NATIONAL FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MONTH

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 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

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.

A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*#FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth — A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*

Gourmet Fruit Gift Pack, (20lbs) Orchard Fresh Oranges, Pears, Apples, and Grapefruit (32 pieces) loaded with Immunity Boosting Vitamin C from Capital City Fruit, Farm Produce Direct#FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth — A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*

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.

Del Monte Canned Extra Long Asparagus Spears, 15 Ounce (Pack of 12)#NationalAsparagusMonth — Del Monte Canned Extra Long Asparagus Spears, 15 Ounce (Pack of 12)

Millennium Live Asparagus Bare Root Plants - 2yr Crowns - Can Not Ship to California (10 Asparagus Roots)#NationalAsparagusMonth — Del Monte Canned Extra Long Asparagus Spears, 15 Ounce (Pack of 12)

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.

National Nutrition Month

February 28, 2026February 23, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 16 Comments

National Nutrition Month is an educational campaign focusing on the significance of physical fitness as well as eating nourishing meals. Taking charge of your health contributes to overall well-being; as well as losing weight or staying at your ideal weight, which reduces risks of chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes.

The campaign, originally “National Nutrition Week,” was first launched in 1973, with the theme “Invest in Yourself – Buy Nutrition.” The American Dietetic Association (ADA) was an early advocate in getting the message to the public organizing educational events held in schools and health care centers.

By the beginning of 1980, due to an intense increase in popularity, the House of Delegates expanded National Nutrition Week to National Nutrition month. ADA is now known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and, with more than 70,000 members, is the world’s largest organization of registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetic technicians. This year’s theme is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle,” focusing on exercising regularly and making the best food choices.

Nutrition For Dummies
#NationalNutritionMonth — Nutrition For Dummies

Food For Health: Nutrition Principles For Optimal Metabolism
#NationalNutritionMonth — Nutrition For Dummies

HISTORY

National Nutrition Month began in March 1973, and is an educational campaign focusing on the significance of physical fitness as well as eating nourishing meals. The campaign was immediately embraced by members of the American Dietetic Association as an effective way to promote messages about nutrition all over the country and world. Taking charge of your health contributes to overall well-being; as well as losing weight or staying at your ideal weight, which reduces risks of chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #NationalNutritionMonth to post on social media. Spread the word about how you are boosting your nutrition this month! Eat healthy and get exercising… You’ll be glad you did!

Jen's Perspective Blog

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