Bethpage, NY (PRWEB) April 12, 2016
Transform a salad from bland to delicious and basic meals to nutrition-packed dishes. The Produce department at King Kullen makes cooking fun; and with the spring season rolling in, making any meal fresher and healthier is easier than ever.
With a wide array of vegetables and fruits in the grocer, King Kullen offers new, seasonal favorites, including more exotic fruits like apricots to nutritious veggies like beets and asparagus. Rather than getting sick and tired of the same old veggie dish or an apple a day, mix it up, and enjoy the nutrition and health food that’s put on the table for any and every meal.
Each vegetable and fruit is unique, not only in flavor, but also in the benefits and nutrition they provide. Make a salad stand out with freshness and add veggies and fruits to all kinds of recipes and dishes to give them an extra kick of flavor and nutrition. In some cases, extra health benefits will be added to a meal while also enhancing the taste of the dish!
King Kullen’s Produce department is stocking up this season on a wide variety of fruits and veggies, so stop by and shop for these nutrition-enriched options.
Apricots
Apricots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is essential for eyesight and immune system function, as well as maintaining healthy skin and teeth. They also contain potassium, which aids in muscle function, helps regulates the heartbeat and promotes healthy digestion and strong bones.
To find the best apricot, look for one with an orange-red color and avoid ones that have bruising. The smell should be sweet. After finding the perfect bunch of apricots, try whipping up a sweet treat, like Apricot Turnovers (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670937094037/).
Artichokes
Artichokes are an excellent source of antioxidants, which provide immune support and dietary fiber, therefore aiding in digestive health. They also contain vitamin K and potassium.
To find the best artichoke, choose ones that are heavy and firm with healthy, green leaves, all of which are intact. After finding the perfect artichokes, try a delicious dish to share, like Garlic Roasted Artichokes with Pesto Dipping Sauce (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670937094038/).
Arugula
Arugula is a low-calorie vegetable full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and it’s an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K.
To find the freshest arugula, choose ones with long, bright, green leaves. This veggie is perfect for salads, as a sandwich and burger topping and even to cook into soups and stews.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a great source of all kinds of nutrients, including fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E and K. It’s packed with antioxidants and is beneficial for aiding in brain and cognitive function due to the high amount of folate it contains.
When cooking with asparagus, be sure to snap off the dry ends before cooking it. A great way to prepare this veggie is by roasting it in olive oil, salt and pepper or adding any favorite spices. Asparagus is the perfect salad topper or even try mixing it with a fish fillet or wrapping it with bacon. For an asparagus recipe with a kick, try Roasted Lemon Parmesan Garlic Asparagus (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670937094086/).
Beets
Beets are high in vitamin C, so they are perfect for boosting the immune system. They also contain fiber, manganese, and even potassium, which helps to support healthy nerve and muscle function. Beets help boost energy levels, fight inflammation, and can even help to lower blood pressure.
To find the perfect beets, choose ones that are firm, heavy and have smooth skin. They should also have a stem and/or greens intact. After finding the perfect beets, try whipping up Beet Hummus (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670937094327/).
Carrots
This all-time favorite veggie has the most benefits due to the amount of beta-carotene and fiber. Carrots are also rich in vitamin A, which helps to improve eyesight, C, which supports the immune system, and K, which is a great source of antioxidants. Carrots also help with regulating high blood pressure.
Try a new carrot dish by mixing them with great seasonings as a side dish. Give Roasted Carrots with Honey, Rosemary and Thyme a try (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670937094412/).
Garlic
While this may not be thought of as a veggie, garlic has medicinal properties and can boost the function of the immune system. It’s low in calories but rich in vitamin C, B6 and manganese. Garlic can also help decrease blood pressure, and help improve and regulate cholesterol levels.
Garlic is great for cooking and can add flavor to any dish. Try sautéing dark, leafy greens, like spinach, kale or broccoli rabe, in olive oil and garlic.
Peas
Peas are an excellent source of fiber — which supports digestive health; vitamin A — which supports vision and healthy skin; vitamin C — which supports the immune system; and vitamin K — which aids in bone health. Peas also help prevent heart disease due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by supporting healthy blood vessels.
After picking up peas from King Kullen, try a refreshing Spring Pea Salad (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670937094119/).
Radishes
Radishes are a great source of vitamin C, so they support the immune system and keep bones and teeth strong. They also aid in digestion due to the amounts of fiber they contain, as well as help to regulate blood pressure and prevent viral infections. Radishes even hydrate the body and are low in calories.
To find the perfect radishes, choose ones that are smooth and firm with crisp roots that have green leaves intact. After finding the perfect radishes, try cooking a dish like Roasted Ranch Radishes (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670937094600/).
While King Kullen is reliable and known for having the freshest produce throughout the season, planting flowers and a home garden is also a great hobby and activity for the whole family to get involved with. Stay active this spring and summer to complement the healthy diet filled with fresh veggies — go for a bike ride, fly a kite, and get creative using sidewalk chalk. Try something new like paintings done with Q-Tips (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670937095035/). Or involve the kids with a new, fun craft like a Foam Cup Butterfly (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199917670937095190/).
Playing outside not only promotes a healthier, active lifestyle, but it can involve the whole family and neighborhood, too! Explore the local area and hike the natural sights, and don’t forget to plan ahead with fresh and healthy meals provided by King Kullen’s Produce department.
About the Company:
Headquartered in Bethpage, New York, King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc. is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as America’s first supermarket. Michael J. Cullen opened the doors of King Kullen in 1930. Today, four generations later, King Kullen is still family owned and operated. It remains a leader in the supermarket industry. From that very first store in 1930, King Kullen today operates 36 supermarkets and five Wild by Nature stores across Long Island. In addition to traditional grocery, King Kullen features a large catering and prepared foods department, freshly-baked breads and sweets, and healthy and organic areas, with pharmacies in many stores as well.