The Rise of Avocados
Until recently, the avocado was fairly unknown, met with tons of questions and not enough answers. Now it’s eaten every day across the county in a plethora of different ways. So how did the avocado become so mainstream? On this National Avocado Day, we decided to look back at the avocado and how it became the superfood sensation that it is today.
The rise of the avocado took quite the marketing effort. Consumers weren’t always familiar with the fruit and the best ways to enjoy it. Part of this was because it wasn’t always known as an avocado. At first, they were given the Spanish name “Ahuacate,” derived from Aztec origins, but that wasn’t the easiest to pronounce. They were also called the “Alligator Pear” because of their bumpy, olive-colored skin. However, that name was both unappealing and misleading, given the many differences between pears and avocados. Finally, in 1915 a group of farmers put their heads together and came up with a new name: the avocado.
By the time the 1980s came around, U.S. dietary guidelines recommended a low-fat diet. Continuing into the 90s, the trend was tough on the avocado industry, despite their efforts to educate the public on the health benefits of avocados. Of course, up until that point, avocado producers had not done much to educate the public on how to eat an avocado, nor did they promote them in the context of Latin American cuisine where these fruits shine. Therefore, folks had no idea how or where to add avocado.
Finally, in the 90s, the California Avocado Commission hired Hill & Knowlton a public relations firm who introduced “Mr. Ripe Guy” a mascot used to educate and promote all things avocados. Mr. Ripe Guy got the ball rolling on what turned into an all-out campaign to promote these superfruits. Hill & Knowlton worked to showcase avocados on the ultimate stage, the super bowl, getting big time NFL stars to share their favorite recipes, and market guacamole to fans around the country.
Avocado sales quickly skyrocketed with its crop value spiked by nearly 70%, turning the avocado from an anomaly to a household grocery item. Now guacamole is one of the go-to Super Bowl Sunday snacks. Today, avocados are featured in endless amounts of recipes and people pay extra to have some avocado thrown in their salad, added on their sandwich, or even spread on their toast.
For some awesome avocado recipes and inspiration check out our website. Don’t forget to stop by your local Price Chopper & Market 32 or shop with us online for all your National Avocado Day needs. It’s time to celebrate the emergence of this awesome superfruit!
home.grown. Corn: How Sweet It Is!
Sweet corn is a seasonal treasure. It’s one of our favorites to enjoy all summer long, especially in peak growing season here in the Northeast! We’re proud to source sweet corn locally when the season rolls in, but did you know that this crop takes a sourcing journey all the way up East Coast each year, before our region’s annual bounty hits?
May
Warmer weather typically hits our region in full force by mid-May, and the people of the Northeast hit their backyards. Early in what we like to call “grilling season,” we’re usually tapping into Florida’s sweet corn season, as our Northeast farmer’s plant, water and tend to their fields.
June
By June, the summer season is officially setting in. Around here, the weather heats up, the sun stays out and our sweet corn starts to come a bit closer. We move our map pin from Florida to Georgia and begin bringing in Georgia-grown sweet corn for a while. Northeastern cornstalks have sprouted by the end of the month, in preparation for harvest in a few weeks. We can hardly wait.
July
Weather factors heavily into almost all of the crops we source locally each year, and sweet corn is no exception. While we prepare for the mid-July checkered flag on our beloved local sweet corn, we source our corn in parts of North Carolina and Delaware, where local corn season has set in. It’s delicious, as was the Floridian and Georgian corn, but we’re chomping at the bit for corn from our backyard!
It’s Here!
Sometime between mid and late July each year, our favorite point in the local agriculture season hits: sweet corn season. Our Produce teammates smile from ear to ear, pun intended, as crates from friends like Shaul Farms in Fultonham, New York, Paul Mazza Farms in Colchester, Vermont, and more start to arrive. This amazing season seems to go by in the blink of an eye, much like the holidays do, and typically lasts until mid-September. Our local farmers deliver consistently during this time, and we can’t get enough!
Want to read more about home.grown. produce season in the Northeast? Visit our blog and check out our Ready Magazine.
New Items: Frito-Lay Lays Layers
For more than 75 years, Lay’s® – one of the marquee brands from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division – has consistently brought its fans unique innovations that explore different flavors and textures, delivering smiles and joy to generations of potato chip fans. Shoppers are always on the hunt for new snacks, and America’s favorite potato chip brand is giving them something in 2022 that they’ve never seen before with the introduction of a brand-new product line: Lay’s Layers.
Lay’s Layers are not your ordinary chips. They are multi-dimensional, one-of-a-kind potato bites with layers of delicious crispiness. Bite-sized, flavorful, and unlike anything Lay’s has unveiled before, they deliver a truly new snacking experience.
“Lay’s fans are known for finding joy in the every day – no matter what life throws their way – and this multi-faceted approach to life helped inspire Lay’s Layers,” said Melissa Miranda, senior director of marketing, Frito-Lay North America. “Lay’s Layers is a new offering in the Lay’s portfolio that is just as multi-dimensional and flavorful as our fans’ lifestyles.”
The new Lay’s Layers product line will feature two delicious flavors fans know and love:
- Three Cheese: A tangy and cheesy blend of cheddar, parmesan, and gouda
- Sour Cream & Onion: A savory blend of onion and sour cream
Burgers for the Holiday Weekend!
The 4th of July is coming up which means we are all looking forward to the long weekend ahead. Nothing is more perfect for a long summer weekend then burgers on the grill. We’re hitting you with some of our favorite burger recipes that we will be enjoying this weekend. The best part? They come with plenty of variety: meat burgers, seafood burgers, and beyond!
Salmon Burgers with Avocado & Asian Slaw: We love salmon burgers! Super underrated in the burger game. And they are excellent for the summer. These salmon burgers with avocado and Asian slaw are a refreshing meal that adds a nice twist to the traditional cookout.
Spinach-Artichoke Turkey Burgers: A good turkey burger is packed with flavor. These Spinach-Artichoke Turkey Burgers certainly fit the bill. A fantastic flavor combination that will unlock a new level of burger lover in your heart and mouth!
Portobello Caprese Burgers: Portobello mushrooms make for a great burger, and this isn’t the last time you’ll hear from them in this list! Top with tomato, mozzarella cheese, and balsamic vinegar and you’ll have a caprese experience like you’ve never seen it before.
Italian Meatball Sliders: We’re about halfway through the list so time to switch it up. Sliders! Sliders are great and a fun alternative to a whole burger. Try out these Italian Meatball Sliders and you’ll pick up what we’re putting down.
Aloha Burgers: Say Aloha to this top tier burger recipe! Pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, teriyaki sauce, and more unite for an epic tropical burger experience.
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers: We told you we’d be back. Throw a Portobello patty on the grill, add some A! sauce, mayo, white onion, avocado, you’re good to go!
Cobb Burgers: You’ve probably heard of egg on a burger, but you may have not taken the leap yet. Do it! We promise you won’t regret it. This recipe is a great place to start. Classic burger toppings alongside eggs, blue cheese, roasted reds, and avocado, so delicious!
Smoky Turkey Burger with Smashed Avocado and Black Bean Salsa: And last but not least, another refreshing turkey burger option. Smashed avocado and black bean salsa for a southwest style feel on this one. Amazing flavor, amazing burger!
Still hungry? Here’s a few more mouthwatering burger recipes…
Don’t forget to check out our weekly flyer for great deals on Market 32 Gourmet Pub Burgers and more through Saturday!
Enjoy the long weekend!
Top Dogs for the 4th
It’s the heart of summer and the 4th of July is coming up. There’s no better time to fire up the grill for some hot dogs. This year, we are striving for variety. Not just your average hot dog, but some recipes to elevate your dogs to the next level. BLT Dogs, Chicago Dogs, Chili Dogs, we’ve got them all. Check out these great recipes for yourself!
L.A. Street Dogs: These LA Street Dogs encompass all the flavorful qualities of a Los Angeles style dog. Turkey franks accompanied by an adventurous team of bacon, pico de gallo, salsa con queso, and pinto beans. What’s not to love?
The Chicago Dog: A Chicago-style hot dog, or simply Chicago Dog, features a 100% beef frankfurter with a poppyseed bun. Topped with yellow mustard, chopped onion, fresh tomatoes, green relish, pickled sport peppers, celery salt and a whole dill pickle spear. It’s busy but absolutely delicious.
Chipotle Chili Dog: Turn up the heat a notch with a Chipotle Chili Dog. Add a little ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, tomato sauce, and minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Don’t forget to finish It off with some shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
Nacho Tater Tot Dog: Try this combination with a veggie dog. Tater tots, nacho cheese, and pickled jalapenos, great flavor and easy to put together.
Thai-Style Dog: This Thai-inspired recipe features cabbage, cucumber, and grated carrots in a sweet vinaigrette. Use turkey dogs, topped with the veggie mixture, a spicy Asian aioli, and chopped peanuts for a Thai food experience unlike any other.
Macaroni & Cheese Dogs: Next time you have a cookout put out some mac & cheese and have your guests put it on their hot dogs. Excellent comfort food!
Pulled Pork & Coleslaw Dog: If you’re feeling extra adventurous throw some pulled pork on top of your hot dog. Add some coleslaw for a creamy compliment. Make them as a great menu enhancer for summer get togethers.
Basil Pesto Dogs: With bunches of basil, pesto is easy to make. Spread some onto your hot dog for a simple yet refreshing choice of condiment.
Buffalo Dog: A buffalo dog? Yes, please. Buffalo wing sauce, a little ranch, crumbled blue cheese, chives, scallions, and refreshing celery. This is a great option if you like your dogs a bit hotter.
BLT Dogs: BLT’s are a classic sandwich. We think they are a classic hot dog as well. Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes bacon, and a drizzle ranch, all coming together for one delicious dog.
Vegan Dogs: Finally, vegan dogs. If you don’t eat meat don’t fret, there are great options for you as well. Check out this great recipe from the Cheeky Chickpea. The best part is you can enjoy all of these toppings vegan-style as well.
Hot dogs are one of the most versatile options in the food game. How adventurous you choose to get is up to you and your palate. Whether you prefer the classic ketchup, mustard, and relish or choose to go more outside the box, Price Chopper & Market 32 is your one stop shop for all things hot dog! You can even shop with us online.
New Items: Maxwell House
Start your day on the right foot with one of these bold morning brews, available now. Each one has a unique taste, so it’s easy to find a new favorite for your regular cup of coffee.
Try starting with Maxwell House Original Blend, which has been a household go-to since 1892. It’s made with Arabica and Robusta beans for a rich, flavorful, and velvety taste that’s good to the last drop.
Or try the latest blend from Maxwell House—the Maxwell House Mainstream Roast & Ground Dark Silk, which has a classic taste and rich aroma that brings out the best flavors. It’s made from 100% pure coffee for a tasty, bold, and delicious cup, making it the perfect pick for a wake-up drink with breakfast or a midday boost.
The Maxwell House, House Blend is a masterfully roasted medium blend full of the quality you expect and delivers the delightful and lively taste you love. You’ll get the same flavor you crave from these K-Cups as you do from any other package of Maxwell House.
If you’re looking for a single origin cup of well-bodied coffee, look no further than Gevalia Columbia to get your day going. These 100% Colombian beans have been sourced for decades, making this classic coffee renowned around the world, for good reason.
With all these rich, bold, and flavorful coffee options, you’re next morning is sure to be a bit brighter. So, find your favorite and brew up a cup to take on the day with ease. Find them all right here.
Celebrating Juneteenth!
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day – is a holiday celebrating the freedom of those enslaved in the United States. The date commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement that brought slavery to its true and actual end, two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was enacted.
To underscore its historical importance across our nation, Juneteenth was established as a national holiday in 2021. Families and communities will celebrate with parades, private gatherings, art exhibits, traditional dance, church services, and the like. We too, pay homage and reflect on the significance of this date that represents the beginning of a journey for Black Americans. In remembering this moment in history, we gain hope and courage to stand against what we’ve seen in recent days, as the pervasive threats against Black communities, their freedom and equality.
We not only honor this day, we put the spirit of freedom and equality into action all year long when we connect with our communities and partner with them for the advancement of economic growth, among many other efforts. One tangible example is our long standing partnership with Black owned and Black founded businesses. In helping to amplify their reach and visibility in the marketplace, we are just one part of their mission to grow safe and thriving companies, communities and families.
As we reflect on the meaning of this day, we encourage our teammates and guests to do the same. Join us as we continue practicing and ever improving our culture of diversity and inclusion and equitable community partnership.
What We're Grillin' for National Burger Day
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
‘Tis the season for grilling! Warmer weather calls for burgers on the grill, and what better way to celebrate National Burger Day than by grilling up a delicious, juicy burger. Make National Burger Day exciting by pairing your burger with fresh toppings of choice. Whether you enjoy beef or vegetarian burgers, we have you covered. Check out some Price Chopper and Market 32 recipes below on making National Burger Day fun for everyone in your household!
Aloha Burger: We’ve heard of pineapple on pizza, but what about on your burger? This delicious sweet and salty combination of pineapple, vegetables, Swiss cheese, and Canadian bacon is a must-try! Next time you are in our store, be on the lookout for whole, fresh pineapple or pre-cut pineapple rings.
Cobb Burger: This heavenly, filling burger is the perfect mix of vegetables, eggs, and blue cheese. Be sure to stop by the deli section at your local Price Chopper and Market 32 for the finest selection of cheeses that are perfect for your burger!
Easy Black Bean Burger: Beef isn’t your thing? Check out this mouthwatering Easy Black Bean Burger that is perfect for any occasion, especially National Burger Day! This recipe includes PICS brand oats, walnuts, and Mexican blend shredded cheese as well as a variety of vegetables.
Want to learn the secret to grilling the “perfect burger?” Head to Price Chopper and Market 32’s YouTube page for tips and tricks!
Happy National Burger Day!
Get Your Pet Meds at Price Chopper
At Price Chopper/Market 32, we are passionate about supplying our customers with everything they need to keep themselves and their families healthy. Of course, pets are always included in that! We strive to provide the resources they need to live happy. Did you know you can pick up your pet medications from our pharmacies? It’s true! We offer affordable prices and an easy pick-up process at our in-store pharmacies.
We offer top brands like Bavecto, Frontline, and Seresto for fighting fleas & ticks, Bravecto requires a healthcare provider prescription. New, transferred, and authorized refills are included as ordered by a prescriber. Also, your pet is covered with a number of prescription meds for various ailments: Carprofen for arthritis/joint pain in cats and dogs, Heartgard Plus for Heartworm in dogs, eye meds such as Latanoprost, Dorzolamide, and Diclofenac, Levothyroxine for thyroid in dogs, and Vetsulin for diabetes in dogs and cats. For more information please visit our website.
Can’t pick up? Medications can also be delivered via ScriptDrop. Whether it’s to your home, office, or assisted living facility, prescriptions can be hand-delivered by a professional and HIPAA compliant ScriptDrop courier. Click here to find delivery options and participating locations near you!
We believe all good patients deserve a nice, healthy treat so check out our selection of pet treats, sure to make your furry friend smile!
Shop Pet Treats
Nick's Ice Cream: What The Fjord Is Swedish-Style Ice Cream?
Diet and delicious? It’s an impossibility, a paradox, just plain nonsense! No, it’s actually just Swedish. Yeah, that tiny country where everyone’s six feet tall, blonde, and beautiful. Oh, forgot to mention they’re geniuses too. Because they’ve invented the world’s first light ice cream that actually tastes just like ice cream.
Okay, let’s break down just how genius these Swedes are. Most light ice creams just remove all the fat from the cream and replace it with water. That’s why you get super icy diet ice creams and as the water eventually evaporates, the pint shrinks into a hard frozen brick. Not yummy. Nick’s Swedish-style just uses a different type of plant-based fat that’s way lighter than traditional milkfat. So it retains all the creaminess of traditional ice cream and you would never know it’s better-for-you.
How much better for you? Most traditional ice creams are 1000+ calories per pint. You can get a pint of Nick’s with only 220 calories in the whole pint. Yeah, that’s less than 60 calories per serving. Can you eat a whole pint of ice cream in one sitting? Yes! Should you? Um.
So, if they’re that much lighter they must only have like, Strawberry and Vanilla, right? Wrong. They have like 30+ flavors with huge honkin’ chunks. Swedish Munchies has cookie dough and brownies! Bottom line, you can indulge in creamy rich ice creams that are super light and better for you, without wanting to curl up in a ball afterward.