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(NAPSI)-More and more people are buying
organic fruits and vegetables every day in stores across the country. But
until recently, there was no clear understanding of what was really meant by
organic, and rules and regulations varied throughout the country. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) now has issued the National Organic
Standards (NOS). This marks the beginning of consistent certification and
labeling of organic products. USDA developed strict labeling rules that
apply to raw, fresh, and processed foods that contain organic ingredients.
Before any product can be labeled organic, a government-approved certifier
inspects the farm where the food is grown to ensure the grower is following
all rules. Companies that handle or process organic food also must be
certified. USDA defines "organic" food as food grown and processed without
using most conventional pesticides; without fertilizers made with synthetic
ingredients or sewage sludge, and without biotechnology and ionizing
radiation.
Organic fruits and vegetables are an option
for providing the important variety of vitamins, minerals, fiber and
phytochemicals the body uses to stay healthy and energetic. The Produce for
Better Health Foundation has a simple way to choose 5 to 9 colorful servings
of fruits and vegetables every day-it's called The Color Way. There are five
color groups-blue/purple, green, white, yellow/orange and red. Simply choose
from all the groups to get the unique benefits each fruit and vegetable has
to offer.
From snacks to mixed dishes, there are
countless ways to include colorful organic fruits and vegetables in your
daily diet. Try a fruit smoothie with organic bananas, mangoes, and
kiwifruit in the morning; a salad with organic leaf lettuce, carrots, grape
tomatoes and cucumbers for lunch; and a side dish of organic vegetables for
dinner featuring Chef Martin Yan's recipe, Chinatown Broccoli and
Cauliflower Medley. It's easy to eat your colors every day!
For more information on Melissa's organic
fruits and vegetables, visit
www.melissas.com. For
information about 5 A Day and The Color Way Guide, visit
www.5aday.org and
www.aboutproduce.com.
Chinatown Broccoli and
Cauliflower Medley
11/2 teaspoons cooking oil
1 medium organic carrot, thinly sliced diagonally
1 organic red bell pepper, seeded and cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 organic yellow onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 ounces baby corn
1/4 cup organic broccoli florets
1/4 cup organic cauliflower florets
1/2 cup snow peas
Sauce
1/4 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster flavored sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Place a wok or wide frying pan over high
heat until hot. Add oil, swirling to coat sides. Add vegetables and stir-fry
for 1 minute. Add sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-high;
cover and cook for 3 minutes. Serves 4.
Nutritional information per serving:
calories: 67, total fat: 3.2g, saturated fat: 0.4g, % calories from fat:
39%, protein: 2g, carbohydrates: 10g, cholesterol: 0mg, dietary fiber: 2g,
sodium: 325mg |
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