Summer Produce Guide: Chard
Chard A relative of the beet, chard is a mellow, earthy green that peaks from June through October. Both the leaves and stems, which are often vibrantly colored, are edible. Sauté the leaves simply with garlic and olive oil, stuff them with filling as you would grape leaves, or use them anywhere you’d use spinach […]
Summer Produce Guide: Watermelon
Watermelon Restorative and refreshing, watermelons belong to a family of vines that include cucumbers, gourds, and other melons. The fruit is thought to be native to Africa, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years; in the U.S., hundreds of varieties are grown, and can vary tremendously in size and shape, with flesh ranging […]
Cranberries Have Role in Heart Health, Should We Give Thanks?
Several studies, including new research presented at the Cranberry Health Research Conference, suggest cranberries may play an important part in heart health. As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday and the height of cranberry season, it’s time to explore how these red berries may benefit heart health. Cranberries are a rich source of polyphenols, including […]
What to Do When Organic Isn’t an Option
Whether you’re stuck in a food desert or have a tight food budget, you don’t need to be exposed to dangerous pesticides. Despite the fact that organic food is your healthiest option, buying it isn’t always feasible. A recent study conducted by the Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center found that, overall, organic foods […]
Why You Should Never Eat Non-Organic Green Beans
For real. You definitely don’t want these on your plate, Consumer Reports finds out. Sometimes organic just isn’t available. So is it safe to go the nonorganic route if there’s no other feasible option? While organic is always best if you’re trying to protect your family from chemicals linked to breast cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, ADHD, […]
12 Fruits and Veggies You Should Avoid (If Buying Non-Organic)
Contrary to the old adage, an apple a day may not keep the doctor away. According to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2015 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, apples topped the list as the most pesticide-contaminated produce for the fifth year in a row. Peaches and nectarines round out the top three “dirtiest” foods […]
6 Health Benefits of Blueberries
Consuming fruits and vegetables provide copious health benefits. Produce consumption has been shown to lower the risk of developing various chronic conditions and is protective against certain types of cancer. Experts recommend consuming a rainbow of colored produce to provide the various vitamins and minerals that are essential to maintain optimal health. Do your body […]
Beyond Pumpkin: 10 Other Fall Foods to Eat Right Now
Pumpkin gets all of the love when it comes to fall food, but fall flavors go way beyond that beautiful orange squash. Find these fall foods at your farmers market! Don’t get me wrong. I love pumpkin and pumpkin spice. But you can’t live on pumpkin alone, as much as we all may want to. […]
5 Crazy New Reasons Organic Produce Is Really Worth Your Money (and How to Afford It!)
In the quest for a healthier body and a longer life, U.S. consumers are filling their grocery carts with more organic produce than ever, and that number continues to climb every single year. While that’s a great thing for those that can and choose to do so, conventional produce still accounts for a majority of […]
Farmers’ Markets Are Good for Communities…Right?
Vegetables at the Dane County Farmers’ Market. Photo courtesy of Bill Lubing. Farmers’ markets practically glow with wholesome virtue: Shop here, they promise, and you can help build a sustainable, healthy food system! But without the data to buttress those claims, it’s hard to know whether farmers’ markets are actually meeting those goals or how […]
Tips to Freeze What You Grow
With plenty of gardening comes plenty of produce, but what can you do with all of it? You certainly can’t eat it all at once, and canning everything is a pain in the neck. However, your freezer might give you another option. Saving produce by freezing it is often very efficient, fast and easy to […]
8 Foods Even The Experts Won’t Eat
Food scientists are shedding light on items loaded with toxins and chemicals–and simple swaps for a cleaner diet and supersized health. Experts from different areas of specialty explain why they won’t eat these eight foods. Clean eating means choosing fruits, vegetables, and meats that are raised, grown, and sold with minimal processing. Often they’re organic, […]