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Daily Dish the Fork Lift blog

  1. Health Notes from Dr. Liz: Micro Greens

    Basil, Cilantro, Kale, Rainbow Mix and Gold Pea Shoots

    These tiny seedlings are BIG on health-boosting nutrition. Compared to the mature versions of kale, basil, cilantro and other greens, micro greens boast anywhere from twice to five times the levels of phytonutrients, which are believed to ward off age-related ailments such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease, and they’ve also been shown to protect heart and eye health. Use micro greens in salads, stuff them into sandwiches and wraps, or use them to top tacos — then sit back and enjoy the huge health benefits!

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  2. Celebrate a National Treasure

    Zespri Sungold Kiwis

    When you think “kiwi,” you probably think “green and fuzzy,” right? But did you know that some varieties of kiwi actually have smooth skin and yellow fruit? One delicious example is the Zespri Sungold Kiwi, which, unlike its traditional green cousins, features a smooth-skinned exterior and a surprising golden center. These kiwis feature a tropical-sweet flavor that we love — they’re super refreshing on a hot summer day. 

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  3. Lend me an Ear (of Corn)

    Vierra Farms White & Bi-Colored Corn

    When it comes to items from our produce department, corn might just hold the title for “Most Summery Vegetable.” There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy ear of fresh summer corn-on-the-cob (and we definitely won’t judge if that corn just happens to be dripping in butter!). Some of our very favorite corn comes from local producer Vierra Farms in West Sacramento. 

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  4. Black Watermelon

    Black Seedless Watermelon

    What we call a Seedless Black Watermelon (because of its extremely dark green skin) is actually properly known as an Imagination Melon. Whatever its name, we love this melon for its great consistency and flavor. And we really love the fact that they are locally grown, just down the street from our West Sacramento store. At the start of spring, Dave Vierra begins planting his Imagination Melons in preparation for the summer season. Dave’s love of farming was evident when, at 13 years old, he planted his first pumpkin patch, and by the time he was 18, Vierra farms was born. Fast–forward to today and Vierra now farms over 800 acres of rich local soil, right in our own backyard.

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  5. Figs are in!

    California grown Black Mission Figs are lusciously sweet with a texture that combines the chewiness of their flesh, the smoothness of their skin and the crunchiness of their seeds. They're a great source of potassium and dietary fiber. Black Mission Figs are only in season late spring through early winter so eat ‘em while you can!

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  6. Apricot Royalty

    Locally grown organic Royal Blenheim Apricots from Capay Organic Farm are in stores for a short time only! The Blenheim is an old school apricot, tasty to eat and great to use when making jams!

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  7. Melon Mania

    According to Dr. Liz Applegate, Ph.D., melons supply a scant 60 calories per cup, are packed with a wealth of nutrients and are loaded with water for hydration. The popular cantaloupe supplies over 100% of vitamin C needs in just one cup, and offers a healthy dose of beta-carotene. The tuscan, crenshaw and canary melons are packed with potassium, which is helpful in controlling high blood pressure, and the honeydew melon comes packed with vitamin C! Finally the crowd favorite, watermelon, is loaded with water, potassium and lycopene, a potent cancer fighter.

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  8. Beaut Pears From Down Under

    A favorite pear of ours is here and ready for taste testing! From our neighbors down under, the Taylor’s Gold Pear was first discovered in New Zealand in 1986. It is a natural mutation of the Comice pear, making it even sweeter and juicier than the average pear! Its golden cinnamon, rose-blushed colored skin distinguishes the Taylor’s Gold pear. The fruit tends to be large and plump with a creamy white flesh and smooth texture.

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  9. Artichoke Super Food Facts from Dr. Liz

    It's artichoke season and this “super” spring produce is here to provide you and your family with an abundant amount of nutrients! According to Dr. Liz Applegate, Ph.D., this flower bud from the thistle family supplies a wealth of magnesium and potassium that help fight that high blood pressure. The “meaty” part of the artichoke supplies inulin, a prebiotic that helps fuel the healthy bacteria living in our intestines. And if that isn’t enough, one artichoke supplies over 25% of the Daily Value for fiber and vitamin C!

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  10. Peaches & Nectarines & Apricots, Oh My!

    Stone fruit season is upon us and we can’t get enough of these sweet, ripe, juicy fruits, because they’re not only mouthwateringly delicious, they're healthy too. According to Dr. Liz Applegate, Director of Sports Nutrition at UC Davis, nectarines are loaded with potassium, vitamin C and carotenes, and their fuzzy relatives, peaches, supply a wealth of potassium and fiber. Dr. Liz Applegate also says that three lusciously sweet apricots supply almost 80% of the Daily Value for vitamin A as beta carotene, which helps to promote both eye and heart health. Don’t feel guilty enjoying these sweet sweet stone fruits this spring!

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