NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH

August 31, 2026August 4, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 7 Comments

All through September, National Mushroom Month celebrates the wide variety of mushrooms available. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also takes advantage of the opportunity to educate people on the versatility mushrooms offer, including health benefits. As a result, mushrooms are gaining more and more appreciation as we learn more about them.

To fully celebrate the heritage of mushrooms, we must first learn about the Mushroom Capital of the World. Located just outside Philadelphia, PA, you will find a small town known as Kennett Square. Surprisingly, this small Pennsylvanian town produces over a million pounds of mushrooms a day. Each year Kennett Square holds the annual Mushroom Festival starting with a parade. Visitors also enjoy tours of mushroom farms or visit vendors to buy food and other goods.

Harmony House Foods Freeze-Dried Mushroom Dices (1.5 oz, Quart Size Jar)

Del Monte® Mushrooms Stems and Pieces 8 oz. Can, 12 Pack — Harmony House Foods Freeze-Dried Mushroom Dices (1.5 oz, Quart Size Jar)

‘Shroom Science

Scientifically, mushrooms belong to the fungi kingdom. Fungi grow from carbon and energy from dead plants and animals. Interestingly, this has helped scientists to conclude mushroom DNA is similar to humans rather than plants, as previously thought. Through the study of mushrooms, scientists learn more about fungi, especially identifying whether they are single-cell organisms or multi cellular organisms.

Mushrooms contain a ton of nutrients. Because of this, mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamins. Eating mushrooms is a great way to naturally get copper, fiber, potassium, protein, selenium, vitamin B, and zinc into your body. As scientists continue to study mushrooms, there is hope to discover possible medicinal uses. These discoveries only add to the many benefits of mushrooms.

Mushrooms are either edible and non-edible. We find edible mushrooms in cuisine throughout the world. Almost all mushrooms available at the store are cultivated and not wild. These types of mushrooms are available year-round. The most common cultivated mushroom are the white button, flavorful cremini, earthy portobello, shiitake, and delicate oyster.

Non-edible mushrooms are often found in the wild, though many also grow in yards and lawns. However, it can be difficult to determine whether a mushroom is safe to eat or poisonous. For example, mushrooms that have red on the cap or stem are known to be poisonous. You should also avoid eating mushrooms with white gills, a skirt, or a ring on the stem. Because wild mushrooms are hard to identify, we suggest leaving the identification of wild mushrooms to professional mushroom hunters or forgers. Eating poisonous mushrooms can and will make you very sick and possibly kill you. So, when in doubt, don’t eat it!

NATIONAL MUSHROOM MONTH HISTORY

Mushroom history dates back to ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphics found in tombs indicate mushrooms were considered a plant of immortality and only enjoyed by the elites of society.

The U.S. Mushroom Council created National Mushroom Month as part of the Mushroom Promotion, Research & Consumer Information Act of 1990. President George H.W. Bush signed the Act into law on November 28, 1990. However, National Mushroom Month did not take effect until 1993. The gap allowed mushroom growers to vote on a referendum relating to a checkoff program for mushrooms.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMushroomMonth

Mushrooms are a versatile food item you can use in just about anything. So whether you put them on pizza or in soup or an omelet, you have the opportunity to decide how to celebrate mushrooms in any tasty dishes!

Use #NationalMushroomMonth in social media correspondence.

Genius Mushroom - Lions Mane, Cordyceps and Reishi - Immune System Booster & Nootropic Brain Supplement - for Natural Energy, Memory & Liver Support, 90 Veggie Pills — Genius Mushroom – Lions Mane, Cordyceps and Reishi – Immune System Booster & Nootropic Brain Supplement – for Natural Energy, Memory & Liver Support, 90 Veggie Pills

Sustainably US Grown, Organic Mega Mushroom 10 in 1 Complex Formula Powder for Immune System Booster, 10 Ounce (284 Days Supply), Chaga, Lions Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi & More, Filler Free, Vegan — Genius Mushroom – Lions Mane, Cordyceps and Reishi – Immune System Booster & Nootropic Brain Supplement – for Natural Energy, Memory & Liver Support, 90 Veggie Pills

NATIONAL CHOP SUEY DAY

August 28, 2026August 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Get your chopsticks ready! National Chop Suey Day recognizes this American Chinese culinary cuisine each year on August 29.

Chop suey, which means assorted pieces, is a dish in American Chinese cuisine. The main ingredients include meat (chicken, fish, beef, prawns or pork) and eggs. As the meat cooks over high heat, add vegetables (usually bean sprouts, cabbage, and celery). The dish is bound in a starch-thickened sauce. Typically, rice accompanies the flavorful dish.

According to food historian Alan Davidson, chop suey is “A prime example of culinary mythology.” These food myths happen with popular foods. Illustrated below, several colorful and conflicting stories tell of chop suey’s possible origin.

Chop Suey Stories

Some believe chop suey was invented in America by Chinese Americans. However, anthropologist E.N. Anderson finds another conclusion. According to Anderson, the word tsap seui means miscellaneous leftovers and hails from Taishan, a district of Guangdong Province. Many early Chinese immigrants traveled from their home in Taishan to the United States.

Another account claims Chinese American cooks who were working on the transcontinental railroad invented chop suey in the 19th century.

A prime example of culinary mythology. ~ Alan Davidson on the origin of chop suey.

One tale stemming from the Quing Dynasty connects to premier Li Hongzhang’s visit in 1896. According to the story, his chef wanted to create a meal suitable for both the Chinese and American palates. Another version of the story tells that Li wandered to a local Chinese restaurant after the hotel kitchen closed. Even though the chef was embarrassed because he had nothing prepared to offer, he made a dish for Li. Comprised of leftover scraps, the chef created the new “chop suey” dish.

Still another myth tells of an 1860s Chinese restaurant cook in San Francisco. After hours, the chef was forced to serve something to the drunken miners. He had nothing fresh to offer. However, to avoid a beating, he threw leftovers in a wok, providing a makeshift meal to the miners. The miners loved the dish, asking him for the name of the dish. To which the chef replied, “Chopped Sui.”

Traveling to the United States in 1903, Liang Oichao, a Guangdong native, wrote that there existed a food item called chop suey. While regularly served by Chinese restaurateurs, the local Chinese people did not eat this dish.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChopSueyDay

Of course, the directive of the day would be to enjoy some chop suey. But why stop there?

Take a cooking class and learn to make it yourself.
Pick up a Chinese American cookbook and find a new recipe.
Share your favorite chop suey recipe.
Give a shout out to the restaurant that cooks it best. We love it when you do that!

Be sure to use #NationalChopSueyDay to post on social media.

National Chop Suey Day: Best Activities & Things To Do On National Chop Suey Day: Way to Have a Good National Chop Suey Day
#NationalChopSueyDay — National Chop Suey Day: Best Activities & Things To Do On National Chop Suey Day: Way to Have a Good National Chop Suey Day

Chop Suey, USA: The Story of Chinese Food in America (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History)#NationalChopSueyDay — National Chop Suey Day: Best Activities & Things To Do On National Chop Suey Day: Way to Have a Good National Chop Suey Day

National Potato Day

August 18, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Potato Day is August 19, so if you like spuds, this one’s for you! Never celebrated this tasty tot before? Good news, we have the lowdown on how to do things up right with facts and links to turn you from couch potato to party animal.

Potatoes have been a popular food for centuries so it’s about time we recognize this versatile and ap-peeling favorite. Mashed, smashed, chipped, or covered in cheese, potatoes can be eaten with just about every meal — or as a meal! — making these starchy veggies a delicious and easy way to get iron, potassium and vitamin c. The puns are just baked right in! Now just fry and stop us from telling you the whole scoop on what makes National Potato Day so …spudtacular.

NATIONAL POTATO DAY ACTIVITIES

Did you know there are over 4000 different kinds of potatoes? It’s true! Choose your favorite or choose a bunch because potatoes are so tasty and easy to cook that no matter what you pick you won’t be wrong! And not being wrong is a wonderful way to celebrate anything, so try it out this August 19.

There’s no wrong way to prepare a potato and the Internet (and probably your grandma) have a million and one recipes for you to try. Select a favorite, chop to it and discover for yourself why this hot potato is such a hot commodity. Don’t forget to invite some friends and make it an event! This is a celebration, after all.

Creamy and buttery or crispy and salty, the last step to enjoying this day is the best step — eating! —and we will eat potatoes in any form (even baked into bread)! We think consuming these delectable spuds in mass quantities is the best way to pay homage on their special day.

Gurney's Seed & Nursery Company Yukon Gold Seed Potato - Best Early Eating Potato on The Market - Includes one 2-lb Bag - Can't Ship to States of ID, ME, MT, or NE — Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Company Yukon Gold Seed Potato – Best Early Eating Potato on The Market – Includes one 2-lb Bag – Can’t Ship to States of ID, ME, MT, or NE

Betty Crocker Butter & Herb Mashed Potatoes, 4 ounces (Pack of 8) — Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Company Yukon Gold Seed Potato – Best Early Eating Potato on The Market – Includes one 2-lb Bag – Can’t Ship to States of ID, ME, MT, or NE

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL POTATO DAY

Potatoes are a staple for a reason Hashbrowns or potato salad, hot or cold, no matter how you slice ‘em, potatoes have been a staple in diets all over the world because they’re easy to grow, tasty and relatively inexpensive to produce and buy. Nearly ever cuisine has potatoes in it, so you can take a culinary journey with your trusty potato by your side.

Potato chips are the best snackThe people have spoken! Potato chips are regularly regarded as the most delicious snack and we couldn’t agree more. Plus, there isn’t a better party food than the potato chip. Just pour them in a bowl and let the festivities begin! With chips coming in more and more flavors all the time, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy your favorite spuds with your buds. That deserve a few chip-chip-hoorays!

Explore More…

How to OBSERVE

Potatoes are America’s cropPotatoes are grown in all 50 states! It makes sense that there should be a national day to celebrate the crop that can feed an entire country. We really do think this starchy, vitamin packed veg is all that and a bag of chips so pick up a bag, choose a recipe and feast with friends!

No matter how you celebrate share it on social media with #NationPotatoDay. We look forward to seeing your favorites.

Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Black

Potato Apple Vegetable Peelers for Kitchen, I and Y Peelers for Fruit Veggie Potatoes Carrot Cucumber, 3 in 1 Blade Spin Design With Julienne Function — Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Black

GRAB SOME NUTS DAY

August 2, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

There are many “nut” days throughout the year, but August 3rd embraces them all. It’s National Grab Some Nuts Day!

Defining a nut is tricky. Though botanically an almond and cashew aren’t considered nuts, once they’re in the can, it’s hard to tell the difference. The same goes for walnuts and peanuts, even though they have the word “nut” in their names. Despite the confusion, these nuts, legumes, seeds, and drupes continue to find their way into our daily diets. Whether we add them to salads or into our baking, we love nuts. We’re nutty for nuts!

Depending on the kind, they add necessary good fats to our diets. They’re also full of minerals and nutrients we might otherwise be missing. In the right quantities, they improve our health and make things taste better, too. There’s nothing too nutty about that.

Nature's Garden Healthy Trail Mix Snack Packs – Mixed Nuts, Heart Healthy Nuts, Omega-3 Rich, Cranberries, Pumpkin Seeds, Perfect For The Entire Family – 28.8 Oz Bag (24 Individual Servings) — Nature’s Garden Healthy Trail Mix Snack Packs – Mixed Nuts, Heart Healthy Nuts, Omega-3 Rich, Cranberries, Pumpkin Seeds, Perfect For The Entire Family – 28.8 Oz Bag (24 Individual Servings)

Power Up Trail Mix Gourmet Nut Bag, Mega Omega, 14 Ounce — Nature’s Garden Healthy Trail Mix Snack Packs – Mixed Nuts, Heart Healthy Nuts, Omega-3 Rich, Cranberries, Pumpkin Seeds, Perfect For The Entire Family – 28.8 Oz Bag (24 Individual Servings)

These little bountiful nuggets contain beneficial nutrients, have a long shelf life, and can be quite portable. They add a nice crunch to snacks and desserts as well as satisfying meals. National Grab Some Nuts Day might seem a little squirrelly, but then again it’s the right time of year for it. Go nuts and grab a few or a lot!

Explore More….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay

Do not forget to grab a handful of your favorite nuts to snack on today! Better yet, get baking. Nuts add texture and flavor to baked goods. Don’t forget the savory dishes. Try adding almonds to salads, peanuts to stirfry or create a crust from crushed pecans for a pork roast.

Try my Keto Breaded Chicken for an awesome addition to salads or just use it for fried chicken. No matter how you celebrate, the day encourages sharing by using #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay on social media.

PLANTERS Deluxe Salted Whole Cashews, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein 18.25oz (1 Cannister)

PLANTERS NUT-rition Wholesome Nut Mix, 7.5 oz Box (Contains 7 Individual Pouches) - Cashews, Almonds and Macadamias Snack Mix - No Artificial Flavors, No Artificial Colors, No Preservatives - Kosher — PLANTERS Deluxe Salted Whole Cashews, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein 18.25oz (1 Cannister)

NATIONAL BROWNIES AT BRUNCH MONTH

July 31, 2026July 16, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

No one should ever need an excuse to eat a brownie in the morning, but if you do, August is National Brownies At Brunch Month!

We’re not sure where the original brownie came from, but we like to celebrate brownies, a few times a year. Chewy, fudgy, chocolatey, what’s not to love? One legend has it that Bertha Palmer, a Chicago socialite, who in 1893 asked a pastry chef to prepare an appropriate dessert for ladies attending the World’s Columbian Exposition.

Specifically, she wanted something like a cake that was small enough to include in boxed lunches. The result was the “Palmer House Brownie.” By 1907, the brownie was well-established, appearing in Lowney’s Cookbook as the “Bangor Brownie.” Maine food educator Mildred Brown Schrumpf claimed that the brownie was invented by Bangor housewives. The largest brownie ever made was cooked up in 2001 at the Hudson Valley Chocolate Festival in Suffern, New York. It weighed 3,000 lbs.

David's Cookies Assorted Brownies & Crumb Cake Gift Basket Tin - Delicious, Fresh Baked Snacks, Gourmet Chocolate Fudge Slices, Brownies Gift Basket Ideal Gift for Corporate Birthday Fathers Mothers Day Get Well and Other Special Occasions - 3 lb (16 pcs) — David’s Cookies Assorted Brownies & Crumb Cake Gift Basket Tin – Delicious, Fresh Baked Snacks, Gourmet Chocolate Fudge Slices, Brownies Gift Basket Ideal Gift for Corporate Birthday Fathers Mothers Day Get Well and Other Special Occasions – 3 lb (16 pcs)

Duncan Hines Brownie Mix, Dark Chocolate, 18.2 oz — David’s Cookies Assorted Brownies & Crumb Cake Gift Basket Tin – Delicious, Fresh Baked Snacks, Gourmet Chocolate Fudge Slices, Brownies Gift Basket Ideal Gift for Corporate Birthday Fathers Mothers Day Get Well and Other Special Occasions – 3 lb (16 pcs)

Brownies are surprisingly low in calories. Although loaded with sugar, brownies also can be prepared as low-sugar brownies. The experts recommend you cut back the sugar intake by 25 – 50% without seriously compromising the texture. Brownies are rich in carbs. Carbs provide energy. If you’re active, a helping of carbs first thing in the morning can be an excellent thing. Brownies are also relatively low in saturated fat, associated with the bad kind of cholesterol. However, brownies don’t offer much in the way of protein, though eggs are part of the mix. If you want to increase protein in your brownies, you can mix in some nuts, protein powder or peanut butter into your batter. Walnuts are the most popular protein added to brownies.

Enjoy them in moderation, for brunch, or any time of day. Want more Brownies…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy a brownie, or its light-colored cousin the Blondie! Use #NationalBrowniesAtBrunchMonth in social media correspondence.

Jen's Perspective Blog

Love, laugh, live! Life to the fullest.

Tag protein