2024 – A New Start
Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, let’s embark on a journey of renewal and nourishment. What better way to kickstart 2024 than by embracing the vibrant and wholesome goodness of fruits and vegetables available at your local market? We’ve summarized five in-season fruit and vegetable groups for you to try:
1. Citrus Splash 🍊🍋 Start your year with a burst of citrusy freshness! Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are not only delicious but also packed with vitamin C. Known for their immune-boosting properties, these fruits are perfect for rejuvenating your body and getting that much-needed glow.
2. Leafy Greens Galore 🥦🥬 Revitalize your plate with an array of leafy greens. Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients. Incorporating these greens into your meals can help detoxify your body, leaving you feeling energized and ready to tackle the year ahead.
3. Root Vegetable Revival 🥕🍠 Delve into the earthy goodness of root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets. These vegetables are not only hearty and satisfying but also rich in vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall well-being.
4. Pomegranate Perfection 🌿🍇 Celebrate the New Year with the jewel-like seeds of pomegranates. Packed with antioxidants, these little bursts of flavor can help cleanse and renew your system while adding a delightful touch to your dishes.
5. Cruciferous Crunch 🥗🥦 Add a crunch to your meals with broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. These cruciferous vegetables are not only delicious but also known for their detoxifying properties, making them an excellent choice for your renewal.
To inspire you, we’ve put together some recipes that use these healthy fruits and vegetables:
Citrus Kale Salad:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1/2 grapefruit, peeled and segmented
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, massage the kale with olive oil for a few minutes to soften it.
- Add orange and grapefruit segments, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy a refreshing burst of citrus flavor!
🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬
Roasted Root Vegetable Medley:
Ingredients:
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 beet, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and golden.
- Serve as a side dish or enjoy as a nutrient-packed main course.
🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Glaze:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the pomegranate glaze. In a small saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture reduces by half and thickens.
- Once the Brussels sprouts are done, transfer them to a serving dish and drizzle the pomegranate glaze over them.
- Sprinkle pomegranate arils on top for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.
- Toss gently to combine, ensuring the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Serve immediately as a delightful side dish or a festive addition to your holiday table.
🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬🥕🍠🌿🍇🥗🥦🍊🍋🥦🥬
As we step into this new chapter, let’s prioritize our well-being by nourishing our bodies with the goodness that nature has to offer. There is no better place to explore the season’s vibrant array of fruits and vegetables than by visiting the Chico Certified Farmers Market! Our wonderful farmers and vendors would love to share their wealth of knowledge with you.
Wishing you a year filled with joy, health, and abundant renewal!
-CCFM