Produce Spotlight: from L-W

This month I am highlighting a variety of fruits and vegetables. We are learning about the vitamins and minerals of each fruit and veggie. We've already learned the A, B, C's of produce. Today, we'll learn more about how to pick the best produce.

Lemons

• Selection: Choose lemons that are firm and heavy for their size. Look for thin, smooth skin.
• Storage: Lemons can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, cholesterol free, and high in vitamin C
• Fun Fact: The color "lemon" was added to the Crayola coloring box in 1949.

Mandarin Oranges aka "cuties"

• Selection: Select mandarin oranges that are heavy for their size. Avoid blemished fruit that has cuts, mold, or soft spots.
• Storage: Refrigerate mandarin oranges up to 2 weeks. They may be stored on the counter for a few days.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, a good source of vitamin A, and an excellent source of vitamin C
• Fun Facts: Mandarin oranges are a class of oranges the include Satsumas, Clementine, Honey, and tangerines. The skin of these oranges is easy to peel. There are even seedless varieties!

Peaches

• Selection: Choose peaches that have firm, fuzzy skins. Peaches are ripe when they yield to gentle pressure.
• Storage: Store at room temperature and use within 1-2 days.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, cholesterol free, and a good source of vitamin C
• Fun Fact: You can accelerate peach ripening by placing unripe peaches in a paper bag.

Red Potatoes

• Selection: Choose firm, fairly smooth potatoes; avoid potatoes with wrinkles.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place that is well-ventilated. Use potatoes within 3-5 weeks.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, cholesterol free, and an excellent source of vitamin C.
• Fun Fact: Red potatoes were first cultivated in Peru. They are best for roasting or boiling.

Sweet Potatoes

• Selection: Choose firm, fairly smooth potatoes; avoid potatoes with blemishes, cracks, or soft spots..
• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place. Use potatoes within 3-5 weeks.
• Nutrition Benefits: good source of dietary fiber and potassium and high in of vitamin C.
• Fun Fact: Red potatoes were first cultivated in Peru. They are best for roasting or boiling.

Watermelon

• Selection: Choose a watermelon that is heavy for its size and has yellowish underside.
• Storage: You can store a whole watermelon at room temperature. Refrigerate watermelon in a zip-top bag or airtight container and use within 5 days.
• Nutrition Benefits: fat free, cholesterol free, and high in vitamin A and C.

Stay tuned all month for ideas to include more fruits and vegetables into your diet. For more recipes, encouragement, and tips for healthy eating, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.