Mia Teal
Marketing Coordinator, Paid Media
It is that time of year again where many people will start up gardening. Gardening is a great way to save money on your favorite vegetables and get a great deal of exercise in as well. Additionally, did you know that gardening actually helps the environment? Growing your own vegetables helps reduce carbon emissions. So what are we waiting for? Let’s get growing!
Tips & Tricks on Gardening Favorites
We picked out three commonly grown vegetables and provided some tips and tricks on how to succeed this gardening season. Find out how below!
Tomatoes:
- Tomatoes, like people, love the sunshine! Make sure that your tomatoes are in a position where they will get ample sunshine to grow strong.
- Tomato plants can be planted a lot deeper than other vegetables. A full two-thirds of the plant should be underground. Seeds should be planted one-eighth of an inch underground. By planting tomatoes deeper in the soil, you are allowing for stronger, more resilient roots.
- Tomato plants need 1-2 inches of water in total per week. Remember not to do this all at once.
Peppers:
- Unlike tomatoes, peppers must be in a shaded area, as they are very sensitive to heat.
- Peppers require 1-2 inches of water per week, but make sure to space out your waterings. Peppers need days in between for dryness. Slow dousings of water are beneficial for peppers.
- Plant peppers 18-24 inches apart.
Carrots:
- Carrots require a lot of sunshine – about 6-10 hours a day.
- Carrots are slow to germinate. They typically require 2-3 weeks to emerge, so don’t give up on these guys!
- Water carrots frequently, but do not douse them as you would with peppers. A shallow watering will do.
As you start harvesting your crops, you will want to make some homemade meals out of them. Check out some of our recipes below!
Grilled Veggie & Quinoa Bowl: This fresh blend of vegetables includes tomatoes, corn, green onions, and avocado, however, add in more of your garden vegetables for even more color!
Zucchini-Vegetable Rolls: With only 5 ingredients, this is a great appetizer to put out for your Mother’s Day or Memorial Day celebration. The only ingredient you would have to purchase is the PICS cream cheese!
Shrimp and Grits Stuffed Peppers: Fresh peppers from the garden with delicious seafood and grits…Need I say more?
Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad: What is an outdoor barbeque without the pasta salad? Better yet, you have our permission to brag about your freshly-grown garden vegetables in this salad!
Shop Our Seed Packets
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN, CDN
History
Vitamin C Day was started in 2019 by a skincare company (Skinceuticals ®), when their scientists showed that some Vitamin C can be absorbed by the skin. This is an important find, as Vitamin C is a key nutrient for skin health and production of collagen, a structural protein found in all connective tissues in our bodies. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient – essential means it must be obtained by eating and drinking because humans cannot make it. Vitamin C is important to many body systems, and research is always reaching to better define roles and mechanisms, especially for preventive health efforts like reducing incidence of cancer or heart disease.
Natural Sources
Vitamin C is found in multiple foods, including all citrus fruits, bell peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, and cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Many foods are fortified with Vitamin C, and it may also be a functional ingredient that maintains freshness. It is so commonly available in foods typically eaten by Americans; it is rare to find a deficiency. It was long recognized that citrus fruits contained a substance that prevented scurvy, a disease that killed sailors from the 1500-1800’s, but the nutrient was not actually identified until 1932.
Supplements
Many people increase their intake of Vitamin C via foods and supplements to ward off chronic health issues, or perhaps when a cold is coming on. In the 1970’s, Linus Pawling, a scientist, and proponent of mega dosing Vitamin C, recommended the equivalent of 12-24 oranges, to support overall health. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means our bodies do not store it well. Due largely to Dr. Pawling’s recommendations, it was not uncommon for people to take high potency supplements of 1000 mg or more, but that is rarely recommended now. In fact, though well-recognized as an antioxidant, at very high levels it can become damaging to cells.
Current Guidelines
The Recommended Daily Amount for adults 19 and older is 90 mg for men and 75 for women. Children’s needs are lower and defined by age and stage of growth. High intake over time results in lower absorption once the body’s limited stores are maxed out. Though it is not toxic, the Tolerable Upper Limit (the maximum amount generally recognized will not cause harm) is 2000 mg per day. Excessive Vitamin C can result in nausea and other GI issues. High, excessive intake of Vitamin C can backfire if it is suddenly stopped – a person that pivots from excess to none can develop rebound scurvy. Despite prevalent belief that Vitamin C can prevent colds, research has so far shown limited benefit, though it may be helpful to reduce virus duration.
Food First
Ensuring you get enough Vitamin C is a great motivator for eating more fruits and vegetables, preferably often over the course of the day. The benefits of eating more produce stack up as other nutrients come along for the ride, such as Vitamin A, fiber, bioactive substances (polyphenols) and water. Vitamin C enhances absorption of iron, which is important to children, pregnant women, and anyone with malabsorption due to intestinal issues or perhaps even a medication interaction. To get the best food benefit, pair higher iron foods, like cooked, unprocessed red meats, legumes, and iron-fortified foods with foods high in Vitamin C to enhance natural absorption of iron. Despite prevalent belief that Vitamin C can prevent colds, research has so far shown limited benefit, though it may be helpful to reduce virus duration.
Best Practices
Enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables – the more you eat, the more likely you are to meet the RDA without a supplement. If you are concerned, ask your health care provider or registered dietitian-nutritionist to assess if you would benefit from a supplement and why, as well as ensuring there are no concerns about current medication/supplement interactions by sharing supplement information with your pharmacist. If supplements are needed, keep them lower dose and consider using every other day. The RDA is based on a weekly average – you are sure to get some Vitamin C most days and can fill in gaps with moderate supplementation.
These meals are crowd-pleasers, timesavers, and budget buddies – we bet there won’t be any leftovers either! Market 32 Meatball/Meatloaf Mix is freshly seasoned so you have a delicious base to build with. Let’s check out this week’s ingredients, shall we?
Meatball Slider Bake
1 lb. Market 32 Meatball/Meatloaf Mix
1/2 lb. Market 32 Deli Sliced Provolone
1 jar (24oz.) PICS Marinara Sauce
1 Yellow Onion
1 Seedless Cucumber
1 package Bakery Brioche Buns
Shop for Meatball Slider Bake here!
Meatloaf
1 1/2 lbs. Market 32 Meatball/Meatloaf Mix
1 1/2 lbs. Sweet Potatoes
1 pouch PICS Beef Gravy
1 bag Pero Farms Green Beans
Shop for Meatloaf here!
Meal 1: Easy, Cheesy Meatball Slider Bake and Cucumber Salad
A crisp, bright side salad brings crunch and zest to complement the savory, cheesy sliders. YES!
Essentials: 2 cutting boards, large, serrated knife, sheet pan, Simply Done Aluminum Foil, 2 Simply Done gallon storage bags, large bowl for salad, paring knife, vegetable peeler (optional) liquid measuring cup, meat thermometer
From the Pantry – 3 TBSP PICS Unsalted butter, melted; PICS White Vinegar, PICS Sugar, Italian Spice Blend
Food Safety notes: Wash hands before and after handling raw and cooked meat. Wash cucumber before slicing. Use separate cutting boards and knives for each food group.
Directions:
– Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-Place 2 sheet pans on the counter, and cover with aluminum foil. Spray aluminum foil with PICS Vegetable Oil. Count the number of rolls in the package of rolls you are using, and plan to make the same number of meatballs. For this recipe, we will use 12 as the number of rolls and servings.
-Place 1 cutting board on the counter, and transfer meat from the package to the board. Flatten the meat slightly, and lightly score with a butter knife in a cross-section pattern to get to the # of sliders/servings you need.
- For example, scoring 3 lines from left to right, and 4 from top to bottom should yield 12 even-ish portions that can be cut and rolled into meatballs. (Hack/optional – Use the 2 storage bags as “gloves” to make meatballs, (you can secure with a rubber band or chip clip) rolling them to your preferred size, and flattening slightly as you place them on one of the sheet pans. Put the meatballs in the oven to cook for about 20 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer says 145 degrees. Remove from the oven and place the pan on top of the stove, allowing it to cool for a few minutes.
-While the meatballs are cooking, remove the rolls from the package and cut in half, placing close together on the second sheet pan.
-Place a ½ slice of provolone on the rolls. They can touch or overlap slightly.
-Place the warm meatballs on top of the cheese. Spoon PICS Marinara onto each meatball, then sprinkle with Italian Seasoning.
-Place second piece of cheese on top of the sauce, and top with the rest of the sliced bun.
-Brush the tops of the sliders with melted butter, and sprinkle with additional Italian Seasoning.
-Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and meatball internal temperature is 145 – 160 degrees.
-While the sliders are baking, using the clean paring knife and clean cutting board, make the cucumber salad. Depending on the number of people you are serving, plan ½ cup sliced onion for each cucumber, assuming they are average size. If you prefer, peel the cucumbers with the vegetable peeler, then slice. I like to peel stripes for a nice presentation and added texture. Place cucumber slices and onion in the bowl. In a liquid measuring cup, pour ½ cup of white vinegar, ½ cup water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon table or Kosher salt. You can also use apple cider vinegar if you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, and a pinch of dried dill or parsley. Toss and set aside to serve with the sliders.
Meal 2: MMMMMeatloaf Dinner – Sheet Pan Easy
Essentials: 2 Simply Done Gallon Storage Bags, 2 Sheet pans, Simply Done Aluminum Foil, 1 cutting board, 1 chef knife, small saucepan, wooden spoon, large tongs, meat thermometer
From the Pantry: PICS Olive Oil, Cayenne pepper or other favorite spice.
Food Safety Smart – Wash produce before preparing, leaving the skin on the sweet potatoes and leaving the green beans in the colander to dry. Wash hands before and after handling raw meatloaf, even if you are using the plastic bag hack.
Directions:
-Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
-Prepare 2 large sheet pans with Simply Done Aluminum foil. Spray both pans with PICS Vegetable Oil.
-Hack – (optional) – using plastic bags as “gloves”, remove the Meatloaf Mix from the package and place it on one of the sheet pans. (You can also use bare hands, and wash again before touching other food or utensils.) Shape the meatloaf to a low, rounded loaf shape. Remove and discard the plastic bags. Wash hands again, and place the meatloaf pan in the oven, lower rack. Set a timer for 10 minutes.
-On the cutting board with the chef knife, cut the sweet potatoes into 4 lengthwise wedges each. Place them the second sheet pan on one end of the pan, skin side down, slightly apart. Lightly spray with PICS Vegetable Oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne or Cajun seasoning. When the set timer rings, open the oven, and place the second sheet pan on the upper rack. Set the timer for 10 minutes.
-Place the colander in the sink, or on a paper towel. Pour 2 TBSP of PICS Olive Oil over the green beans in the colander, tossing with the tongs to coat in the oil. Season with a sprinkle of garlic powder, if you like.
-When the timer goes off the second time, remove the upper rack sheet pan, spray again with vegetable oil, and spread the green beans on the empty side of that pan. Return the pan to the oven and set the timer for 10 more minutes.
-Combine beef gravy mix with approx. 1 cup of cold or boiling water, stirring vigorously with a whisk for 1 minute. Heat and simmer for another minute, stirring occasionally.
-When the timer goes off the third time, test the meatloaf with the thermometer. It should be about 158-160 degrees. Continue cooking until temp reads 160, 5 – 8 more minutes if needed. Remove the pan to the stove top. You can also check the tenderness and color of the sweet potatoes and green beans, removing them to a heat safe surface when the wedges are lightly browned, and the green beans are roasted and tender. Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Divide the vegetables on 4 plates, along with sliced meatloaf. Add gravy as desired, and serve it up! MMMMMM……….
Seafood meals are smart moves for everyone, with a wonderful value story, too!
Seafood is a great, lean protein source, and recommended to be enjoyed at least twice per week by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the American Heart Association.
The Covelle items are frozen and individually cryo-vacced in their packages which makes it easy to plan and easy to keep on hand for busy days. Use 1, 2 or all 4 – great to have that level of quality and flexibility.
Quick-cooking – these frozen seafood filets can go from freezer to pan without defrosting – they cook up in a skillet or a sheet pan in 10 – 15 minutes, win-win for family meals!
Savory and satisfying – seafood is a culinary treasure, easy to season with your favorite spices, herbs and sauces. Stay traditional with lemon and garlic or explore the ocean’s treasures (and great variety of Cape Covelle items) and world flavors like chili-lime and barbeque rubs! Did you know, many seasoning blends are also lower or no sodium – you can get great flavor and manage sodium with blends by PICS, McCormick, Weber, Kinder and Badia.
Everyone can make these quick and savory favorites. Check out these ideas, tips, and hacks for delicious seafood meals! First, let’s take a closer look at our items needed for this week.
1 pack Cape Covelle Wild Caught Salmon (buy one get one FREE this week)
1 pack Cape Covelle Haddock (buy one get one FREE this week)
1 lb. Green Asparagus
1 bag Little Potato Company Gourmet Potatoes
1 pack Dole Chopped Salad Kit, Crunchy Taco
1 Avocado
1 pack PICS Tortillas
1 can (15 oz) PICS Black Bean Salsa
Planning ahead? Defrost filets in the bag in the refrigerator, up to 1 day ahead of when they will be cooked.
Sheet pan prep: Use Simply Done Aluminum Foil and a light spray of PICS Vegetable Oil to make cooking and clean up quick and easy. You can cook filets and fresh or on the same tray, with or without crimping the foil to create a barrier between different items on the same sheet pan.
Cooking from frozen? Tip – Some recipes call for rinsing the frozen filet, but that is not necessary. Use the 2-step directions below to keep your recipe and timeline on track. For seafood servings that are 6 Oz. or less.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Sheet Pan Hack: Place frozen filets (if skin is on, skin side down) on the lightly oiled sheet pan. Cover filets loosely with foil for the first 10-12 minutes. This allows the filet to steam/defrost and maintain moisture. The same can be done with frozen vegetables. After 12 minutes, remove the foil covers. Season with herbs and spices, or a sauce, and return to the oven to finish for 10- 12 more minutes, or when an instant read thermometer reads 145 degrees.
Freezer to Skillet Hack: Set skillet and a cover that can be placed over frozen seafood on the stove. Spray skillet with PICS Vegetable Spray. Turn burner on low, and place filet(s) on the skillet. Place cover over seafood and allow to steam/sauté for 5 – 10 minutes. Remove cover and flip filets. Season or sauce and cook over low/medium heat until done, 10 – 12 minutes, until an instant read thermometer reads 145 degrees.
This Sheet Pan Salmon meal is a winner!
Reel in the simplicity with this delicious, easy meal.
Wash and trim the ends on the asparagus.
Hack: Place Gourmet Baby Potatoes on a microwave safe dinner plate, and microwave for 2-3 minutes. Move them around the plate to promote even cooking and microwave for 1 more minute. This will speed cooking so the salmon, asparagus, and potatoes all finish roasting at the same time.
Preheat oven. If seafood and veggies are not frozen, 375 degrees is fine.
Place salmon on one end of the pan, potatoes in the middle, and asparagus on the other end of the pan. Spread veggies and potatoes so they all have a spot on the pan, and none are stacked on top of each other. Spray seafood, veggies, and potatoes lightly with PICS Vegetable Oil if desired. Season with herbs and spices. Roast on the top rack in the oven, turning the veggies and potatoes at the 10-minute mark to promote even cooking. If using a sauce on the salmon, brush it on after turning the vegetables. Return to the oven for 10-12 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer reads 145 degrees and all vegetables are cooked. Serve it up!
Shop Sheet Pan Salmon!
Haddock Tacos
Change up Taco Tuesday with these mouth-watering haddock tacos!
Follow the directions above for cooking the haddock by your preferred method, sheep pan or skillet.
While the haddock is cooking, prepare the Dole salad according to directions, reserving the corn chips.
Wash and slice the avocado in half, then into chunks.
Open PICS Salsa.
Place Pics Tortillas, 2 per plate, up to 4 plates or servings.
When haddock is cooked, allow it to rest for a minute, then divide each filet into two pieces and place on the center of the tortillas. You may want to cut those pieces into smaller chunks to distribute the length of the tortilla. Sprinkle with chili-lime or taco spices. Using the Dole Crunchy Taco Salad kit for most of the filling is a great hack that delivers a delicious meal – maxing veggie variety and flavor while also saving time and stretching your budget! . Using a slotted spoon, place 1-2 spoonfuls of PICS salsa on the salad, and add a few of the avocado chunks. Sprinkle tortilla chips from the salad on top of the other ingredients, roll up and serve. Sassy, savory and simple.
Shop Haddock Tacos!
Final Tip: Many like the texture of seafood that has been cooked in the skillet for fish tacos, but you can prepare it either way. Cooking the haddock by the sheet pan method while preparing a different dinner a day or two before you plan to serve it can put you way ahead on a busy night – just warm the cooked haddock in the microwave and serve up with the rest of the fresh ingredients!
Mia Teal
Paid Media Marketing Coordinator
Crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor, fresh veggies are the perfect addition to any summer meal. From tasty salads to zesty stir-fries, there are endless ways to enjoy these nutritious powerhouses. At Price Chopper and Market 32, not only do we have fresh veggies for you year round, but we also have a ton of recipes that you can make with them. What better time to try a new recipe than today, National Fresh Veggies Day!
I am sure we all remember the dreaded statement as kids: “Eat your veggies!” However, there are actually so many fun ways we can eat them, from dipping your carrots in ranch dressing to making a delicious stir fry meal. Oh, what about in a smoothie? The possibilities are endless when it comes to making veggies more appealing. Don’t believe us? Well, let’s take a look below…
Heirloom Tomato, Mozzarella, & Beet Stack: Nothing says summer like mozzarella, tomato, and basil. I can just smell this combo! This recipe combines the most delicious summertime ingredients for your next appetizer or light meal.
Mexican Street Corn: Have you ever tried Mexican Street Corn? Well now you can! These are so delicious, you will be coming back for seconds!
Carrot-Zucchini Chocolate Muffins: This sneaky way to get vegetables in your food is not only delicious, but easy too! Your child will love these.
Kicked-Up Green Smoothie: Enjoy this refreshing smoothie on a hot summer day to feel energized and rejuvenated!
Looking for more inspiration? We have an abundance of on our Recipes Page, Price Chopper Ready Website, and YouTube Channel. We hope you enjoy fresh veggies not only on National Fresh Veggies Day, but all year long.
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
January rings in the New Year and inspires us to evaluate targets and goals that will bring positive results to our lives. There is one change that would bring more wellbeing benefit to more people than almost any other – eating more fruits and vegetables! Only one in ten Americans eats enough to meet daily guidelines for health. We also see shoppers are seeking more organic items for many reasons, particularly because they know that since 2002, organic items meet strict USDA certification standards.
The USDA certification offers production insights and confidence to shoppers. As quoted in Food Insight’s “What is Organic” article, USDA notes that “organic products must be produced using agricultural production practices that foster resource cycling, promote ecological balance, maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, and conserve biodiversity.” This is right in line with shopper aspirations to eat more mindfully, consider production impact and sustainability along with taste and health value.
You can always find high quality produce, proteins, and grocery items in our stores, including a huge selection of organic items. To help you enjoy more, now through January 28th, earn 3X AdvantEdge Rewards points on organic purchases that can help families bring more benefits to your table.
Organic product tags on our website can help you select organic items for pickup or delivery and explore products across our site that fuel your wellness routine. Check out our weekly flyer each week this month and look for our special organic shelf tags to find out which simple, seasonal organic items are ready for you to enjoy!
Happy New Year!
Source:
It’s Canning Season!
One of the best parts of summer is easy access to an abundance of fresh, homegrown fruits and vegetables. However, when the colder months roll around we are once again left deprived of these natural delights. Enter canning! Canning is a method of preservation, and the best way to enjoy summertime vegetables throughout the colder months.
Canning is an essential and safe, if done properly, method to food preservation. The canning process involves placing foods such as fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, pickles, and other preserves, in jars and heating them to a temperature that eliminates micro-organisms that cause the food to spoil. During the heating process, air is driven out of the jar and as it cools a vacuum seal is formed. This seal prevents air from getting back into the jar, preventing these micro-organisms from contaminating the food and leading to successful preservation.
With fall fast approaching, we’d like to share some home canning tips to help you have as much success as possible this year. If your garden has been a success this year, you’ll probably have a good amount of vegetables to can! And if you’re canning from store-bought items, make sure to read your ingredient list closely and beforehand to see if ingredients need to be prepped before the canning process. For example, does your watermelon rind need to be soaked in brine overnight before you can begin the pickling process?
When it comes to filling, experts have said that sterilizing jars and lids is not necessary because all bacteria will be eliminated in the process. Therefore, you can reuse jars from previous years, as long as they are in good condition. You’ll just need new lids to ensure a tight seal. Jars should be washed and dried before they are filled. It’s important to soak your new lids in hot water for ten minutes to soften the rubber edge, and help the lids grip on the top of the jar when the rings are screwed on.
Once the jars have been successfully processed, let them sit, untouched for at least an hour. As the jar cools the lids will sink into the center and you may hear a “ping” sound, indicating the lids have sealed. Store your jars away from direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place. Processed foods typically are good for a year, although many items will not spoil for a longer period of time. If you see mold, discoloration, or smell something funny, discard the food immediately. If a jar’s seal has been compromised discard of the food immediately, and ultimately, when in doubt, throw it out.
What’s basically the main ingredient in canning? Mason jars! We have them: Order yours from us here.
Happy canning!
Vegetable Storage Hacks!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
If you are someone that enjoys growing a garden in the summer and is dedicated to taking care of it, you may be experiencing an overflowing volume of vegetables. While having a surplus is a good thing, you might be running out of people to share your vegetables with! We have some tips and tricks on how to store your vegetables to extend their lifespan, as well as delicious recipes that can be made. After all, summer is winding down and we would hate to have you lose all your hard work.
When storing your produce, you first need to consider what types of vegetables you have and whether it should be stored in a room-temperature area or in a refrigerator. For example, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, garlic, tomatoes, and onions should be stored at room temperature, like a counter or kitchen table. Additionally, these types of produce should not be covered by a bag to allow them to breathe.
On the contrary, vegetables that should be refrigerated and stored in a sealed container or Ziploc bag include leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes and carrots. By refrigerating produce in a sealed Ziploc bag, the cool moisture is held in. Additionally, ensure that the green tops of the radishes and carrots are removed prior to storage.
When storing your produce, be wary of what items you store next to each other. Apples should not be refrigerated directly next to leafy greens, broccoli, or cabbage due to ethylene gas that apples produce. This type of gas begins the ripening process and as apples begin to ripen, more ethylene gas is produced. Leafy greens are sensitive to ethylene gas, and by placing these next to produce like apples, you may lose your lettuce sooner than expected!
It is important to note that regardless of how well you store your produce, they will only last approximately one to three weeks depending on what type of vegetable it is. That is why you should always use your instinct to judge whether or not your vegetables should be consumed or thrown out.
Another great option is to try a new recipe using your fresh produce. Check out the recipes we have created below!
Spinach & Apple Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette : This combination of fresh apples, tomatoes, and spinach mixed with pecans and Gorgonzola cheese is the perfect side salad at dinner!
Instant Pot® Tortellini & Vegetable Soup: While this recipe calls for frozen vegetables, replace it with vegetables of your choice from the garden!
Air Fryer Loaded-Taco Baked Potatoes with Guacamole: This baked potato is filling, healthy, and delicious for even the pickiest of eaters! Be sure to stop by your local Price Chopper or Market 32 for PICS cheese and sour cream.
Open-Faced Butternut Squash and Kale Omelet: This hearty and healthy breakfast is delicious and easy to make! All you need are PICS eggs and bacon, your garden vegetables, and spices of your choice.
Happy Gardening!
home.grown. Prolong Your Garden with Pickling!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
Summer is the best time of year for fresh produce. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we partner with a wide variety of local farmers in the region, but we know that many Northeasterners enjoy growing their own produce. If you fall into this category, your garden may just be overflowing, and you can only give away so many tomatoes! Pickling could be a good alternative for you and your veggies. We have exactly what you need from mason jars and lids and other canning and pickling essentials like large-size vinegar. Read below on how to pickle if this is new to you, and then stop in your local Price Chopper or Market 32 to get the supplies you need!
What exactly is pickling, and is it just for cucumbers?
Pickling is the process of preserving food in a brine solution in order to extend its shelf life. By brining certain foods, bacteria are not allowed to grow. There are so many food products that can be pickled, and just a few are listed below. Some may even surprise you!
Cucumbers, garlic, pork, beets, carrots, eggs, strawberries, blueberries, radishes, shrimp. onions, squash, peppers, beef, and mangoes.
History of Pickling:
Pickling foods is nowhere near a new concept. According to archeologists and anthropologists, they believe that ancient Mesopotamians pickled. Later, pickling was a necessity for families to have food throughout the winter months and was crucial for sailors on long voyages.
How to Pickle Your Garden Veggies:
Fresh vegetables without bruises from your garden are ideal to pickle. The shape you choose to cut your produce is up to you, but cherry tomatoes are best when left as a whole and carrots work well when cut into spears.
- Prepare your mason jar by washing it with warm, soapy water and then rinsing out completely. Dry thoroughly with a towel.
- Cut your vegetables into the shape of your choice and trim the ends. Add in any spices if you choose or garlic.
- Pack your vegetables tightly in the mason jars. Ensure that there is some room from the top of the vegetables to the rim of the jar.
- Prepare your brine by following the steps below:
- Combine: 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar of choice, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Poor into a small pan over high heat and bring to a boil
- Continue stirring to ensure the salt and sugar dissolve
- Pour brine into mason jars
- Let vegetables cool for at least one hour before enjoying. The longer they sit in the brine, the better.
Happy Pickling!
Shop Pickling Necessities
Cooking At-Home: Quick Tips for Preparing 7 of Our Favorite Vegetables
Maureen Rowan Murphy
Manager Consumer Trends, Nutrition, and Lifestyles
While sheltering in place at home, many of us find ourselves cooking more, and fresh vegetables are a great addition to family meals. Part of an overall healthy diet, vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Eating enough fruits and vegetables can help boost immunity, is linked to a lower risk of many chronic diseases and may help protect against certain forms of cancer. When it comes to vegetables, think variety and color as each color provides a different antioxidant with a different health benefit so fill your shopping cart with a spectrum of colorful veggies when shopping!
Here’s a rainbow of our colorful favorites along with quick tips for easy and delicious preparation.
Broccoli
This cruciferous veggie, high in Vitamin C and folate, and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber, is particularly delicious roasted, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Toss broccoli florets (with an inch or two of stalk attached), with a little olive oil, thinly sliced garlic, salt and freshly ground pepper. Place in a preheated 425°F and roast for 20-25 minutes until crisp-tender and the tips of the florets are browned. Remove the pan from oven, toss with some lemon zest, juice of a half a lemon and grated Parmesan cheese.
Carrots
This once traditionally orange root veggie can now be found in white, yellow, red and purple, and can be enjoyed in many ways and countless dishes. Crunchy and colorful, carrots are delicious steamed, sautéed, roasted, and raw! Make carrots more appealing to children by serving carrot “noodles” aka spiralized carrots. If you own a spiralizer, have fun with the kids and make your own or you can find them in the Produce Department at your local Price Chopper Market 32 store. Simply sauté (or boil) just until tender, and serve with a little butter or olive oil and season to taste or with a sauce that pairs well like Full Circle Peanut Satay Sauce.
Enjoy added nutrition benefits too! An excellent source of Vitamin A as well as a good source of Vitamin K, several B vitamins and potassium, carrots also contain many plant compounds especially carotenoids including beta carotene and lutein. These carotenoids are linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease, as well as improved eye health. Mom knew what she was talking about when she told you to eat your carrots when you were young!
Spinach
Combine some spinach with dried cranberries, mandarin oranges, red onion and toss with your favorite vinaigrette for a quick salad or another easy go-to is sautéed spinach. After sautéing in olive oil with crushed garlic, remove from heat, simply season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. The use of nutmeg with spinach is a classic in French cooking.
Packed with nutrients, spinach is an excellent source of fiber, is high in iron and folate, and vitamins A and C making it a smart addition at any meal.
*Remember to wash loose spinach and all leafy greens under running water for 20 seconds. Packaged, triple-washed leafy greens should not be re-washed however as that can introduce bacteria.
Cauliflower
This trendy cruciferous vegetable is one of our favorites due to its incredible versatility and health benefits. Cauliflower contains many powerful nutrients including B-vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients that may help protect against certain diseases like cancer and heart disease. Gone are the days of boring steamed cauliflower! Today cauliflower is “riced” or mashed, cut thick like steaks and grilled, used in soups or pizza crusts and more. Its creamy texture makes it a great alternative to high carb foods like potatoes and rice. It can also be served as a lower calorie alternative to Buffalo wings, and this Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is quick and easy to prepare.
Buffalo Cauliflower
3/4 cup PICS flour
1 tsp. PICS paprika
2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
½ tsp. black pepper
¾ cup PICS milk
1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
¼ cup PICS hot sauce
2 T. PICS canola oil
1 T. PICS honey
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil or line with parchment paper
In a large bowl, add the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper and milk, and mix well. Add the cauliflower florets, making sure to coat evenly. Place cauliflower on the baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, oil, and honey. Brush on the cauliflower and bake for another 20 minutes. Serve with PICS light blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Bell Peppers
A staple in fajitas, stir-fries, and salsas, bell peppers are popular stuffed, and a delicious addition, roasted or raw, to omelets, salads, sauces, soups, pizzas, pastas and more. I love roasted peppers for their smoky flavor and texture. With warmer weather hopefully on the horizon, it’s easy to roast them right on the grill. Simply place peppers on the grill over a medium flame. Roast for 15-20 minutes, giving them a quarter of a turn with tongs every few minutes, until the peppers are charred and soft. Seed, peel and enjoy in your favorite recipes!
With a variety of colors to choose from, bell peppers are rich in many vitamins and antioxidants, especially Vitamin C. Red, yellow, orange and even purple peppers start out as green, and their color and taste change depending upon how long they are left on the vine to ripen. Red peppers pack the biggest nutrition punch because they remain on the vine longer than the others.
Asparagus
There are so many delicious ways to prepare and serve. Asparagus can be blanched, roasted, grilled, baked, or sauteéd. It can be added to salads, soups, pastas, breakfast dishes like frittatas, quiches and Eggs Benedict, wrapped with prosciutto for an easy appetizer or served as a simple side like this favorite of mine. Place spears in a large bowl and drizzle with melted butter. Toss to coat. Arrange asparagus in single layer on prepared baking sheet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt to taste and Parmesan cheese. Place in a preheated 400°F oven, and roast for 15-18 minutes until asparagus is lightly browned and crisp-tender.
Don’t miss out on the many health benefits this harbinger of spring has to offer. High in fiber and folate, and packed with vitamins like A, C, E and K, asparagus, especially purple, is also full of anthocyanins, an antioxidant that may help the body fight damaging free radicals.