It’s time to get to know a little bit about your candidates for Crow Wing County 2023 Vegetable of the year; our candidates include broccoli, cabbage, green beans, peas, and squash.
All these candidates are rich in nutrients that our bodies need including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It’s important to eat 4 to 5 servings of veggies and fruits per day to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Broccoli: "I am a superfood. I am one of the healthiest veggies you can eat because of my nutritional makeup. I am loaded with fiber, antioxidants that fight cancer, and vitamin C to aid in iron absorption. I can be eaten steamed, boiled, or raw. Kids love to eat me because I look like a little tree."
Cabbage: "I am loaded with lots of chemicals that help ease swelling in your tissues. This helps protect you from other health issues because inflammation is linked to things like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. You can chop me up and put me in salads. I can be steamed, boiled, sauteed, or baked. You can ferment me, and I turn into sauerkraut."
Green Beans: "I am high in vitamin K and have a good amount of calcium. This helps maintain strong, healthy bones and can reduce your risk of fractures. I am so easy to make – you can blanch me and keep me in the refrigerator for a couple of days. When you get hungry, you can reheat me in a skillet with olive oil and minced garlic and spices."
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Peas: "I am a good source of vitamins C and E, zinc, and other antioxidants that strengthen your immune system. I can help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Not to brag, but I am one of the best plant-based sources of protein. You can steam me, boil me, or eat me right out of the garden."
Squash: "I am a good source of vitamin A, C, and B – I am also high in antioxidants. I am rich in water and fiber which helps you hydrate and I’m good for your gut! You can steam me or roast me. I am very versatile and have a summer variety and winter variety. Want a quick snack? Scoop out my seeds and roast them. Did I mention I am the most colorful of all the candidates?"
Join us at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 for the Veggie Talent Show on the Mills Stage at the Crow Wing County Fair. This is your chance to get to know the veggies and see what hidden talents they have. After the talent show, the veggies will stay if you want to get a selfie with them. Voting will open at the Crow Wing Energized booth in the Crow Wing County Building when the fair starts on Tuesday, Aug. 2. If you cast a vote, you will be entered in a drawing for a prize. Every vote counts!
Check us out on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/crowwingenergized
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