Bell Peppers

Have you ever noticed that Green bell peppers cost a heck of a lot less than the Red, Yellow, or Orange peppers. A whole $1.50 less at my particular grocery store. At first glance this seems quite ludicrous, however, it kinda makes sense once you know the facts and can get over the fact that the grocery stores probs aren't part of some 'supermarket conspiracy'. 

So, Green peppers cost less because they are harvested much sooner than yellow peppers, much much sooner than orange peppers, and much much much sooner than red peppers. (Why only green peppers have a price difference is a little bit questionable). 

See,  all bell peppers are all grown on the same plant and they change colour as they ripen. So if you want a green one pick it early in the growth cycle of the plant. If you want a red one, pick it much later. Also, here's a fun fact that you may or may not have seen coming....

...Red bell peppers are the most nutrient filled. For instance, 

Nutrient	Green	Red	Yellow
Vitamin A	12% DV	105% DV	3.6% DV
Vitamin C	137% DV	292% DV	282% DV
Beta Carotene	340 mcg	841 mcg	110 mcg

(*Thank you http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodtip&dbid=68)

So, next time you wanna cheap out and buy the green peppers instead think of all that beta Carotene that you're leaving on the shelves...

Served with Hummus and paprika (btw, paprika is prepared from red peppers)

Garlic

Is garlic even a vegetable?

Well, I've found out that it is a member of the Lily family (along with the onion, shallot, and chive), it's not a herb (because herbs denote something green), and it's not a spice (because wikipedia says so). So, basically because garlic doesn't fit into any other category it's most closely related to a vegetable.

But let's get to the important stuff...
Garlic festivals are all around us! Look into it, you probably live near one. Strictly based on witty alliteration, The Gilroy Garlic Festival, held in Gilroy, California seemed like a fun festival to learn about. This festival is complete with garlic favoured ice cream, garlic braiding workshops, and a Miss Garlic Gilroy Festival Queen (she has to perform a Garlic Speech, believe it or not. )

Roasted Garlic:

Cut the top off of the little clovies, spritz with oil and seasonings, cover in tinfoil and then bake it for 30-35 mins at 400 degrees.
(*Be sure to have gum on hand)

mmmm. Tasty!

Kale

Some may call it 'your new friend with benefits' others call it the cardboardy-like lettuce, either way, KALE is the new potato chip!!!

Cut off the stems, spritz a little oil, and season to taste. That's all it takes to turn this leafy, well structured green into a crispy delight. Pop 'em in the oven at 375-400 degrees and make sure your socks are on tight, because they are about to be blown...right off!!

You will never go back to potato chips again. Aside from the super convenient and inexpensive ways of Lays or Tostitos, Kale chips totally win in the snack food competition of life!

Oh ya, and kale was a key player in the Dig for Victory Campaign. What is the 'Dig for Victory Campaign' you may ask... Well apparently, during WWII gardens were planted in private residence to reduce the pressure on public food sources. Kale, along with other nutrient over-achievers, were grown and harvested and given to those in need. These gardens also provided the garden people (not the gnomes, the actual people) with a sense of purpose. Go Kale!!

30 Days of Veg

Everyone can eat more vegetables! So, for 30 days I will prepare a new veggie each day and with the help of the wonderful worldly web I might even learn something new!

Day 1: Sweet Potatoes
Day 2: Kale
Day 3: Garlic
Day 4: Bell Peppers
Day 5: Cucumber
Day 6: Purple Cauliflower
Day 7: Spaghetti Squash
Day 8: Baby Carrots
Day 9: Chives

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes are a root vegetable that's super high in Vitamin A. According to whfoods.org these rooty treats are considered, 'standout antioxidants'. These 'unexpected tubers' are fabulous! and include magnificent health benefits of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and blood sugar-regulating nutrients.

Seasoned the sweets with a lemon and paprika pre-mixed seasoning.
Other seasonings to try are: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or just a simple s&p.