NATIONAL ACORN SQUASH DAY

September 6, 2026August 24, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Acorn Squash Day is observed annually on September 7th. The day celebrates winter squash that is also known to some as a pepper squash.

Even though it is considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash.

The most common variety comes in a mostly green outer shell, often with a splotch of orange on its side or top. However, varieties, including the Golden Acorn and the White Acorn, offer gardeners and cooks options. This versatile squash also grows in variegated color.

The acorn squash resembles its name in shape, an acorn. They usually weigh between one to two pounds and generally grow between four and seven inches long. This hardy squash also keeps for several months, making it a great item to store for yumminess all winter long. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry location.

Since acorn squash is versatile, it can be baked, microwaved, sautéed, or steamed. Some cooks like to stuff it with rice, meat, cheeses, or vegetable mixtures. You can also toast the seeds of the acorn squash much like pumpkin seeds.

Nutritionally, the acorn squash offers a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also has some vitamin C and B, magnesium and manganese.

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Acorn Squash Day
National Pumpkin Day
National Zucchini Day aka Sneak Some Zucchini on your Neighbors Pourch
Oven Roasted Vegetables
Asparagus Month
National Soup Month
Spinach and Squash Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #AcornSquashDay

Visit your favorite farmer’s market. You can also drive out to a pick your own farm. Once you’ve collected your squash, share your recipes or growing tips. Try acorn squash in soup or broil it. Experiment with the flavors as you fill your plate with this colorful garden vegetable. Whatever you do to celebrate, be sure to share it with others. Use #AcornSquashDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL MANGO DAY

July 21, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Sweet, fragrant, and juicy mangoes add an abundance of flavor to beverages and meals. That’s why on July 22nd, National Mango Day recognizes all the nutritious variety this tropical fruit brings to the table!

Originating in Bangladesh and parts of Myanmar and India, hundreds of varieties of mangoes grow around the world today.

Ataulfo – Also known as the Honey mango, the Ataulfo is considered the Cadillac of the fruit. With a small seed and firm, sweet flesh, the Ataulfo doesn’t become fibrous and stringy like other varieties.
Haden – This popular mango variety was one of the first originated in Florida. It produces large fruits with a sweet and aromatic pine scent. With only thin fibers, it doesn’t become stringy and is one of the most popular varieties.
Irwin – Developed from the Haden, this mild mango is fiberless and is popular for home growers.
Tommy Atkins – While this mango is tart and sweet, it is one of the stringiest mangoes on the market.

The type of mango will help determine where to use it. Sweet, buttery mangoes make for great eating. They also taste great in salads, develop flavor in marinades and add a pop of sweetness to spicy salsas. Drop more fibrous mangoes into the blender for a refreshing smoothie.

Mangoes also pack in the nutrients. Did you know that one mango contains almost two and a half times more vitamin C than an orange? Mangoes are also high in vitamins A, B-6 and K, antioxidants, potassium and dietary fiber.

Dried Mango Slices - Delicious Texture Soft & Juicy - Naturally Ripened Mangos Dried Fruits - Gluten Free Dry Mangoes Natural Source of Vitamin C, Fiber, (16 Oz Dried Mango) — Dried Mango Slices – Delicious Texture Soft & Juicy – Naturally Ripened Mangos Dried Fruits – Gluten Free Dry Mangoes Natural Source of Vitamin C, Fiber, (16 Oz Dried Mango)

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NATIONAL MANGO DAY HISTORY

National Mango Day on July 22nd originated in India but in the United States, the National Mango Board began promoting the day, too.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMangoDay

On National Mango Day, explore your produce section and discover the kinds of mangoes they offer. Celebrate the day by tasting and sampling new recipes. How about trying these ideas, too!

Order a mango-inspired dish at a local restaurant.
Make Mango Margarita’s
Highlight a dish with mango.
Purchase different varieties of mangoes and have a mango tasting.
Share your favorite mango recipes.
If you live in a region where mangoes grow, plant a mango tree.

What a versatile fruit! How many ways will you celebrate with mangoes? While you enjoy, Share your mango celebration using #NationalMangoDay on social media.

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Sparkling Ice, Orange Mango Sparkling Water, Zero Sugar Flavored Water, with Vitamins and Antioxidants, Low Calorie Beverage, 17 fl oz Bottles (Pack of 12) — BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink Low-Calorie Sports Beverage, Peach Mango, Natural Flavors With Vitamins, Potassium-Packed Electrolytes, Perfect For Athletes, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

NATIONAL EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY

June 16, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

Every year on June 17, National Eat Your Vegetables Day is honored. National Eat Your Vegetables Day is another chance to encourage everyone to keep up with this component of a balanced diet as June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month.

Vegetables are an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Vegetables may be consumed in many different ways, whether as a snack or as part of the main course. Each vegetable has a unique nutritional profile, but in general, they all include a small amount of protein or fat as well as provitamins, dietary minerals, carbs, and vitamins including vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin B6 in variable amounts. They also contain a wide range of other phytochemicals, some of which have cancer-fighting, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Additionally, a lot of veggies have fiber, which is crucial for gastrointestinal health. Vegetables include the critical nutrients required for good skin and hair, which is another advantage.

Consuming the recommended serving sizes of fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These diets could also lessen bone loss and offer some cancer protection. The potassium supplied could aid in preventing kidney stone development.

The USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise eating 3 to 5 servings of veggies daily. Nevertheless, based on a person’s age and gender, this advice could change. One serving of most vegetables is equal to 1/2 to 1 cup and can be either raw or cooked.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Make sure you consume your recommended daily allowance of vegetables. Use #EatYourVegetablesDay on social media.

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.

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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.

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