MONTH€¦ · seeds), flax seeds, and sesame seeds, can be added to salads, in yogurt or granola,...
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HARVEST MONTH Harvest of the Month highlights a locally available crop each month of the year in school cafeterias, community organizations, restaurants and grocery stores. The program helps children, their caregivers, and the broader community learn more about healthy, seasonal, whole-foods eating, while supporting local farms. April SEEDS HEALTH BENEFITS • Seeds are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are the good fats important for keeping your heart healthy. • Seeds contain good amounts of protein, zinc, fiber and vitamin E. • Regular consumption of seeds can minimize LDL (bad) cholesterol build-up. • Antioxidants found in seeds protect your body against damage from free radicals that could hurt important functions and pathways. SNACKING + COOKING TIPS • Some seeds such as sunflower, pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), flax seeds, and sesame seeds, can be added to salads, in yogurt or granola, oatmeal, or baked goods. • Other seeds are used mainly for flavoring dishes like caraway, mustard, dill, anise, cumin, and fennel. These seeds can be added to cooking or consumed in their whole state. • If using seeds in a recipe, you can add them raw, but toasting them slightly in a dry skillet will bring out a better flavor. SHOPPING + STORAGE TIPS • Buying from bulk bins will generally yield fresher seeds that will keep longer in storage. If possible, buy seeds in whole form as opposed to pre-ground. • Seeds are best stored in airtight containers and should be kept out of sunlight, moisture, and away from heat. Store them in a cupboard if you intend to use them soon after purchasing. Keep them in the refrigerator or even freezer for longer term storage. • Discard seeds if you see signs of mold, insects, or other contamination.
Transcript of MONTH€¦ · seeds), flax seeds, and sesame seeds, can be added to salads, in yogurt or granola,...
HARVEST
MONTH
Harvest of the Month highlights a locally available crop each month of the year in school cafeterias, community organizations, restaurants and grocery stores. The program helps children, their caregivers, and the broader
community learn more about healthy, seasonal, whole-foods eating, while supporting local farms.
April
S E E D SHEALTH BENEFITS
• Seeds are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are the good fats important for keeping your heart healthy.
• Seeds contain good amounts of protein, zinc, fiber and vitamin E.
• Regular consumption of seeds can minimize LDL (bad) cholesterol build-up.
• Antioxidants found in seeds protect your body against damage from free radicals that could hurt important functions and pathways.
SNACKING + COOKING TIPS
• Some seeds such as sunflower, pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds), flax seeds, and sesame seeds, can be added to salads, in yogurt or granola, oatmeal, or baked goods.
• Other seeds are used mainly for flavoring dishes like caraway, mustard, dill, anise, cumin, and fennel. These seeds can be added to cooking or consumed in their whole state.
• If using seeds in a recipe, you can add them raw, but toasting them slightly in a dry skillet will bring out a better flavor.
SHOPPING + STORAGE TIPS
• Buying from bulk bins will generally yield fresher seeds that will keep longer in storage. If possible, buy seeds in whole form as opposed to pre-ground.
• Seeds are best stored in airtight containers and should be kept out of sunlight, moisture, and away from heat. Store them in a cupboard if you intend to use them soon after purchasing. Keep them in the refrigerator or even freezer for longer term storage.
• Discard seeds if you see signs of mold, insects, or other contamination.
