Fresh News
- Thursday, 09 July 2020
Food has always been a galvanizing bridge towards understanding heritage and different cultures.
Week whatever during COVID confinement presents the perfect storm to fly our food flags.
Leisure travel is off the table. Enjoy the world through the eyes of a chef or cook.
Colorful assemblage of plates from desirable locations feed more than the belly. Caprese salad, red, green and white– tomatoes, sweet basil and fresh mozzarella — bring Italy to the table.
Peppers are an essential Spanish ingredient, whether they are fresh, roasted or fried. Served as a side dish or a tapa, red and yellow are flag emblems of Spain. So too are dishes like gazpacho (cold tomato soup), romesco sauce or sofrito. Add color and flavor of peppers and tomatoes to signify Spanish influences.
Circle the globe with a weeknight menu item that includes seasonal dishes from countries of interest. Summer corn and zucchini latkes move us to Israel for a light supper paired with a green salad. They’re perfectly suitable for weekend brunch with fruits and eggs cooked to order.
Interesting that precious saffron is used in Indian main dishes and desserts. This color is represented in the national flag. Exotic in color, flavor and aroma, take advantage of this very evocative spice.
Week whatever during COVID confinement presents the perfect storm to fly our food flags.
Leisure travel is off the table. Enjoy the world through the eyes of a chef or cook.
Colorful assemblage of plates from desirable locations feed more than the belly. Caprese salad, red, green and white– tomatoes, sweet basil and fresh mozzarella — bring Italy to the table.
Peppers are an essential Spanish ingredient, whether they are fresh, roasted or fried. Served as a side dish or a tapa, red and yellow are flag emblems of Spain. So too are dishes like gazpacho (cold tomato soup), romesco sauce or sofrito. Add color and flavor of peppers and tomatoes to signify Spanish influences.
Circle the globe with a weeknight menu item that includes seasonal dishes from countries of interest. Summer corn and zucchini latkes move us to Israel for a light supper paired with a green salad. They’re perfectly suitable for weekend brunch with fruits and eggs cooked to order.
Interesting that precious saffron is used in Indian main dishes and desserts. This color is represented in the national flag. Exotic in color, flavor and aroma, take advantage of this very evocative spice.
- Saturday, 04 July 2020
When it comes to travel, many will opt for “roads less travelled” this summer. Postcards may reflect local, state and national locations over more exotic global destinations.
Even then, tight restrictions to our national treasures will likely limit those experiences.
Campsites, parks and recreational areas will have pre-set guidelines for visitors. Adhering to the health advisories may prohibit even the most daring of travelers. Road trips are morphing into SAFE-cations.
For all our shelter-in-place buddies, grab a new road map. Buckle up for safety. We’ve heard of “staycations” prior to COVID-19. They’re now more relevant and gaining wide attention.
Plan an at home or close-to-home adventure. Creative events bring us together in the safety net of our own backyards. Decompressing and temporarily escaping reality is what’s needed for rejuvenation. Time off from the everyday “new life normals” can breath energy in to worn and weary souls.
Themed home events– foreign movie night, cowboy campout, serenity day spa and animal photo safari are worthy of exploring. Those who’ve travelled the world have fond memories of cafes in Paris, museums in Rome and mountains in Switzerland. Revive those magical remembrances through newly designed travel events. Food is always central to any destination, near or far.
Prepare the foods that summon a nostalgic glance backwards to happy past travel moments.
Even then, tight restrictions to our national treasures will likely limit those experiences.
Campsites, parks and recreational areas will have pre-set guidelines for visitors. Adhering to the health advisories may prohibit even the most daring of travelers. Road trips are morphing into SAFE-cations.
For all our shelter-in-place buddies, grab a new road map. Buckle up for safety. We’ve heard of “staycations” prior to COVID-19. They’re now more relevant and gaining wide attention.
Plan an at home or close-to-home adventure. Creative events bring us together in the safety net of our own backyards. Decompressing and temporarily escaping reality is what’s needed for rejuvenation. Time off from the everyday “new life normals” can breath energy in to worn and weary souls.
Themed home events– foreign movie night, cowboy campout, serenity day spa and animal photo safari are worthy of exploring. Those who’ve travelled the world have fond memories of cafes in Paris, museums in Rome and mountains in Switzerland. Revive those magical remembrances through newly designed travel events. Food is always central to any destination, near or far.
Prepare the foods that summon a nostalgic glance backwards to happy past travel moments.
- Thursday, 25 June 2020
It’s hard to believe the sight of fireworks stands popping up in parking lots across America. The visual reminder that Independence Day is still on the calendar is a jolt to all of us in the food industry.
We’ve all been navigating the turbulent COVID-19 times. To reinvent how July 4th will be celebrated requires great imagination.
Arguably the most famous 4th of July food tradition is the all-American barbecue. In normal times, this backyard or park event brings American families and friends together.
While this year’s celebrations may limit who we gather with or how many are included, there is still every reason to put fresh food center stage.
Locally grown melons, berries, sweet corn, stone fruits, tomatoes and sweet onions are abundant just as we approach the holiday. Putting these farm fresh winners on the holiday menu can connect us in ways bigger than COVID.
All of the staying at home and eating at home has turned conventional meal sharing on its side. We are eager to venture out to restaurants and cafes and be served by someone other than ourselves.
We’ve all been navigating the turbulent COVID-19 times. To reinvent how July 4th will be celebrated requires great imagination.
Arguably the most famous 4th of July food tradition is the all-American barbecue. In normal times, this backyard or park event brings American families and friends together.
While this year’s celebrations may limit who we gather with or how many are included, there is still every reason to put fresh food center stage.
Locally grown melons, berries, sweet corn, stone fruits, tomatoes and sweet onions are abundant just as we approach the holiday. Putting these farm fresh winners on the holiday menu can connect us in ways bigger than COVID.
All of the staying at home and eating at home has turned conventional meal sharing on its side. We are eager to venture out to restaurants and cafes and be served by someone other than ourselves.
- Monday, 22 June 2020
Lime juice, lime zest and lime wedges are a premier coveted player in summer beverages, dips, cocktails, dressings, marinades and desserts. Oh yeah!
Never underestimate the power of lime to uplift or transform the most mundane to be the absolute best.
Fragrant and refreshing, there is something distinctively lime that cannot be replicated.
Limes are integral to many Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. They compliment partners like coconut milk, cilantro, mint and chili peppers.
Count on lime for tortilla soup, corn con crema, fresh salsa, and street tacos. Leche de tigre (tiger’s milk), is a Peruvian citrus marinade that relies on fresh lime juice for its super base.
This citrus fruit’s high acid content and bright tartness make it a powerful cooking and baking ingredient. From seafood and poultry to fresh fruits like mango, papaya and melons, the smart addition of lime kicks everything up a notch.
Never underestimate the power of lime to uplift or transform the most mundane to be the absolute best.
Fragrant and refreshing, there is something distinctively lime that cannot be replicated.
Limes are integral to many Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. They compliment partners like coconut milk, cilantro, mint and chili peppers.
Count on lime for tortilla soup, corn con crema, fresh salsa, and street tacos. Leche de tigre (tiger’s milk), is a Peruvian citrus marinade that relies on fresh lime juice for its super base.
This citrus fruit’s high acid content and bright tartness make it a powerful cooking and baking ingredient. From seafood and poultry to fresh fruits like mango, papaya and melons, the smart addition of lime kicks everything up a notch.
- Thursday, 11 June 2020
US demand for stone fruits has been consistent but not growing much in the past five years.
The 2020 season looks to improve demand with a longer season and even some new varietals on the horizon.
Exclusive nectarine and plum varieties grown in California’s Central and San Joaquin Valleys have farmers excited about this year’s production.
The opportunity is there to introduce stone fruits to new and next generations. An emphasis on fresh foods and versatility in use can bring a new audience to the table.
Stone fruits are a type of drupe, thin-skinned, fleshy fruits containing a single large seed (hence the name stone) encased within a tough outer shell. They can be clingstone or freestone, fuzzy or smooth, sour or sweet.
The drupes we call stone fruit come from about 15 species of the genus Prunus, a member of the rose family, and include peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and cherries.
Stone fruits are highly seasonal. Most varieties won’t ripen after they’re harvested and are picked at their peak of ripeness or readiness. This is often a small window for harvest crews.
The 2020 season looks to improve demand with a longer season and even some new varietals on the horizon.
Exclusive nectarine and plum varieties grown in California’s Central and San Joaquin Valleys have farmers excited about this year’s production.
The opportunity is there to introduce stone fruits to new and next generations. An emphasis on fresh foods and versatility in use can bring a new audience to the table.
Stone fruits are a type of drupe, thin-skinned, fleshy fruits containing a single large seed (hence the name stone) encased within a tough outer shell. They can be clingstone or freestone, fuzzy or smooth, sour or sweet.
The drupes we call stone fruit come from about 15 species of the genus Prunus, a member of the rose family, and include peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots and cherries.
Stone fruits are highly seasonal. Most varieties won’t ripen after they’re harvested and are picked at their peak of ripeness or readiness. This is often a small window for harvest crews.
- Thursday, 04 June 2020
The vast majority of American consumers agree that their lives have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Along with massive disruption has been a certain degree of anxiety, concern and fear.
Virtually all public business sectors have a experienced some sort of change, disruption or modification to workplace protocols.
Restrictions have been most evident for “essential service” providers like retail grocery stores. For anyone with responsibility for doing household shopping, noticeable efforts to calm worried shoppers are evident.
Retail grocers were quick to adopt: Shopping cart sanitizing, 6’ rule of self-distancing, recommended wearing of face masks and gloves, plexiglass barrier protection at checkout and restrictions of number of shoppers by size of store.
Active in-store food demonstrations, self-serve salad and soup bars and bulk food bins were at once banished. Further adaptations have seen directional aisles, specified hours for vulnerable shoppers and floor stamps and markers for COVID-19 messaging.
Obviously, new rules at retail are somewhat comforting to shoppers. Most shoppers grade the store and if they elect to shop there again by what they see as health safety measures being followed. A simple thing like banning re-useable bags took awhile to take hold.
Along with massive disruption has been a certain degree of anxiety, concern and fear.
Virtually all public business sectors have a experienced some sort of change, disruption or modification to workplace protocols.
Restrictions have been most evident for “essential service” providers like retail grocery stores. For anyone with responsibility for doing household shopping, noticeable efforts to calm worried shoppers are evident.
Retail grocers were quick to adopt: Shopping cart sanitizing, 6’ rule of self-distancing, recommended wearing of face masks and gloves, plexiglass barrier protection at checkout and restrictions of number of shoppers by size of store.
Active in-store food demonstrations, self-serve salad and soup bars and bulk food bins were at once banished. Further adaptations have seen directional aisles, specified hours for vulnerable shoppers and floor stamps and markers for COVID-19 messaging.
Obviously, new rules at retail are somewhat comforting to shoppers. Most shoppers grade the store and if they elect to shop there again by what they see as health safety measures being followed. A simple thing like banning re-useable bags took awhile to take hold.
- Thursday, 28 May 2020
Mother’s Day 2020 was a remarkable holiday. Sons and daughters had to pivot away from normal ways to honor mom.
Modified behaviors post COVID-19 takes some getting used to. Not everyone is comfortable or eager to rub elbows with others.
In many cases, elder or vulnerable family members still require quarantine protection. This makes it difficult to gather around a table for celebration.
June is a mad month for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and weddings. Father’s Day is on Sunday, the twenty first. Expect new ways to show our love and remembrances.
Large gatherings have been vigorously discouraged. Self-distancing is the new norm for any type of social festivity. Smaller groups of eight or fewer will still have to modify to comply with vigilance.
Modified behaviors post COVID-19 takes some getting used to. Not everyone is comfortable or eager to rub elbows with others.
In many cases, elder or vulnerable family members still require quarantine protection. This makes it difficult to gather around a table for celebration.
June is a mad month for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and weddings. Father’s Day is on Sunday, the twenty first. Expect new ways to show our love and remembrances.
Large gatherings have been vigorously discouraged. Self-distancing is the new norm for any type of social festivity. Smaller groups of eight or fewer will still have to modify to comply with vigilance.
- Thursday, 21 May 2020
What was once taken for granted has forever fundamentally changed.
Eating out at a local restaurant or café has dearly been missed. Seeing our favorite wait staff and hearing about menu specials will be music to our collective ears.
Going to the grocery store for weekly provisions used to be a chore at best. New restrictions, protocols and shortages compound the already stressful household duty.
Normal routines are morphing in to exceptional experiences. Curb-side food hand offs and donning masks and gloves just to push a shopping cart may be part of the next level normal.
The food supply chain in America has been extremely challenged. For those who can and will continue to afford fresh foods, it is a time for real gratitude check.
Eating out at a local restaurant or café has dearly been missed. Seeing our favorite wait staff and hearing about menu specials will be music to our collective ears.
Going to the grocery store for weekly provisions used to be a chore at best. New restrictions, protocols and shortages compound the already stressful household duty.
Normal routines are morphing in to exceptional experiences. Curb-side food hand offs and donning masks and gloves just to push a shopping cart may be part of the next level normal.
The food supply chain in America has been extremely challenged. For those who can and will continue to afford fresh foods, it is a time for real gratitude check.
- Friday, 15 May 2020
Just as we start to relax the stay-at-home orders, lingering DIY projects reward those looking to stay in their own lane.
Shoppers lucky enough to have found flour, grains and yeast during total lockdown were a step ahead.
Industrious kitchen bees, with time on their hands, stayed busy making breads, pizzas and pastas. Pantry staples inspired new ways of putting food on the table.
Self-sufficiency doesn’t have to retreat. As we find ourselves returning to new normal. Why not carve out some space to keep the home made food thing going?
Ambitious newcomers and experienced cooks are ready to tackle homemade jams, jellies and preserves.
Timing is perfect with the glorious stone fruits and berries coming in to season. California cherries and apricots lead the parade and represent the exquisite short season of these delectable fruits.
Small batch recipes dismiss any fear of not having the right canning supplies or know how. Fewer ingredients are required and neither are gear or gadgets to complicate matters.
Shoppers lucky enough to have found flour, grains and yeast during total lockdown were a step ahead.
Industrious kitchen bees, with time on their hands, stayed busy making breads, pizzas and pastas. Pantry staples inspired new ways of putting food on the table.
Self-sufficiency doesn’t have to retreat. As we find ourselves returning to new normal. Why not carve out some space to keep the home made food thing going?
Ambitious newcomers and experienced cooks are ready to tackle homemade jams, jellies and preserves.
Timing is perfect with the glorious stone fruits and berries coming in to season. California cherries and apricots lead the parade and represent the exquisite short season of these delectable fruits.
Small batch recipes dismiss any fear of not having the right canning supplies or know how. Fewer ingredients are required and neither are gear or gadgets to complicate matters.
- Friday, 08 May 2020
Strawberries thrive along California’s coastline. Between the western ocean exposure and the Pacific winds, fields are insulated from any extreme temperatures and weather.
In 2018, California farmers grew more than 1.8 billion pounds of strawberries. That’s nearly 90 percent of the nation’s crop.
It takes a vast, complicated infrastructure of advanced planning, picking, packing and transportation to anticipate and meet world wide demand for strawberries.
By this time of year, operations are in full swing, with the peak of the season starting in late April or early May, and running for six to eight weeks.
It is particularly important for farms, as strawberry season is peaking in the next few weeks, to have a game plan. Because coronavirus is peaking at the same time, a large portion of the market for the fresh berries has disappeared.
Restaurants receive roughly 15 percent of California’s peak harvest berry crop, according to the California Strawberry Commission. Most all of them have stopped ordering strawberries.
In 2018, California farmers grew more than 1.8 billion pounds of strawberries. That’s nearly 90 percent of the nation’s crop.
It takes a vast, complicated infrastructure of advanced planning, picking, packing and transportation to anticipate and meet world wide demand for strawberries.
By this time of year, operations are in full swing, with the peak of the season starting in late April or early May, and running for six to eight weeks.
It is particularly important for farms, as strawberry season is peaking in the next few weeks, to have a game plan. Because coronavirus is peaking at the same time, a large portion of the market for the fresh berries has disappeared.
Restaurants receive roughly 15 percent of California’s peak harvest berry crop, according to the California Strawberry Commission. Most all of them have stopped ordering strawberries.
- Thursday, 30 April 2020
Americans love to celebrate with food. While it may be still be risky to come together in numbers, we can use holiday meals to lift our spirits.
Cinco de mayo bashes during lockdown orders is unique. Restaurant and bar festivities have always given the perfect excuse to rally around the guacamole, chips and margaritas.
Place holders for social gatherings have been shared photos of spectacular food preparations. Warmer weather means a greater selection of California grown produce to utilize in solo meals.
Spring transition is complete for the growing season returning to the Salinas Valley. Salad ingredients, fresh vegetables and strawberries are back on home turf.
Without the full return of the restaurant dining-in experience, retail, take out and meal delivery options are keeping us fed.
Salad is staying on the menu. Romaine, spinach, endive and other tender greens support every iteration of spring salad combinations. The base can be singular or blended leafy components. We are fortunate to have so many locally grown options.
Cinco de mayo bashes during lockdown orders is unique. Restaurant and bar festivities have always given the perfect excuse to rally around the guacamole, chips and margaritas.
Place holders for social gatherings have been shared photos of spectacular food preparations. Warmer weather means a greater selection of California grown produce to utilize in solo meals.
Spring transition is complete for the growing season returning to the Salinas Valley. Salad ingredients, fresh vegetables and strawberries are back on home turf.
Without the full return of the restaurant dining-in experience, retail, take out and meal delivery options are keeping us fed.
Salad is staying on the menu. Romaine, spinach, endive and other tender greens support every iteration of spring salad combinations. The base can be singular or blended leafy components. We are fortunate to have so many locally grown options.
- Thursday, 23 April 2020
The current world crisis has revved up the power of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter platforms.
We’ve been humored by the coping skills of parents, kids, teachers and stay-at– home telecommuters.
Uplifting stories, videos and images lend brightness to otherwise dark days.
We’ve seen health care workers being applauded in the streets. Family members in isolation have been shown on opposite sides of window panes displaying devotion.
Total strangers are reaching out with meals, supplies and groceries to neighbors in need. Good deeds are captured on smartphones and video cameras for the world to witness.
We’ve been humored by the coping skills of parents, kids, teachers and stay-at– home telecommuters.
Uplifting stories, videos and images lend brightness to otherwise dark days.
We’ve seen health care workers being applauded in the streets. Family members in isolation have been shown on opposite sides of window panes displaying devotion.
Total strangers are reaching out with meals, supplies and groceries to neighbors in need. Good deeds are captured on smartphones and video cameras for the world to witness.
- Thursday, 16 April 2020
Much has been written about these stay at home days. Internet jokes abound of free snacking and mindless eating our way through the crisis.
Also on the radar is the not so funny reality about true hair colors coming to light, post self-distancing.
One truth is that self care comes in many forms. In the wake of staying healthy, there are multiple ways to nourish, soothe, comfort and pamper.
Taking vitamins and supplements is an act of self-care. Staying on top of daily requirements is a simple, singular thing that may indeed provide some immunity insurance.
Maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole foods is a necessary practice during stressful times. Stress eating carries a number of faults that derail healthy outcomes.
Also on the radar is the not so funny reality about true hair colors coming to light, post self-distancing.
One truth is that self care comes in many forms. In the wake of staying healthy, there are multiple ways to nourish, soothe, comfort and pamper.
Taking vitamins and supplements is an act of self-care. Staying on top of daily requirements is a simple, singular thing that may indeed provide some immunity insurance.
Maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and whole foods is a necessary practice during stressful times. Stress eating carries a number of faults that derail healthy outcomes.
- Thursday, 09 April 2020
We mean the film, not the actual day when some critter in Pennsylvania comes out to predict the weather.
The iconic cult classic is a movie in which the main character, brilliantly played by Bill Murray, is caught in a time warp.
His guy relives the worst day of his life, over and over. Part of the premise is around the self-absorbed and arrogant behavior of Phil Conners. Without any consequence, he indulges in reckless activities.
Cut to 2020 and the COVID-19 crisis. Every day we wake up to more dismal news, climbing statistics and what looks to be a repeat of the day before.
The current spell hangs over every person, every business and every agency. We are desperate to break the cycle.
Staying connected with others is a challenge as millions follow mandates to shelter in place. The human spirit is tamped down without the powerful forces of touch, kindness and compassion.
The iconic cult classic is a movie in which the main character, brilliantly played by Bill Murray, is caught in a time warp.
His guy relives the worst day of his life, over and over. Part of the premise is around the self-absorbed and arrogant behavior of Phil Conners. Without any consequence, he indulges in reckless activities.
Cut to 2020 and the COVID-19 crisis. Every day we wake up to more dismal news, climbing statistics and what looks to be a repeat of the day before.
The current spell hangs over every person, every business and every agency. We are desperate to break the cycle.
Staying connected with others is a challenge as millions follow mandates to shelter in place. The human spirit is tamped down without the powerful forces of touch, kindness and compassion.
- Friday, 03 April 2020
Technology has risen to the occasion when it comes to keeping us connected in these days of “social distancing”.
Online shopping and pick-up services have enjoyed a surge in demand at retail.
Once we move past the COVID-19 crisis, it will remain to be seen how this retail shopping segment fares.
Restaurants of all levels of service (fast casual to high end, white linen) have been hard hit in keeping the doors open. Ones that can offer curbside pickup or take out, are being creative in adapting menus.
Feeding consumers is deemed an essential service. Restaurants have been there for our celebrations. Every milestone– birthday, anniversary, retirement or promotion feels special when enjoyed at a favorite dining place.
To those who are the regular weeknight home cooks, dining out is a big reward. The break from the norm gives an individual a chance to relax and be “waited on”.
Dining out typically gives choices not usually in the home meal plan rotation. Fewer choices is new norm. Picky eaters are without their favorite go to.
- Friday, 27 March 2020
The Spring Equinox, also called the Vernal Equinox, has long been celebrated as a time of renewal and rebirth.
March 20th marked the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. In normal times, this gives people a chance to gather and focus on the seasonal events that lift us up.
Cultures celebrate spring festivals and holidays – like Easter and Passover – around the equinox. Sporting events, concerts and the like boost our social interactions and spirits.
We are not living in normal times. However, there are some things we can do to ease our psyche during this challenging period as we follow the edict to distance ourselves from others.
As self-quarantines and mandated restrictions are followed, there is cheerful work to be done. Take this time to prepare gardens, flower beds and planters.
The ground softens and the dirt becomes warmer. If it’s too early to plant, take this chance to prepare. Groom, weed, hoe and turn the soil.
March 20th marked the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. In normal times, this gives people a chance to gather and focus on the seasonal events that lift us up.
Cultures celebrate spring festivals and holidays – like Easter and Passover – around the equinox. Sporting events, concerts and the like boost our social interactions and spirits.
We are not living in normal times. However, there are some things we can do to ease our psyche during this challenging period as we follow the edict to distance ourselves from others.
As self-quarantines and mandated restrictions are followed, there is cheerful work to be done. Take this time to prepare gardens, flower beds and planters.
The ground softens and the dirt becomes warmer. If it’s too early to plant, take this chance to prepare. Groom, weed, hoe and turn the soil.
- Friday, 20 March 2020
If you are the primary grocery shopper for your household, you’ve had a taste of what retail madness feels like.
For all others, it’s only a wild tale of unprecedented activity. It may reinforce why you leave the shopping to others.
Long lines to get in to stores. Longer lines to checkout. Empty shelves for more than paper towels and toilet paper. Eggs are at a premium if you can find them.
Major chain stores have now imposed limits on certain items to prevent hoarding. This comes later than necessary. We hear about individuals stockpiling paper goods, hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies.
Costco, Kroger’s, Whole Foods and others have discontinued product sampling. No free nibbles.
The spike in “social distancing” does not yet seem to apply to retail environments. Panicked shoppers crowd aisles and fill carts with everything from ramen to Spam. Even if those things are not what is normally eaten for dinner, there is some illogical rationale for purchasing them.
For all others, it’s only a wild tale of unprecedented activity. It may reinforce why you leave the shopping to others.
Long lines to get in to stores. Longer lines to checkout. Empty shelves for more than paper towels and toilet paper. Eggs are at a premium if you can find them.
Major chain stores have now imposed limits on certain items to prevent hoarding. This comes later than necessary. We hear about individuals stockpiling paper goods, hand sanitizers and cleaning supplies.
Costco, Kroger’s, Whole Foods and others have discontinued product sampling. No free nibbles.
The spike in “social distancing” does not yet seem to apply to retail environments. Panicked shoppers crowd aisles and fill carts with everything from ramen to Spam. Even if those things are not what is normally eaten for dinner, there is some illogical rationale for purchasing them.
- Wednesday, 11 March 2020
Understandably, there has been a recent surge in hand washing messaging and activity.
Individuals are empowered to resist the spread of virus and infection by this proper, frequent and soapy simple act.
The advent of Spring lends itself nicely to revisit the power of a healthy lifestyle and other simple acts to fight off sickness.
The media reminds us daily that people with compromised respiratory and pulmonary conditions are most at risk from COVID-19 and other viruses. Diabetes also puts one in a “high risk” category.
Spring is the perfect time to reboot healthy habits. Every part of the body, including the immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults. Healthy living strategies bolsters not only the immune system, but the ability to cope with illness or injury.
Topping the list is the inclusion of plenty of fruits and vegetables in daily menus. This helps maintain a healthy weight, contributing to overall good health.
Individuals are empowered to resist the spread of virus and infection by this proper, frequent and soapy simple act.
The advent of Spring lends itself nicely to revisit the power of a healthy lifestyle and other simple acts to fight off sickness.
The media reminds us daily that people with compromised respiratory and pulmonary conditions are most at risk from COVID-19 and other viruses. Diabetes also puts one in a “high risk” category.
Spring is the perfect time to reboot healthy habits. Every part of the body, including the immune system, functions better when protected from environmental assaults. Healthy living strategies bolsters not only the immune system, but the ability to cope with illness or injury.
Topping the list is the inclusion of plenty of fruits and vegetables in daily menus. This helps maintain a healthy weight, contributing to overall good health.
The Source: March 4, 2020
- Friday, 06 March 2020
For the next few weeks, we will be posting the PRO*ACT Market Report in place of our usual General Produce version.
Product Recalls and Alerts intro
- Sunday, 01 March 2020
For information on recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts, please visit the FDA website:
- Saturday, 29 February 2020
For the next few weeks, we will be posting the PRO*ACT Market Report in place of our usual General Produce version.
The Source: February 19, 2020
- Saturday, 22 February 2020
For the next few weeks, we will be posting the PRO*ACT Market Report in place of our usual General Produce version.
The Source: February 12, 2020
- Tuesday, 18 February 2020
For the next few weeks, we will be posting the PRO*ACT Market Report in place of our usual General Produce version.
The Source: February 5, 2020
- Friday, 07 February 2020
For the next few weeks, we will be posting the PRO*ACT Market Report in place of our usual General Produce version.
The Source: January 22, 2020
- Friday, 24 January 2020
For the next few weeks, we will be posting the PRO*ACT Market Report in place of our usual General Produce version.
- Friday, 17 January 2020
For the next few weeks, we will be posting the PRO*ACT Market Report in place of our usual General Produce version.
The Source: January 8, 2020
- Friday, 10 January 2020
For the next few weeks, we will be posting the PRO*ACT Market Report in place of our usual General Produce version.
- Thursday, 02 January 2020
The stone soup fable has many iterations. They all involve a traveler coming into a town beset by famine.
The inhabitants of the town try to discourage the traveler from staying, fearing he wants them to give him food.
They tell him in no uncertain terms that there’s no food anywhere to be found. The traveler explains that he doesn’t need any food and that, in fact, he was planning to make a soup to share with all of them.
The villagers watch suspiciously as he builds a fire and fills a cauldron with water. With great ceremony, he pulls a stone from a silken bag, dropping the ordinary stone into the pot of boiling water. He sniffs the brew extravagantly and takes a small taste.
With great exuberance, he exclaims how delicious stone soup is. The villagers gather around with great interest. The traveler says rather loudly, “I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage — that’s hard to beat.”
The inhabitants of the town try to discourage the traveler from staying, fearing he wants them to give him food.
They tell him in no uncertain terms that there’s no food anywhere to be found. The traveler explains that he doesn’t need any food and that, in fact, he was planning to make a soup to share with all of them.
The villagers watch suspiciously as he builds a fire and fills a cauldron with water. With great ceremony, he pulls a stone from a silken bag, dropping the ordinary stone into the pot of boiling water. He sniffs the brew extravagantly and takes a small taste.
With great exuberance, he exclaims how delicious stone soup is. The villagers gather around with great interest. The traveler says rather loudly, “I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage — that’s hard to beat.”
- Friday, 27 December 2019
As 2019 comes to a close, make time for some personal reflection and self-care. Renewal is part of letting go and embracing the future.
The well wishes and greetings for the New Year can already be heard around offices, sales floors, kitchens and produce coolers.
Good genes can help you live a long, healthy life, but they are no guarantee that you’ll be an active older adult.
The average American life expectancy has risen to 78.6 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. Your life span is determined by a complex mix of heredity, lifestyle and environment. The way you manage your body, mind and spirit affects how you feel as you age.
It serves to reason, and is well documented, that one’s attitude toward aging can influence future health.
The well wishes and greetings for the New Year can already be heard around offices, sales floors, kitchens and produce coolers.
Good genes can help you live a long, healthy life, but they are no guarantee that you’ll be an active older adult.
The average American life expectancy has risen to 78.6 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics. Your life span is determined by a complex mix of heredity, lifestyle and environment. The way you manage your body, mind and spirit affects how you feel as you age.
It serves to reason, and is well documented, that one’s attitude toward aging can influence future health.
