Green beans, commonly referred to as string beans or snap beans, are a great fat-free, low-calorie snacking option or easy side dish when pairing with any meal. Be aware that canned beans (unless noted otherwise) contain added sodium. Fresh and frozen are a great option; if you or your family are more familiar with the texture of a canned bean, fresh or frozen varieties can be cooked a little longer for a softer bean without the added sodium.
Leeks are in the onion family, but are sweeter and more delicate. Wild leeks, or “ramps”, resemble a scallion. They are native to North America. You can find them growing in the woods, typically in the shade and in our northern climate — well into the summer.
Figs are a mildly sweet treat that is considered a fruit, but it is actually an inverted flower. Figs ripen – and partially dry – on the tree. If the fig is grown in a more humid climate, it is dried after harvesting.
WHERE to FIND: The abundance of fresh ripe berries is one of the pleasures of summer. The roadsides are filled with signs to let you know where the wild berries will be. Keep an eye on the blossoms and you will know where to go picking these delicious treats mid-to-late summer.
Lemons are packed with many nutrients. They are low in calories, only 29 calories per 100 grams. They contain zero saturated fats or cholesterol and are a good source of fiber. The citric acid in lemons aids in smooth digestion and helps to dissolve kidney stones.
What a fun, easy plant to GROW. A rhubarb plant will produce an edible harvest by the second year after planting, faithfully re-appearing each spring for 10-15 years.
You won’t want to miss out on this delicious, versatile vegetable. Brussels sprouts make a super snack, side dish, or addition to a salad. They are part of the cruciferous vegetable family. Cruciferous vegetables (Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauli ower, bok choy, kale, etc.) included in your diet often (2-5 times per week) will provide great HEALTH BENEFITS. The nutrients in this amazing little power ball provide antioxidants and anti-in ammatory properties that can help prevent cancer, protect blood vessels, and help protect the health of your stomach.
Refreshing and delicious grapefruits are rich in phytonutrients like lycopene, vitamin A, and dietary insoluble ber pectin. Vitamin A and lycopene have antioxidant properties and are essential for vision. Vitamin A is required for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin. Dietary ber helps to protect the colon mucous membrane by decreasing the transit time of substances.
If you like finding hidden treasure you will love the pomegranate. The pomegranate is an ancient fruit that has been around for thousands of years and is native to the Middle Eastern region of the world. Inside the pomegranate lies many layers and crevices filled with beautiful, juicy, sweet edible seeds that provide powerful HEALTH BENEFITS. The pomegranate has compounds that have powerful antioxidant activity and potent anti-inflammatory for health promotion and disease prevention.