In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s original plan for man’s diet. He who created man and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food. … Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator.” Child Guidance, 380. (Emphasis supplied.)
“Eat your vegetables” is an admonition most of us endured through childhood. No one needs to tell me that now! Vegetables are one of my favorite foods, because of their great taste, diversity, and healthful benefits.
Long overlooked and underrated, fruits and vegetables have attained new popularity. Gardeners, enjoying a bountiful harvest, look for new ways to use a surplus of zucchini, green beans, or tomatoes. Calorie and nutrition-conscious cooks, knowing that fresh produce is a rich natural source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, plan menus including lots of vegetables.
Improved growing methods have extended the seasons of many vegetables, expanding market variety and availability. More than ever before, fresh and flavorful vegetables are widely available, rushed from farm to market to reach consumers in peak condition.
Fresh vegetables add color and variety to every culinary occasion, from the simplest family meal to the most lavish dinner party. Let the available produce and the season be your guide. Select and enjoy the finest produce your market offers, and follow the seasonal harvest for best values and top quality. Interest in vegetables has made uncommon varieties more widely available. When you find an unfamiliar vegetable, like spaghetti squash or fennel, add it to your shopping basket. And rediscover some long-forgotten vegetables, like turnips, rutabagas and parsnips. You’ll quickly understand their enduring appeal.
New and unfamiliar kinds of produce challenge innovative cooks to experiment with seasonings and preparation techniques. As you expand your vegetable repertoire, you’ll discover lively new combinations and introduce your family and friends to a wide variety of tempting and unusual vegetable dishes.