thanks to the pollinating bees, we also get to enjoy a unique honey with a faintly orange flavor a delightful treat. The blossom’s scent goes into making perfumes and other fragrances for the home.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #NationalOrangeBlossomDay to share on social media.

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SPINACH AND SQUASH MONTH

Spinach and Squash Month is an annual designation observed in November. There are about a million reasons to love both spinach and squash, and the beginning of the holiday season is the perfect time to start whipping up some recipes that include these delightful veggies.

SPINACH
  • Extremely nutritious and packed with potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, and maganese
  • High in antioxidants, and vitamins A and C
  • High in vitamin K, which means better bone health
  • May reduce the risk of cancer
SQUASH
  • Boosts immunity with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
  • Helps manage diabetes because it regulates sugar in the body
  • Squash is anti-inflammatory
  • The seeds are antiparasitic, so they protect us from a wide variety of diseases

Make sure to explore these celebrations too.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #Spinach&SquashMonth to post on social media. Here are some reasons you should start incorporating both veggies into your diet not only this month, but all year long!

NATIONAL ORANGE JUICE DAY

On May 4th National Orange Juice Day recognizes America’s most popular breakfast drink. Orange juice holds a large margin over second-place apple juice, too. People have been waking up to a glass of orange juice for many years and enjoying the health benefits it gives them.

One 8 ounce serving of orange juice has 124 mg of vitamin C and also supplies potassium, thiamine, and folate. That little bit of sunshine in the morning can add a boost to your day. Get your orange juice fresh squeezed, bottled or in concentrated form in the freezer section. You can also enjoy orange juice blends for delicious combinations.

The United States is second only to Brazil in the production of orange juice, and they’re second only to Canda in consumption.

Another excellent way to add orange juice to your diet if you are watching your sugar intake is to include it as an ingredient in a recipe. Orange juice adds great flavor to smoothies, whole-grain waffles or french toast.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalOrangeJuiceDay

Enjoy a nice cold glass of orange juice with your breakfast. Which do you prefer – extra pulp or no pulp versions? Orange juice producers offer both to satisfy all our needs. Share your favorite recipes using orange juice, too. Use #NationalOrangeJuiceDay to post on social media.