June 3rd is time to get a crack on the annual observance of National Egg Day!
The nutrient-rich food has gone back and forth with science and nutritionists over the decades as to just how many eggs are too many for a healthy diet. However, one egg provides an excellent source of protein and vitamin D. At 75 calories and 5 grams of fat, it’s an easy choice to satisfy hunger, too. Eggs are easily seasoned and pair well with vegetables to increase the nutritional value of a meal.
Eggs are an essential ingredient to baked goods and are a part of our everyday diets. There’s so much to celebrate in these small packages.
Fried, scrambled, poached, hard boiled, over easy, or whatever way you prefer, breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner, this versatile food is a perfect fit. They even make a great late night dinner.
Enjoy eggs for breakfast. How about a fried egg sandwich for lunch? What’s your favorite way to enjoy an egg? Use #NationalEggDay when posting on social media.
National Egg Month in May reminds us all the egg is cracked up to be!
It sure beats many other foods and whips up a great meal. We rely on eggs for a variety of uses, too. They’re essential for baked goods, but on their own, eggs make an eggcellent meal.
Whether boiled, baked, basted or fried, eggs are full of protein. They go well with vegetables and herbs, too.
One of the world’s most affordable food sources, eggs contain all the nutrients a body needs except vitamin C. So if you’re on a budget and want to stay healthy, add eggs to your superfood list.
National Egg Month has been observed since the 1960s. Different months had the honor, however, as the reputation of the egg soured for a period of time, so did National Egg Month. But in the 1990s, the American Egg Board re-established National Egg Month in May. Since then, studies have been shining a light on good and bad egg nutrition, we have come a long way to understanding more about the differences in cholesterol and what it means for our health.
Try new recipes throughout the month. Eggs are versatile and can be incorporated into every meal of the day. They’re also portable. Use #NationalEggMonth to share all the incredible ways eggs make your life and health better.
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!
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.
National Cabbage Day on February 17th recognizes a delightful garden staple that provides some of the best recipes for the Celtic holidays coming up next month. It’s an excellent day to test your corned beef and cabbage skills alongside other delicious seasonal dishes.
From the French caboche, meaning head, cabbage comes in a variety of forms. The cabbage family is quite varied and includes Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, kohlrabi and kale. Cabbage is an ancient food with origins in Asia Minor (Turkey today) and the eastern Mediterranean.
When selecting a cabbage, the head should be firm and dense. The fibrous leaves of a healthy cabbage should be shiny and crisp with no browning or bruising.
Cabbage is versatile and can be eaten raw, steamed or sautéd. A popular ingredient in Asian, German, Irish and Latin recipes, it’s a culturally diverse food. Having low calories (6 per leaf) makes cabbage a popular diet food as well. It has no fat or cholesterol, is low in sodium and carbs, and is a good source of Vitamin C.
In some areas of the country, you may be able to start planning your garden. Will you be planting cabbage this year? It’s time to decide on the variety you want to plant. Imagine all the goodness you can then make in your kitchen!
No matter how you celebrate, be sure to invite someone to join you. Share your delicious creations with friends and family. If you don’t have a recipe to share, we’ve found several tasty ones to try.