Always Something New With Melissa’s Produce

It could be the weather or just the fact that we are ready for something fresh that makes us think about eating a little less heavy this time of year. Or perhaps it is just because Melissa’s organic greens seem to be abundant in the marketplace. Whatever the reason, you should follow your instinct and add them to your diet. Why? Because they taste great and are great for you.

Just look at Melissa’s organic collard greens; like many greens, they are a wonderful, dairy-free source of calcium. One cup of cooked collard leaves can supply 25 to 35% of your daily calcium needs. Or how about arugula? It’s got eight times as much calcium as iceberg lettuce--- that’s more vitamin C than any other salad green. No wonder the Italians have eaten it since Roman times and consider the oil made from its seeds a good luck charm and aphrodisiac.

Organic collards and arugula are members of the Brassica family, along with cabbage and broccoli. The phytochemicals in these greens known as indoles help protect us against stomach, colon and breast cancer. The deep green color of their leaves tells us they are also high in beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant that helps rid our body of pollutants.

Wow, who needs vitamins when you’ve got greens like these around?

The funny thing is that even with all of the calcium sources available these days, some of us may not be getting all the dietary calcium we need, and in the long run, this could lead to serious bone loss. Amazingly over 10 million men and women of all ages in the U.S. have osteoporosis, and believe it or not, it’s on the rise.

Part of the problem stems from some of our bone-depleting dietary habits, like drinking too much soda or alcohol, but lactose intolerance is the issue for some.

Whatever the reason, Melissa's organic spring greens can be part of the solution and here is an easy organic collard greens recipe to get you started.

If you think collards and arugula are a bit strong flavored for your tastes, consider that during cool spring days, these two robust greens have a much mellower flavor and may be easier to enjoy.

If you’re still unsure about them, start with Melissa’s organic chard. Chard has many health benefits of other greens but a much milder flavor and two distinct textures, with the leaf being soft and tender and the stems having a firmer texture. It doesn’t matter which color you choose: green, red, gold or rainbow they are all equally as good.

Lastly, just when I think I've learned everything about produce, kale sprouts come along as a pleasant surprise. Have I piqued your curiosity? Then check them out here. https://www.melissas.com/products/kale-sprouts

When I was growing up, I loved potatoes au gratin. But the other day, I found this unique potato, turnip, kale au gratin recipe while paging through Melissa's website.

 

Since St. Patty’s day is celebrated this month, this au gratin would be a great replacement for the traditional colcannon you may have planned to make. And believe me, it tastes as good as it sounds! See our Irish Inspired St. Patrick's Day Menu.