Edible Garden Ideas ~ Food Pairings for Healthy Living

   Yes, we are trying to eat healthy & optimize the benefits of the foods we do eat. If you are getting ready to plan/plant your edible garden, here are some food pairings that are so healthful and with one easy to grow component each! These simple pairing are featured in the April issue of Redbook:

Red Bell Peppers & Black Beans ~ Beans are an excellent source of iron & (protein & fiber). All that iron is more readily absorbed with the pairing of high in Vitamin C bell peppers (Peppers contain the most Vitamin C of all vegetables!). Bell peppers are easy to grow. Just wait until frost danger has passed in your area & give your plants plenty of sun. Suggested recipe: Simply mix chopped raw peppers, black beans, quinoa & lime juice.

Meat & Rosemary ~ Marinate is the key word here. We are aware by now that grilling at high temperatures can lead to harmful carcinogenic compounds (HCAs) forming. To protect your meats ~ marinate! Rosemary contains multiple antioxidants that keep HCAs from forming. Add 2 T. to your favorite marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling/cooking. The wonderful thing about growing an herb like rosemary is that it is easy and can happen year round by keeping your plant inside in a sunny location during the winter months.

Spinach & Olive Oil ~ Vitamin A packed spinach leaves when paired with small amounts of healthy fat olive oil will help it be better absorbed by your intestinal cells. Mix the olive oil with fresh lemon juice & drizzle away. Spinach is a cold weather veggie so the time to grow is now (and again in the fall) It is also easy to grow & so much better when picked fresh from the garden!

Eggs & Cheese ~ My Brother and Sister-in-Law do have a fresh supply of eggs with their chickens but most of us do not have the room to 'grow' eggs. No matter. We all know that Vitamin D & Calcium work hand in hand for maximum absorption of Vitamin D in the body. I am including this pairing because it is a delicious twosome but also the above spinach, peppers, rosemary all would taste amazing with your cheesy egg recipe of choice. (and hopefully you are considering growing additional herbs & tomatoes too!) YUM, and happy growing!