STRAWBERRY RHUBARB WINE DAY

Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day on the third Saturday in July celebrates the strawberry sweetness of summer with a relaxing sip of wine. The day offers an excellent opportunity for a wine tasting featuring a strawberry rhubarb wine, too. 

In July of 2010, Maple River Winery in historic downtown Casselton, North Dakota, proudly accepted the Double Gold Award at the Indy International Wine Competition for its Strawberry Rhubarb Wine. What a delicious way to celebrate! But what is rhubarb?

It may be difficult for the common person to classify rhubarb. Is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? While technically rhubarb may be known as a tart perennial vegetable, combining it with strawberries creates a unique flavor. Some even consider it the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Rhubarb even went to court over the matter. In 1947 in a customs court in Buffalo, New York, the court ruled that since rhubarb is used as a fruit in the United States, for the purposes of regulations and duties, it was to be counted as a fruit. 

And from the wine perspective, that’s a good thing. Fruit wines sound so much better than vegetable wine. Of course, strawberry rhubarb wine celebrates the day with a flavor that tastes like summer. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #StrawberryRhubarbWineDay

While enjoying the summer day, savor some chilled strawberry rhubarb wine. Uncork a bottle and pour a glass. Actually, pour a few glasses and share it with a friend or two. Strawberry rhubarb wine goes well with a picnic, so take a bottle or two! A bottle makes a great gift, too. Strawberry rhubarb wine also complements many dishes and you just can’t go wrong! Share your celebration by posting on social media using #StrawberryRhubarbWineDay.  

Loomie Wine Bar Cabinet with LED Light, Home Coffee Cabinet with Wine Rack and Glass Holder, Kitchen Buffet Sideboard W Storage Shelf, Freestanding Liquor Cabinet for Living Room, Dining Room (Black)#StrawberryRhubarbWineDay
Loomie Wine Bar Cabinet with LED Light, Home Coffee Cabinet with Wine Rack and Glass Holder, Kitchen Buffet Sideboard W Storage Shelf, Freestanding Liquor Cabinet for Living Room, Dining Room (Black)

NATIONAL EAT YOUR VEGETABLES DAY

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.

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NATIONAL SPINACH DAY

On March 26th each year, National Spinach Day reminds us of the health benefits packed into this leafy green vegetable. Not only are there so many delicious ways that you can enjoy spinach, but it is also incredibly good for you!

An annual plant, spinach grows natively in central and southwestern Asia. Thought to have originated in ancient Persia, Arab traders carried spinach into India and then later introduced into ancient China. There it was known as “Persian vegetable.”  The earliest available record of the spinach plant was found in Chinese, saying that the spinach plant was introduced into China via Nepal.

During her reign as queen of France, Catherine de Medici enjoyed spinach so much, it was served at every meal. To this day, dishes made with spinach are known as “Florentine” reflecting Catherine’s birth in Florence. 

Spinach is:

  • eaten raw or cooked and is available fresh, frozen or canned.
  • one of the best sources of iron.
  • an excellent source of calcium, folic acid, fiber, protein, calcium and vitamins A, C and K.
  • loaded with cancer-fighting antioxidants
  • believed to help improve cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.

Types of spinach:

Savoy:  dark green color with curly leaves; usually sold in fresh bunches.
Flat or Smooth Leaf:  broad, smooth leaves;  mostly grown for canned and frozen spinach as well as soups, baby food and processed foods.
Semi-savoy:  a hybrid variety with crinkly leaves:  is sold fresh and processed.

  • Following China, the United States produces the world’s second-largest crop of spinach. 
  • California, Arizona, and New Jersey are the top spinach-producing states in the United States.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSpinachDay

Many of us enjoy spinach that celebrating is easy! Shake up your vegetable routine and mix up your greens. Experiment with some spinach. 

  • Fresh spinach salad
  • Spinach pizza
  • Spinach dip
  • Cream spinach
  • Spinach lasagna
  • Add spinach to scrambled eggs

You can also plant some spinach in your spring garden. Not only will you reap the benefits of a lush green salad, but spinach doesn’t require much space.

  • Spinach grows in pots on a sunny balcony or in a small garden space. 
  • Use fertile soil.
  • Plant in cool weather.
  • Keep moisture levels consistent.
  • Harvest and enjoy!
  • You can plant again in the fall. Double the bounty!

Share your favorite ways to add spinach to your meals.  Use #NationalSpinachDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL ARTICHOKE HEARTS DAY

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!

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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 CELERY MONTH

Get chopping in March with National Celery Month! This vegetable adds crunch to salads while adding lots of flavor to casseroles and soups.

Celery is a fibrous vegetable that grows into a leafy stalk. While many enjoy it fresh, celery also goes well into a cooked meal. Per serving, the crunchy vegetable has 16 calories. It’s a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Add it to snacks to benefit from its anti-inflammatory qualities.

However, celery is not a superfood. They are the perfect complement to a healthy diet. While it is not glorified as a superfood, celery does class up the plate. Seasoned right, celery can stand out with a flavor all its own.

Meanwhile, back in your kitchen, your celery sticks scream for something else. Add some peanut butter or avocado. Mix chopped celery into a pasta dish or stir-fry. Stir chopped celery into onions and potatoes for a delicious soup.

While all these items are cooking, chop up a few extra sticks and store them in an airtight container, and place them in the refrigerator. They will keep crisp for at least two days. The celery will lose quality after that, but you can still enjoy them or use them in soups or other recipes.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCeleryMonth

Celebrate National Celery Month by incorporating celery into your meals every day. Try these ideas to keep you inspired all month long:

  • Plant celery in your garden this year.
  • Try a new recipe featuring celery.
  • Make ants on a log.
  • Add celery to just about any soup recipe.
  • Add celery to your favorite salad.
  • Create delicious dips for dunking your celery.
  • Make a celery relish.

Try a new recipe and use #NationalCeleryMonth to share on social media.