Head to your farmer's market to get vegetables you need to make Zone approved recipes, like Shake and Bake Zucchini Fries, or Fennel, Apple, and Celery Salad. And see what the most popular produce is across the United States.
More than 90% of Americans do not eat the amount of fruits and vegetables recommended by the latest U.S. government guidelines. I’d like to think that means they’re eating more than the recommended amount. Realistically, I doubt it.
Head On Down to the Farmer’s Market
To add more vegetables into your life, grab your tote bags, pack up the family and head out to a farmers’ market near you. You’ll find something for everyone, from the classic cucumbers and spinach to the more exotic edible flowers and squash blossoms. Make the most of the bountiful harvest picked at its peak. Choose a variety of colors, the brighter the better. Vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, polyphenols and fiber that make you healthy and happy.
Zone-friendly farmers’ market veggies include kale and Swiss chard (great when lightly sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, topped with a vinegar or thinned almond butter), red cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, endive, various radishes, kohlrabi, fennel, onions, garlic and mushrooms. Two of my favorites are tomatoes and zucchini. In case you’re wondering, zucchini bread is not high on the list of Zone-friendly veggie choices.
Now Get Cooking (or not)
The good news is fresh vegetables require little to no cooking. Keep it simple, both for convenience and for maintaining peak nutrient content. If you’re not a raw vegetable fan, lightly steam your veggies in a small amount of water, or briefly cook them on the stovetop in a skillet with a little extra virgin olive oil. Roasting is another easy method: Place chopped vegetables on a cookie sheet or open baking pan, and roast them at 350 degree to desired taste. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
On your next trip to the farmers’ market (or your local grocery store), remember to pick up some zucchini and fennel so you can try these two easy recipes. Enjoy!
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Shake and Bake Zucchini Fries These crispy zucchini fries dipped in warm tomato sauce are the perfect comfort-food snack for when your cravings hit.
Try our Shake and Bake Zucchini Fries recipe. |
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Transition into fall with this crisp, zesty salad that combines a sweet crunch of apple with lemon flavored veggies.
Try our Fennel, Apple, and Celery recipe. |
