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SNAP4CT Blog

Tomatoes

7/27/2016

0 Comments

 

Tomatoes can be added to so many recipes, and prepared in so many ways, plus they are healthy! Tomatoes have Vitamin A and Vitamin C, and come in many different colors and sizes. Try these tips for buying, storing, and cooking with tomatoes!

Did you know?
​Tomatoes are the best source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer
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When buying tomatoes,​
  • Choose firm tomatoes with smooth skin
  • Do not buy bruised, soft, or moldy tomatoes
  • ​Green tomatoes will ripen at room temperature​
One medium tomato is about one cup when chopped
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Storing tomatoes,
  • Whole tomatoes can be stored at room temperature, stem side up for about 3-4 days
  • Keep out of direct sunlight
  • Sliced or cut tomatoes should be kept in the refrigerator, they will last up to 2 days
After whole tomatoes are ripe,
you can keep them in the fridge for about 2 days
If you bought tomatoes that aren't ripe yet...
You can put them in a paper bag to speed up ripening

Cooking tomatoes,
  • Rinse​ tomatoes under cool water and rub gently with your fingers
  • Dry with a cotton or paper towel
  • The best type of knife to cut tomatoes with is a serrated knife
  • Tomatoes can be eaten raw or cooked​
Kids can help wash tomatoes under cold water
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Quick Tips:
~Try adding chopped tomatoes to scrambled eggs~

~Mash or cut tomatoes to make a quick sauce or salsa~


Feeling inspired? Try these recipes!

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Stuffed Tomatoes
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Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes

Remember to use utensils and cutting boards washed in hot soapy water before and after preparation
0 Comments

Helpful Tips For Green Leafy Vegetables

7/11/2016

3 Comments

 
Green leafy vegetables have key nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium and Fiber. They are also a great low-calorie food! Try these tips for buying, storing, and cooking green leafy vegetables.

Choose the Freshest Greens

  • Look for moist, crisp greens with rich color.
  • Avoid those that are yellowish or brownish, or have slimy leaves.
  • Greens can go bad quickly!  So only buy what you can use in a short amount of time.
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Storing Greens

  • Wrap washed greens in a paper towel and place in a plastic bag. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
  • Plan to eat greens within 1-4 days after you buy them.

Quick Tip

If the leaves appear wilted, you can cut them into pieces and place them in a large bowl of water for about an hour. They will often plump up and be fine to eat.

Washing Greens

  • Remove leaves from thick stems and place in large bowl of cold water. Swish them around then remove leaves (do not drain using a strainer because you will mix the dirt back in) and discard water.
  • Repeat until no more dirt appears in the bowl. Pat with towel or paper tower.

Freezing Greens

Blanching means to place foods in boiling water for a short amount of time
(a few seconds to 1 minute depending on the vegetable) 
  • Greens like spinach, Swiss chard, and kale can be frozen, but you must blanch them first and place in a zip-top freezer bag or other air tight container.

Make Kale Tender and Less Bitter

Kale can taste bitter. By massaging kale leaves with citrus juice and olive oil, you can make a kale side dish with a tangy kick. Just follow these three steps:
  1. Add 1 tsp of lemon or lime juice
  2. Add 1 tsp olive oil
  3. Massage ingredients into leaves with your hands
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Cooking Greens

  • Greens can be added to soups and stews, eaten raw in salads or juiced with other greens and vegetables.
  • You can cook greens by steaming, boiling, or microwaving.

Quick Tip

When microwaving, cook for 2 minutes for every 2 cups of greens. Make sure to use a microwave safe bowl, and cover the greens with a damp paper towel.​

Try These Recipes Using Greens!

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Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
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Kale Slaw
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Fall Kale and Quinoa Salad
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Kale Chips
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Smothered Greens
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Mango Green Smoothie
3 Comments

Cruciferous Vegetables

7/11/2016

2 Comments

 

Broccoli

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What's in Broccoli?
Vitamin A, Iron, Fiber, Folate, and as much calcium per ounce as milk! 
Storing Broccoli 
  • Keep it unwashed and covered in the refrigerator until it is ready to be prepared. It can last at least a week when stored like this!
How to tell if broccoli is fresh: 
  • Broccoli is not fresh when the florets are enlarged, open, or a yellow-green color.​
Here is one easy way to enjoy broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Storing Brussels Sprouts
  • Store the brussels sprouts unwashed in a plastic bag.  They can last like this for up to a week.  Wash them and remove the wrinkled outer leaves just before you are ready to prepare and eat them!
What's in Brussel Sprouts? 
  • Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Folate, Fiber
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Here is one easy way to enjoy Brussels sprouts

Other cruciferous vegetables include

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​Cauli​flower
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Cabbage

Try these recipes!

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Zesty Brussels Sprouts
Fiesta Rice
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Roasted Broccoli
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2 Comments

How to Layer a Great Smoothie

7/6/2016

2 Comments

 
A simple guide to layering the perfect smoothie

Who knew that putting the ingredients into the blender a certain way would help create the perfect smoothie?!
Once I started building my smoothies this way it made them so much more enjoyable.  Smoothies are quick and easy to make and provide you with lots of fruits and vegetables!  You can even take them on the go, which I love to do on a hot summer day.

Try These Smoothie Recipes!

Mango Green Smoothie
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Banana Pineapple Smoothie
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2 Comments

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Husky Nutrition at UConn Health
195 Farmington Avenue, MC 6030
Farmington, CT 06032​
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SNAP-ED Event Calendar
© COPYRIGHT 2018.  ​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

This information was funded by the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP.  
SNAP helps low-income people buy nutritious food for a better diet.
​To get more information contact the CT Department of Social Services at
1-855-626-6632 or www.CT.gov/dss.


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Aviso de No Discriminación
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Categories >
      • Kid Friendly Recipes
      • No Added Sugar
      • Vegetarian Recipes
      • Heart Healthy Recipes
      • Five Ingredients or Less
      • Quick and Easy Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Dips and Salsas
    • Drinks and Smoothies
    • Meatless Meals
    • Meals with Meat
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups and Stews
    • Sodium Free Spice Blends
    • Recetas
  • Farmers Markets
    • Find a Farmers Market
    • CT Crop Calendar
    • Using SNAP/EBT at Farmers Markets
  • Education
    • Healthy Eating >
      • MyPlate
      • Understanding The Nutrition Label
      • Added Sugar
      • Healthy Snacking Tips
      • Calories Needed Each Day
      • What is "enough" fruits and vegetables
      • Recipe Videos
    • Budget Shopping >
      • Healthy Shopping on a Budget
      • What Can $16 Buy?
      • Budget Pantry
    • Diabetes >
      • Healthy Eating with Diabetes
      • "Diabetes-Friendly" Recipe Guide
    • Heart Health
    • Exercise Tips
    • Physical Literacy
    • Water First for Your Thirst
  • SNAP4CT Blog
  • Resources
    • DSS Offices and SNAP Help
    • FAQ
    • Free Health Events in CT
    • Organizations
    • SNAP-Ed Events Calendar
    • Healthy Food Pantry Donations