"A" is for Artichoke

Artichokes are a taste treat at any table.

A few fun facts about the first of our favorite March "A" produce:

* Artichokes are members of the thistle and sunflower families.

* California grows the majority of U.S. artichokes.

* Roman naturalist Caius Plinius Secundus dubbed the artichokes "one of the earth's monstrosities." Romans prepared their artichokes with honey, vinegar and cumin.

* An artichoke's antioxidant levels actually increase with cooking! (bonus)

Next up -- how to choose a perfect artichoke and prepare.

Think "A" in March

March is the peak season for three delectable farmers' market staples. Think green and the letter "A"-

Artichoke

Asparagus

Avocado

We are going to have fun with these three....

Did You Know - Peanuts go Waaaaay Back

Did you know that jars filled with peanuts have been found in ancient Incan graves along the western coast of South America.

Peanuts for my journey to the afterlife? Check.

Time

Time is limited, so I better wake up every morning fresh and know that I have just one chance to live this particular day right, and to string my days together into a life of action, and purpose.
~Lance Armstrong: 7-time winner of the Tour de France

Welcome March!

Somehow March arrived. 2010 must be in quite a hurry....

I just learned that March is National Peanut month. A few fun facts about our favorite "nut."

* Peanuts are NOT nuts. They are legumes and grow underground.

* Two of our United States Presidents were peanut farmers: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.

* It takes 850 peanuts to make an 18 oz jar of peanut butter.

* There are four distinct types of peanuts: Runners (most commonly used in peanut butter); Virginias (most commonly eaten out of the shell); Spanish (most commonly in peanut candy); and Valencia (less common and sweet!).

* Raw peanuts in an intact shell can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-5 months; 6-9 months in the freezer.

* Peanuts and peanut butter are an excellent source of protein and contain nearly half of our essential vitamins and 35% of essential minerals.