Heavenly Harvest

After taking the big step of bringing home new produce, eating it can be a daunting task.  What parts do you eat and what do you discard?  Do you cook it or eat it raw?  What if you don't like the flavor?  Do you eat it plain or use it in a recipe?  A little research goes a long way.  You want to make your first experience a positive one (especially if you are serving it to children) so you better not get it wrong!!  Keep in mind that if your new food is different than anything you've ever tried before, it may take several attempts before you learn to like it.

Chances are you'll buy something you are somewhat familiar with.  I still recommend the research step because as you do, you may find new ways to prepare even your everyday fruits and vegetables.  Perhaps you're already a produce connoisseur but you're looking for new ways to enjoy your 9 servings.  To plan a heavenly menu full of healthy harvest, check out the Fruit and Veggie Guru for ideas on including produce in anything from appetizers to desserts, and beverages to sauces.  Not a meal planner?  Take a quick inventory of your fridge and bring your list to Capay Organics, who has an extensive directory of recipes by specific fruits and vegetables.  Don't worry; the recipes still work with conventional produce. :)  Now you have a plan and a recipe, and hopefully the right ingredients.  Not sure what those directions actually mean?  On the Market Fresh website you can find instructional videos for produce preparation. 

Don't forget the art of experimentation.  What one person on the Internet likes may not be your cup of tea.  Go for recipes that have high reviews, and select one that contains ingredients you typically use and is at your cooking skill level.  Make it according to the recipe the first time, then decide if it is a keeper.  If you don't like it at all, try a completely different recipe the next time.  If it isn't bad, try the recipe again with a few of your own variations and adjustments.  You might just find a way to enjoy 9 servings of health benefits every day.