Page 4 - ROOT by Brock May June 2020

spice it up: MINT
When we think about spices, one fresh herb Adding it to chocolate chip cookie dough
that is easy to grow and tastes great in a lightens the fl avor and adds a nice twist to a
variety of dishes is mint. There are over 15 traditional recipe.
varieties of mint and they contain extremely Not only can it be used to enhance your
high amounts of antioxidants. Fresh mint can dishes, but it helps with indigestion or stomach
change the fl avor profi le of a sweet or savory pain. (Please note, do not use mint to ease
drink or dish by simply adding a few sprigs. symptoms associated with Gastroesophageal
It is important to remember to add the mint Refl ux Disease.) Drinking mint tea may
at the end of cooking to maintain its delicate soothe an upset stomach or open clogged
fl avor. Adding it too soon in the cooking nasal passages.
process might jeopardize its taste. Also, when
cutting fresh mint, be sure to use a sharp knife If you haven’t tried mint recently, consider
on a hard surface. refreshing your dish or drink today.
Mint complements dishes like fresh salads, Source:
lamb, soups, and many Middle Eastern medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275944.php
dishes. It also can add a refreshing taste
to infused water or summertime drinks.

Trend Watch:

SPECIALTY APP FOR LOCAL
PRODUCE AND FARMERS MARKETS

Eating well is vital to a healthy diet, but trying herbs grow, and when they are in peak season
to fi nd in-season produce can be challenging, with maximum fl avor. Choose your state
sometimes prompting us to eat fewer fruits and the time of year, and enjoy in-season
and vegetables. Luckily, with the Seasonal produce. Always remember, seasonal eating
Food Guide smartphone app and website is a great way to add variety and nutrients to

(seasonalfoodguide.org), you can always find your everyday meals.
what is in season, wherever you are.
• Food is fresher and tastes better.
Typically we eat seasonally at harvest time, • Produce comes from local farms, so it

such as strawberries in early June, o ering peak doesn’t have to travel long distances to get
freshness and fl avor. to your plate.
This app lets you use your location and search • Eating locally grown foods helps support
any season (i.e., late May or early August). It your community and local farms.
will bring up all the local produce in season at
that moment in your noted area. Additionally, • Local growers can tell you how they
this app will tell you the months your favorite grow your produce. It’s important to
item is in season, the varieties you are searching know where and how your food was
for, even fun facts, and how to cook it. grown and harvested.
The Seasonal Food Guide app can tell you Source:
where your favorite fruits, vegetables, and seasonalfoodguide.org