Summer squash is an August OrganWise Guys foods of the month and probably one of the more unique vegetables in the variety of ways that it can be eaten. In addition to some interesting facts and tips below, we are sharing some tasty recipes featuring this great “summer” food!
Interesting Facts
“Summer” squash are in season during the summer months (hence the name!), with August being its peak growing time
Zucchini, yellow squash and scallop squash are different types
Summer and Winter squash belong to the same plant family, however can eat the outside (rind) of summer squash, but not winter squash because it has a very hard, thick rind
Mexico, New Zealand, China and India are some countries that grow it
In the United States, Florida, California, Georgia and New York are top producers
Our Favorite Healthy Recipes
Summer Squash Casserole – Try this simple casserole as a tasty side to any main dish this summer! Remember, August is when it is most ripe!
Healthy Zucchini Ideas – If zucchini is more your thing, try these tacos, mini pizzas, baked chips or zucchini tartine.
Crunchy Veggie Wraps – This colorful and flavorful lunch idea includes both yellow squash and zucchini. Yum!
Lastly, watch as Peri Stolic and Pepto share their squash sentiments:
There’s nothing better than a quick and nutritious weeknight meal. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with the same recipes week after week. We loved trying this new recipe, which includes lots of ingredients (chicken, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese) that we already use every week. This recipe is a whole new meal though when you add sliced zucchini (an August Foods of the Month) and cook the ingredients a little differently. Try it out for yourself; you won’t be disappointed!
Skillet Zucchini and Chicken
Ingredients
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 24 oz. jar tomato sauce
2 medium sized zucchini, sliced thin
1 8 oz. fresh mozzarella ball, sliced thin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Use a large skillet on medium heat to cook the chicken breast in olive oil.
When chicken is done cooking (about 5 minutes on each side), pour tomato sauce into the skillet with the chicken and cook on low for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Arrange zucchini and mozzarella over the chicken and tomato sauce. Cover and cook on low for an additional 15 minutes.
Remove from heat when the zucchini is tender and the mozzarella is fully melted.
Season with salt and pepper and serve with whole wheat pasta or enjoy by itself!
You may also like these healthy zucchini ideas, including zucchini tacos, baked zucchini chips, zucchini tartine, and mini zucchinni pizzas.
In the summertime, we love to drink smoothies. Smoothies help us to stay hydrated and refreshed in the heat. They are also a great way to get our daily serving of fruits. Drink this mango berry smoothie for lots of disease-fighting vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, Vitamin A and potassium. Mangos, a July Foods of the Month, are a delicious combination of sweet and healthy.
Corn is a July OrganWise Guys foods of the month and there’s no better time than the summer to enjoy the variety of ways that it can be eaten. In addition to some interesting facts and tips below, we are sharing some tasty recipes featuring this great summer food!
Interesting Facts
The traditional name is “maize.”
It is available in markets year-round, but the locally grown varieties purchased during the summer months taste the best and are usually the least expensive.
It grows in “ears,” each of which is covered in rows of kernels that are protected by silk-like threads called “corn silk” and encased in a husk.
It is a good source of many nutrients including thiamin (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folate, dietary fiber, vitamin C, phosphorus and manganese.
Our Favorite Healthy Recipes
Summer Appetizers – Try corn with quinoa, white beans and basil, in a creamy, crunchy veggie dip, or in a black bean southwest salad before your healthy summer meal.
Snack with Corn – Hosting a lighter fare event this summer? You can’t go wrong including corn into these tasty recipes including roasted kernels, bruschetta, black bean salsa, and healthy quesadillas.
Sweet Corn Ideas – Here are some sweet ideas including a blueberry salad, a kale salad with peaches, and healthy homemade corn bread.
What are your favorite ways to eat corn this summer?
Our second installment of summery side dishes with corn features this delicious roasted corn with Brussels Sprouts recipe. (Last week, we featured parmesan corn with zucchini.) Corn and Brussels Sprouts provide fantastic health benefits like fiber and Vitamins K and C. Try to eat veggies like this at least 5 times a week to keep your OrganWise Guys healthy!
Roasted Corn and Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
2 cobs of corn, kernels freshly cut (or 2 cups of frozen corn)
1 lb Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and sliced thin
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Heat extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat on the stovetop. When it begins to bubble, add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, until the garlic begins to brown.
Add the sliced Brussels Sprouts. Cook for 5 minutes, until they begin to crisp.
Next, turn the stovetop to medium heat then add the corn. Continue to cook until the corn begins to brown on either side (about 10 minutes).
Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
You may also like these other healthy corn side dishes this summer! Enjoy!
