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Monthly Archives: April 2012
Local Foods – What does it mean to you?
What does local food mean to you? Everyone has their own idea and/or definition of what is 'local'. For example, it could be within your own community or 100 mile radius (which could include another country) or within a province/state or within a country. What is your definition of local? Some people are very emotional about the topic and some people tend to be a bit more pragmatic. I enjoy local when it is in season. However, keeping in mind the short growing season for some produce in Canada, I do like the option of the availability of California and Florida berries in January to April at the supermarkets. On the other hand, we should be able to source and purchase Canadian grown … Continue reading
Edamame Encounter
Edamame (pronunciation ay-dah-MAH-may) is the preparation of immature soybeans in the pod, which is most common in Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian cuisines. This green soybean strongly resembles a snow pea. The beans are round (like a pea) and packed in pods in threes or fours. Where is Edamame grown? Currently, it is a challenge for the Ontario consumer to purchase locally grown edamame at large grocery retailers. The edamame available at the major retailers is imported from China and other Asian countries. It is available fresh, frozen and prepared. Ontario farmers have over half a million pounds of edamame in local soil which translates into 500,000 one lbs retail bags. It is harvested in August. I’m familiar with two Ontario farmers growing it – … Continue reading
Spring Cleaning, Starts in the Kitchen
It is that time of year again for spring cleaning. This is a great opportunity to put your kitchen on the ‘to do’ list including the pantry, refrigerator and freezer. The time is now… to remove the contents from each, throw out food items that have expired or spoiled and clean the interior thoroughly. Here are some helpful tips to remain focused on keeping your food safe as you spring clean. Remember these four easy steps…Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill! Clean Wash your hands and food contact surfaces often. Bacteria can be transferred by hands, cutting boards, and knives and quickly spread to all kitchen surfaces. Cleaning often can stop that from happening. Wipe up spills immediately and clean surfaces (including the refrigerator) thoroughly with … Continue reading
Vitamin D for Healthy Bones
Do you remember a few years ago when a new study about the importance of Vitamin D was published? Vitamin D supplements were flying off of the pharmacy and health food store shelves. I’m always amazed how an article in the media can influence a population to react. I wish it was that easy to influence the population to adopt a plan of eating well and exercising frequently. However, that is more work (another blog topic) than just going to the store and buying a bottle of the sunshine vitamin! What is the big deal about Vitamin D? Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble micronutrient necessary for the health of our bones. We can make vitamin D in our bodies from having our … Continue reading
Easter Celebration
Do you have a favourite Easter Food Tradition? Whether it is to celebrate a religious festivity or the welcoming of spring, Easter has become a holiday welcomed by all and enjoyed with many fun food traditions. Here are some popular examples. Eggs – renewal of life First one up is the Easter egg which is thought to represent the renewal of life. As many of you have probably done so, picking up a marker or some dye during the week leading up to Easter has probably led you to colouring images and designs on an egg, as part of a tradition. Hard boiled eggs are either left as decorations from your child’s school project or enjoyed around the table … Continue reading