National Mediterranean Diet Month

When it comes to flavor and health in one package, National Mediterranean Diet Month in May has us covered. From fresh herbs and vegetables to succulent seafood and wine, this cuisine satisfies.

One way to get the best out of a Mediterranean diet is to indulge in the whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables along with the healthy oils our bodies need. Olive and canola oils are rich in good cholesterol. Add fish and chicken to the menu and limit red meat to only a couple times a month and we’re well on our way to enjoying a Mediterranean lifestyle. Finish it off with a glass of red wine occasionally and plenty of exercise.

Oldways founded National Mediterranean Diet Month in 2008.

We actually combine Keto, Mediterranean and Carb Counted to get a healthy diet of flavors, and a lot of the dishes can be altered to this style of eating.  It keeps things so flavorful you probably won’t even realize you’re on a diet….

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Are you looking for a flavorful, easy to follow diet? The Mediterranean diet meets the guidelines for the food pyramid. Give it a try during May and you might find it a lifestyle changer. Use #MediterraneanDietMonth to share on social media.

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 GAZPACHO DAY

National Gazpacho Day, on December 6th, recognizes a flavorful soup that cooks serve cold. Gazpacho is typically a tomato-based vegetable soup. Originating in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia, Gazpacho is widely consumed in Spanish cuisine, usually during the summer months.

The original Spanish recipe includes stale bread, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Other ingredients include olive oil, wine, vinegar, water, and salt.

Following is the typical method of preparing gazpacho:

  • Washing vegetables
  • Peeling tomatoes, garlic, and onions.
  • Chop all vegetables (traditionally pounded with mortar) and process in a food processor.
  • Add the soaked bread.
  • Blend part of the processed contents until liquid, depending on desired consistency.
  • Blend in chilled water, olive oil, vinegar, and salt to taste.
  • Add remaining processed ingredients.
  • Garnish as desired.

Gazpacho offers cooks many modern variations. Abundant fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs make a delicious gazpacho, too. Consider using ingredients such as avocados, cucumbers, parsley, watermelon, or grapes. However, recipes offer meat stock and seafood varieties for gazpacho, too. Don’t hesitate to try something new. If the grocery offers something fresh on special, look for a recipe that will get you experimenting. You won’t regret trying something fresh, especially in the fall or winter. Your palate will thank you for the fresh spices, herbs, and vegetables.

Even though we serve gazpacho cold, some recipes call for a cooked broth. When the gazpacho is too warm, sometimes ice cubes are added. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGazpachoDay

Try this refreshing soup to change up your menu. Share your favorite recipes or find a variety of options online. Enjoy this Traditional Gazpacho recipe from foodal.com. We also have a delicious Garlic Gazpacho for you to try. You don’t want to miss out on that!

Use #NationalGazpachoDay to post on social media.