New Updates
You can now order your (non-perishable) groceries while you’re planning your menu! Click on the “Store” tab and order food to be delivered directly to your door! You can also get kitchen and garden supplies, cookbooks, and more. Orders are processed through Amazon.com.

Staying Cool
During the hot summer months, it seems that we’re always being reminded to stay cool and hydrated. True, we should drink plenty of fluid to replenish the liquids we lose to sweat, but did you know some foods could help you stay cool during hot weather?

Fruits and vegetables with high water content can help refresh you under the heat of the sun, as well as keep you healthy. Watermelons (which are about 90% water), grapes, apples, pears and oranges are some of the fruits that will keep you hydrated. Potassium-rich foods can help regulate fluid loss due to sweating. Vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, celery and leafy greens are great options, as are fruits such as bananas and oranges. Eat them raw, toss them in a salad or puree them into a smoothie.

When cooking, try to keep it light as well. Steam, poach, or boil foods rather than frying them. Believe it or not, a little bit of spice in your food can help – it will increase the body’s cooling mechanism.

What foods should you avoid? Meat is at the top of the list. It takes more effort for your body to process and digest. Surprisingly, really cold foods like ice cream should be avoided as well. They can make your body feel sluggish.

Staying Fresh
While your food is keeping you cool, are you making sure your food stays fresh? The summer temperature may be causing your food to spoil sooner than you anticipate. Also, the humidity can cause bacteria to multiply faster and cause a number of food-borne illnesses. Try to do your shopping in the early morning (if you go to a farmer’s market) or late in the evening, when the temperature isn’t as extreme. You may want to pack your spoilable items in hot/cold bags for long trips. Refrigerate or freeze meats as soon as you get home. Wrap fresh herbs in paper towels and put them in a plastic bag before storing them, to absorb any moisture. Tomatoes release ethylene, so store it away from other fruits and vegetables, especially cucumbers, leafy greens and watermelons. Finally, make sure you plan your meals so that you use up the perishable items as soon as possible.

Labels: Updates