NATIONAL HERBS AND SPICES DAY

June 9, 2026May 26, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Herbs and Spices Day is observed annually on June 10.

It is the season for fresh herbs and spices. They are an essential part of flavorful cooking as well as fun and easy to grow.

Raising your own herbs can be a form of relaxing therapy. Herbs and spices have been used for many hundreds of years, and besides making our food delicious, each has its specific health benefits. Growing your own herbs and spices is a great way to add fresh variety to your food. Herbs raised in your home add an aromatic and natural fragrance to the air.

Basil, Rosemary, Nutmeg, Garlic, Sage, Tyme, Oregano, Italian, Greek, Cajun, Blackening, Fennel, Chili Powder, Dill, Red Pepper Flakes, Ginger, Paprika, Cinnamon, are among my most used almost every meal. Lavender, Vanilla, Anise, Bay Leaf and Tumeric on occasion as well. It’s a good bet in combination with onions, you’ll find on our table daily. A good mix make Beef Stew, Taco’s and Tex Mex, My Greek Turkey bake, Asian Pork Chops, and don’t forget Spaghetti and My Easy Chili.

I find myself adding to or finessing flavors even if I use a pre-packaged spice mix. Having a hood sense of these help me not only make up my own delicious creations, but help judge recipes to try. I’m happy to be surprised of course although things calling for heavy amounts of Parsley, Cilantro, or heavy amounts of cayenne are things we try to avoid.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #HerbsAndSpicesDay to post on social media.

National Papaya Month

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

National Papaya Month takes place in June. The vibrantly colored fruit grows on an herb in southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. They are also commercially produced in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

The mildly flavored fruit tastes subtly like a cross between a mango and a peach when ripe. It pairs well with spices and makes a delicious salsa. Papaya can be enjoyed in smoothies and savory dishes as well.

Be sure to take advantage of the papaya’s health benefits. Whether it’s used to enhance the skin or eaten to gain the rich vitamin A, C, E, potassium, and antioxidants, you can’t go wrong.

More fruit…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy papaya fresh or in a recipe. Use #NationalPapayaMonth to share on social media.

40 Sweet & Savory Papaya Recipes: Totally Tropical - Discover the Fruit of the Angels Celebrate National Papaya Month #NationalPapayaMonth — 40 Sweet & Savory Papaya Recipes: Totally Tropical – Discover the Fruit of the Angels Celebrate National Papaya Month

Pure Original Ingredients Papaya Extract, Always Pure, No Additives Or Fillers, Lab Verified (100 Capsules)#NationalPapayaMonth — 40 Sweet & Savory Papaya Recipes: Totally Tropical – Discover the Fruit of the Angels Celebrate National Papaya Month

National Salad Month

April 30, 2026April 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

It’s time for the freshness of National Salad Month. Greens pop this time of year, and it’s easy to grow garden lettuce even in a small space. They fill the grocery with a variety of color, too.

Beyond the leafy part of the salad, the crisp vegetables, proteins, flavorful cheeses, herbs, berries, grains, and nuts make salads exciting and healthy. If we don’t over indulge in the cheese and fatty meats, it’s usually the dressing that causes our salad downfall.

The Complete Salad Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to 200+ Vibrant Dishes Using Greens, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and More (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)#NationalSaladMonth — The Complete Salad Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to 200+ Vibrant Dishes Using Greens, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and More (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)

Seriously Good Salads: Creative Flavor Combinations for Nutritious, Satisfying Meals#NationalSaladMonth — The Complete Salad Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to 200+ Vibrant Dishes Using Greens, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and More (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)

More to Explore

HOW TO OBSERVE

Salads are an excellent way help get your 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. We’ve provided tips to get the maximum salad-eating in this month!

Mix up the lettuce variety. Iceberg is what we’re most familiar with in the United States. Try spinach for a change of pace. Romaine makes excellent lettuce wraps. Butterhead comes in loose, crisp, rosettes.
Prepare salads for the work week. Fill the bottom of a Mason jar the salad dressing. Add the more solid fruits or veggies to next layer followed by any proteins and cheeses. Next, add the leafy greens. The items crunchy croutons, nuts or soft fruits and veggies should be added the day you eat the salad.
Serve salad with every meal, even breakfast. Fruit salad is a bright way to start the morning.
Substitute salad for one meal a day.
Try a different type a salad every week.

Use #NationalSaladMonth to share on social media.

Orchard Valley Harvest Salad Toppers Glazed Pecans with Cranberries and Pepitas, 0.85 Ounce Bags (Pack of 15), Salad Toppings, Non-GMO, No Artificial Ingredients
#NationalSaladMonth — Orchard Valley Harvest Salad Toppers Glazed Pecans with Cranberries and Pepitas, 0.85 Ounce Bags (Pack of 15), Salad Toppings, Non-GMO, No Artificial Ingredients

naturSource Organic Salad Topper Smart Life Gluten Free#NationalSaladMonth — Orchard Valley Harvest Salad Toppers Glazed Pecans with Cranberries and Pepitas, 0.85 Ounce Bags (Pack of 15), Salad Toppings, Non-GMO, No Artificial Ingredients

NATIONAL PLANT A FLOWER DAY

March 11, 2026February 17, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

Spring is just around the corner, and March 12th is the day to participate in National Plant a Flower Day. Each year this day is dedicated to the planting of flowers and looking forward to the spring season. Flower gardening has become a hobby for many, young and old, and National Plant a Flower Day is a start to the new season each year.

Marigolds and Daffodils are the flowers of March.

It’s good to know the zone you live in to determine which flowers grow as perennials (those that grow back every year) in your area and which are considered annuals (those that require planting every year). To find out more, check out the USDA site for Hardiness Zones.

Seeds can be started inside and set in a sunny window. When the weather is nicer, move those plants outside. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and follow the seed package’s instructions for proper germination of the seedling. Those who can’t wait, get out those seed catalogs and start planning your next flower garden.

J&B XpandaHose 50ft Expandable Garden Hose with Holder - Heavy Duty Superior Strength 3750D - 4 -Layer Latex Core - Extra Strong Brass Connectors and 10 Spray Nozzle w/Storage Bag (Black 50)#PlantAFlowerDay — J&B XpandaHose 50ft Expandable Garden Hose with Holder – Heavy Duty Superior Strength 3750D – 4 -Layer Latex Core – Extra Strong Brass Connectors and 10 Spray Nozzle w/Storage Bag (Black 50)

Gorilla Grip Extra Thick Kneeling Pad, Supportive Soft Foam Cushioning for Knee, Water Resistant Construction for Gardening, Bathing Baby, Workout Supplies, Lightweight, Garden Work Gifts
#PlantAFlowerDay — J&B XpandaHose 50ft Expandable Garden Hose with Holder – Heavy Duty Superior Strength 3750D – 4 -Layer Latex Core – Extra Strong Brass Connectors and 10 Spray Nozzle w/Storage Bag (Black 50)

Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul. ~Luther Burbank, botanist (1849-1926)

Are you in a warmer climate? Then it’s time to get out the trowel and the garden gloves and start turning over some new soil. Sow some new seeds, bulbs, or plants and nurture those blossoms into a brilliant blaze for the whole neighborhood to enjoy.

HOW TO OBSERVE #PlantAFlowerDay

Tips for Starting a Flower Garden

Start with a potted garden. If you aren’t ready to tear up a patch of lawn, this is a good way to go. They do require more watering but less care overall.
Select plants that grow well in your spot. Some plants grow well in the shade, and others prefer the sun. Others love both!
Did you know gardeners who prefer perennial gardens have to thin their flower beds every couple of years? They also like to share the extra bulbs and seeds with those who are new to gardening, so if you know someone with a green thumb, get to know them better. You might get some free plants, advice, and a budding friendship!
Local greenhouses stock plants that grow well in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions and shop there frequently.

Let’s all work together by planting a flower and helping make the world a more beautiful place. Use #PlantAFlowerDay to post on social media.

Wildflower Seeds Shaker - Hummingbird and Butterfly Mix - 100,000+ Wild Flower Seeds - in Beautiful Easy to Sow Seed Shaker - Attract Pollinators with These 23 Pure Non-GMO Varieties#PlantAFlowerDay — Wildflower Seeds Shaker – Hummingbird and Butterfly Mix – 100,000+ Wild Flower Seeds – in Beautiful Easy to Sow Seed Shaker – Attract Pollinators with These 23 Pure Non-GMO Varieties

Pollinator Wildflower Seed Shaker Collection - ~300,000+ Wild Flower Seeds for Planting - Includes Hummingbird & Butterfly, Save The Monarchs, and Save The Bees Wildflower Mixes - Covers ~1,000 sq ft
#PlantAFlowerDay — Wildflower Seeds Shaker – Hummingbird and Butterfly Mix – 100,000+ Wild Flower Seeds – in Beautiful Easy to Sow Seed Shaker – Attract Pollinators with These 23 Pure Non-GMO Varieties

NATIONAL POMEGRANATE MONTH

October 31, 2025October 24, 2025Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Pomegranate Month is an annual designation observed in November. Pomegranates date back to ancient civilizations throughout the Mediterranean, and they are also featured in ancient Egyptian mythology and art.

The pomegranate tree is native to Iran and the Himalayas in northern India, and used to be carried by desert caravans because of it’s thirst-quenching abilities. Now, we enjoy pomegranates in a wide variety of dishes and drinks, because it’s so healthy and almost tastes like candy! Research shows they are among the healthiest fruits in the world because of their wide range of beneficial plant compounds that other foods do not contain.

POM Wonderful, 100% Pomegranate Juice, 16 Fl Oz Bottle (Pack of 6)
#NationalPomegranateMonth — POM Wonderful, 100% Pomegranate Juice, 16 Fl Oz Bottle (Pack of 6)

Bai Flavored Water, Ipanema Pomegranate, Antioxidant Infused Drinks
#NationalPomegranateMonth — POM Wonderful, 100% Pomegranate Juice, 16 Fl Oz Bottle (Pack of 6)

More fruits…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Check out this list of some of the incredible health benefits pomegranates have to offer.

They are PACKED with important nutrients. I mean, packed. They contain fiber, protein, vitamins C and K, folate, and potassium.
Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory effects. This means they can mediate diseases and conditions like cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even obesity.
Studies show they can help fight prostate and breast cancer.
Regular consumption of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure levels in as little as two weeks.
If you have joint pain, try some pomegranate seeds or juice. It’s anti-inflammatory effects can even help treat arthritis.
Pomegranates may even help you exercise. Studies show intake of pomegranates increases blood flow which can help you perform better in a workout.

Whether you’re eating it or drinking it, take an aesthetically pleasing picture (it’s not difficult with such a beautiful fruit) and use #NationalPomegranateMonth to post on social media.

Jen's Perspective Blog

Love, laugh, live! Life to the fullest.

Tag dandelion

NATIONAL HERBS AND SPICES DAY

Explore More…

Like this: