Wellness and Health Promotion

April

Fresh Tomato Day- April 6

If you’re looking for a fresh tomato- go local.  Tomatoes are made most fresh with the most nutrients if they are allowed to be ripened on the vine.  You can leave a tomato at room temperature to continue to ripen however; there are no added nutrients to this method.  Store tomatoes ‘shoulder’ up (with the vine up).  A great way to pick a tomato is to smell the tomato near the vine, if it smells tomato-y, it will taste that way!

For more great information and recipes follow these links:

What's Cooking America

Southern Living

Empanada Day- April 8

Originating from Latin American countries, empanadas are a delicious stuffed bread or pastry dish.  You can add meat vegetables and other things to them or you can make a dessert empanada with fruit. There are so many ways to make them. 

Click below for some easier recipes:

Empanadas from PBS Kids

Baked Beef Empanadas from Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day- April 12

A lot of people love cheese and also love the American classic grilled cheese sandwich. It is often served with tomato soup or is made with meats or different cheeses to personalize this yummy sandwich.

Alton Brown shares a fantastic recipe for an unbelievable grilled cheese.

Day of the Mushroom- April 16

Mushrooms are not a favorite for all and there are many varieties that are poisonous.  However, many do like this flavorful food and it can definitely add great flavor to meats and other dishes.

Read up on mushrooms

Garlic Day- April 19

Garlic has been used for centuries to ward of disease.  Today we know that garlic can prevent heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and it also has been shown to boost the immune system.  A study showed those who took garlic during the cold season had fewer colds than those that took a placebo and if those taking garlic did get a cold, their symptoms subsided faster.

For more information on garlic: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/garlic

For more fun facts and for garlic festivals to attend: http://www.nationalgarlicday.com/

Zucchini Bread Day- April 25

It’s the beginning of the gardening season and you hopefully are not sick of zucchini right now.  Try making great zucchini bread today!

Betty Crocker ‘healthifies’ the classic recipe

Prime Rib Day- April 27

There are different types of cuts for meat.  The USDA classifies cuts as prime, choice, select, cutter, or canner.  For prime rib you should opt for a prime cut but choice can also work. 

To learn how to cook prime rib and more information, click here.

Raisin Day- April 30

Raisins can be a healthy snack on the go.  Rich in carbohydrates and natural sugars, raisins can give you a boost in energy when you need it. In ¼ cup of raisins, there are only 130 calories.  Raisins also help with the digestive tract and contain iron, potassium, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.

For more benefits of eating raisins visit Livestrong.com.

 

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Last Updated: 6/27/22