Many people request artichoke hearts recipes. That’s because people don’t know what they should do to use them. Most importantly,  it’s worth including this vegetable in appetizers or a healthy meal due to the high nutrient value.

How do they taste?

Artichokes have a clean, fresh, earthy taste like most vegetables.

It doesn’t have a strong flavor profile.

Unseasoned artichoke would bring to mind the taste of fried egg whites.

The taste of artichokes when boiled falls somewhere in between celery and asparagus with a gentle nutty undertone like broccoli.

To eat boiled or steamed globe artichokes, just pluck the leaves from the side, and using your teeth scrape the artichoke meat located at the base of the leaves.

The texture of the artichoke meat from the leaves could be likened to a boiled potato. Whereas, the texture of the artichoke heart is juicy, tender, and soft. It can be compared to an eggplant, but with a sweeter taste.

Artichokes that are fried tastes like fried asparagus.

Grilled Artichokes have a more specific and enhanced taste.  It has a sweeter and smoky flavor. The texture is comparable to grilled asparagus.

The mild taste of an artichoke is actually what makes it versatile because it can easily be paired with other ingredients to concoct unique and delicious recipes.  From Daily Waffle

Ultimately, it is nice to have a variety of options to enjoy this healthy vegetable. As you can understand, these make an excellent addition to the Farr Better Recipes^®. 

What’s the Amazing Nutrition and Health Benefits of Artichoke Hearts?

Meanwhile, this list doesn’t cover all the benefits or nutrition information on Artichoke Hearts; however, I thought I would at least pique your interest.

Artichokes…

are full of nutrients

contain a ton of protein

are high in fiber

may boost your immune system

are high in polyphenols

can help treat allergies

can help lower body fat

may help reduce the risk of cancer

are a whole food

Detailed information from Women’s Health.

How do you buy fresh artichokes?

When selecting artichokes, the heaviest and firmest artichokes are best. If you press the leaves against themselves, it will create a slight squeaking sound, and this is a good indicator of an artichoke being fresh. More information from Dr. Axe

 

Artichokes are not in the nightshade family.

All nightshade plants contain compounds called alkaloids. One alkaloid found in nightshade vegetables, solanine, may be toxic in large quantities or in a green potato. There’s no evidence solanine is harmful in typical food amounts. And solanine isn’t only found in nightshades—blueberries and artichokes contain it, too. From healthline

Is the artichoke a vegetable?

Yes, it is. Detailed information is available with the Gardening Channel. They explain it well.

Remember, if you have an allergy to an ingredient, eliminate it from the recipe.

Where to find this amazing product…  Farr Better Store Options

How to prepare artichoke hearts for Farr Better Recipes^®

Most importantly, it’s a good idea to wash your artichokes. While they are a part of the list with the lowest levels of pesticide residue, it’s a good practice to clean them because people love to cook and eat the petals of the artichoke.  

Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to EWG’s analysis.

Dirty Dozen List

Clean 15 List

All things considered, wash them thoroughly with Earth’s Natural Fruit & Vegetable Wash to clean 95% or more of the chemicals and toxins off your produce.  

   

Above all, this is my ♥favorite veggie wash and has my stamp of approval. Click the photo or the link to order yours today. I just did—what a great gift-giving idea.

It must be amazing if Twin Cities Live shared it with everyone!

There are many videos online that show you how to prep a fresh artichoke. Rather than post all of them, choose one that works best for you. Here are a few photos to give you an idea of how to prep it.

   

   

The most convenient route is to purchase it premade. I have my favorite options listed here at Purchase Artichoke Hearts from Farr Better Recipes^®.

Whole Artichoke Hearts and Halved

Finely Chopped Artichoke Hearts with a Knife.

 

You could also use a Mini Hand Chopper.

Food Scrapers are very handy for any ingredient that needs chopping. I feel especially for moist ones. It scrapes it up much easier and thoroughly. 

   

Pick your favorite cutting board from Farr Better Recipes^®.

   

So many great things to say about Artichoke Hearts. Did you know?…

March 16th is National Artichoke Day.

One of the oldest foods known to humans is the artichoke.

The artichoke is a perennial thistle that originated in the Mediterranean.

The artichoke is technically a flower bud that has not yet bloomed.

The top artichoke producers today are Spain, France, and Italy.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that artichokes were grown in the United States.

California produces 100% of the United States artichoke crop, with Castroville, California calling itself the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

In 1947 Marilyn Monroe, then still going by her given name Norma Jean, was crowned Castroville’s first Artichoke Queen.

One artichoke plant can produce more than 20 artichokes per year. These cool facts are from Top Food Facts

Visit our recipe page to see all the recipes that include this beautiful vegetable.

You can filter the recipes to either include artichokes in your recipe or eliminate them due to your dietary restrictions. Hopefully, you can enjoy these delicious Farr Better Recipes^®

      

 

 

Thank you for choosing Farr Better Recipes. We appreciate you sharing this with friends and family by clicking the social media buttons below. We believe everyone deserves to FEEL GOOD and ENJOY LIFE!

 

Mushrooms work as a perfect non-meat substitute, but most of all help fight cancer and contributes to renewing cells. Moreover, the powerful mushroom has proven helpful combating viruses. Learn to love them if you don’t already.

How do they taste?

Mushrooms—which aren’t a veggie or a fruit, but a type of fungus—have a uniquely savory flavor known as umami, and a dense, meaty texture when cooked. That, of course, means that they’re the perfect base for vegetarian versions of classic meat dishes: burgers, tacos, hot dogs, bolognese, even steak. From Self

They create so much flavor in dishes, which is why they take center stage in Farr Better Recipes^®.

What are the Amazing Health and Nutrition Benefits?

Meanwhile, this list doesn’t cover all the benefits or nutrition information on mushrooms, but I thought I would at least pique your interest.

1. Fight Cancer
2. Improve Immunity and Lower Inflammation
3. Protect Heart Health
4. Support Energy and Improve Brain Function
5. Help with Weight Management
6. Provide Vitamin D 
7. Promotes Better Brain Function
8. Strengthens Bones

Detailed information from Dr. Axe.

More information at Organic Facts.

Popular Types of Mushrooms 

Find out more about their uses from CroCycle and Serious Eats Mushroom Shopping guide

There are more than 2,000 varieties of edible mushrooms in all shapes, sizes and textures, but never eat mushrooms in the wild that you don’t know are safe — some are poisonous. From Food and Nutrition

Here is a list of the top 21:

1. Button 
2. Cremini 
3. Portobello 
4. Oyster 
5. King Oyster 
6. Shiitake 
7. Maitake 
8. Clamshell 
9. Black Trumpet 
10. Chanterelle 
11. Hedgehog 
12. Porcini 
13. Chicken of the Woods 
14. Wood Blewit 
15. Morel 
16. Enoki 
17. Shimeji 
18. Reishi 
19. Lion’s Mane 
20. Matsutake 
21. Giant Puffball 

Mushrooms are not a part of the nightshade family.

Is the mushroom a vegetable?

Although mushrooms are classified as vegetables, technically they are not plants but part of the kingdom called fungi. However, they share some characteristics with plants.

Surprisingly, mushrooms also provide a small amount of vitamin D and can increase their vitamin D content when they are exposed to light, just like our skin makes vitamin D from sunlight. No other “vegetable” can to do that! Look for high vitamin D mushrooms in your grocery store. From have a plant

Alice Henneman, MS, RD, Extension Educator of Nutrition, Food Safety, and Cooking at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln explained that mushrooms are scientifically classified as fungi. Because they have no leaves, roots or seeds and don’t need light to grow, they are not a true vegetable.

However, in terms of nutrition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture considers mushrooms to be vegetables because they provide many of the same nutritional attributes of vegetables.  From Best Food Facts

Remember, if you have an allergy to an ingredient, eliminate it from the recipe.

Where to find this amazing product…  Farr Better Store Options

How to prepare Mushrooms for Farr Better Recipes^®

Most importantly, it’s a good idea to wash your mushrooms. Even though they are a part of the “Clean 15” list, you should always wash your produce. While they are a part of the list with the lowest levels of pesticide residue, it’s a good practice to wash your fruit and vegetables.

Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to EWG’s analysis.

Dirty Dozen List

Clean 15 List

All things considered, wash them thoroughly with Earth’s Natural Fruit & Vegetable Wash to clean 95% or more of the chemicals and toxins off your produce.  

   

Above all, this is my ♥favorite veggie wash and has my stamp of approval. Click the photo or the link to order yours today. I just did—what a great gift-giving idea.

It must be amazing if Twin Cities Live shared it with everyone!

Mushroom cuts preferred in Farr Better Recipes^®

Clean, Shred, Slice

Pick your favorite cutting board from Farr Better Recipes^®.

   

Chopped 

Sliced

 

Finely chop by hand with a knife. 

Try a Food Processor or Mini Hand Chopper

Food Scrapers are very handy for any ingredient that needs scooping up after chopping. It scrapes it up much easier and completely from the cutting board. 

   

Shred Oyster Mushrooms

Portobello Mushroom Caps

So many choices, all of which we enjoy.  Many varieties provide a meaty taste, making them a favorite option.

Know more about Every Type of Mushroom from Nutrition Advance. 

Visit our recipe page to see all the recipes that include this beautiful fruit.

You can filter the recipes to either include bell peppers in your recipe or eliminate them due to your dietary restrictions. Hopefully, you can enjoy these delicious Farr Better Recipes^®

 

     

   

If you do not like them, you should learn too. Some people do not like the taste or texture. But over time, we develop the tastebuds and gain knowledge of how to enjoy them.

My children really enjoy mushrooms raw or in their meals now. Even my aunt learned to love them. Her mother would be so proud of her.

They have learned not to limit themselves and be open to other food varieties when eating Farr Better Recipes.

Thank you for choosing Farr Better Recipes. We believe everyone deserves to FEEL GOOD and ENJOY LIFE!

Vegan tomato recipes are popular for many people, young and old. They have a complex combination of tastes and are from the nightshade family and, yes, considered a fruit.

How do they taste?

People have said tomatoes have many different tastes. There is a complex combination of well-liked descriptions such as sweet, tart, tangy, sour, and savory. Therefore, this makes tomatoes an excellent addition to the Farr Better Recipes^®. 

There are so many variables that determine the taste of a tomato. It depends on the size of the fruit, the color of the fruit, foliage, soil, sun, temperature, and more. There is a lot of useful information from Bonnie Plants to help you decipher which tomatoes you want to use in Farr Better Recipes^®.

In the end, they all taste fantastic and are so good for your health too. I do recognize and understand that some people are allergic to tomatoes. Therefore, they have to refrain from using this ingredient. 

What’s the Amazing Health and Nutrition Benefits of Tomatoes?

Meanwhile, this list doesn’t cover all the benefits or nutrition information on tomatoes; however, I thought I would at least pique your interest.

1) Antioxidant Agent

2) Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals

3) Protect the Heart

4) Counter the Effect of Smoking Cigarettes

5) Improve Vision

6) Aid in Digestion

7) Lower Hypertension

8) Manage Diabetes

9) Skin Care

10) Prevent Urinary Tract Infections 

11) Prevent Gallstones

Detailed information from Organic Facts.

There is more information at Medical News Today and Healthline.

Why are tomatoes different colors?

Some gardeners see tomatoes in a rainbow of colors: red, sure, but also shades of yellow, orange, pink, green, burgundy, purple, streaked and striped, and practically black. Along with those colors come a range of flavors. There’s a tomato for every taste. From Chicago Botanic Garden

What makes tomatoes a part of the nightshade family?

Nightshade vegetables belong to the family of plants with the Latin name Solanaceae.

Potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are all common nightshades. Many are rich sources of nutrients and serve as staple foods for various cultures.

From healthline.

Did you know they are considered a fruit?

A fruit develops from the flower of a plant, while the other parts of the plant are categorized as vegetables.

Fruits contain seeds.

Vegetables can consist of roots, stems, and leaves.

From a culinary perspective, fruits and vegetables are classified based on taste. Fruits generally have a sweet or tart flavor and can be used in desserts, snacks, or juices.

Vegetables have a more mild or savory taste and enjoyed as part of a side dish or main course.

Tomatoes are fruits, and so are cucumbers, peppers, pumpkins, and avocados. Despite botanically being a fruit, it’s generally eaten and prepared like a vegetable.

More information from Healthline. If you want to know from a scientific point of view, there is excellent information from science alert.

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad, from journalist Miles Kington.

Remember, if you have an allergy to an ingredient, eliminate it from the recipe.

Where to find this amazing product…  Farr Better Store Options

How to prepare Tomatoes for Farr Better Recipes^®?

Most importantly, it’s a good idea to wash your tomatoes because they are a part of the “Dirty Dozen” list.  

Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to EWG’s analysis.

Dirty Dozen List

Clean 15 List

Again, it’s vital to wash them thoroughly with Earth’s Natural Fruit & Vegetable Wash to clean 95% or more of the chemicals and toxins off your produce.  

     

Above all, this is my ♥favorite veggie wash and has my stamp of approval. Click the photo or the link to order yours today. I just did—what a great gift-giving idea.

It must be amazing if Twin Cities Live shared it with everyone!

Tomato cuts preferred in Farr Better Recipes^®

Chopping irregular shapes

Pick your favorite cutting board from Farr Better Recipes^®.

   

Chop the tomatoes by hand with a knife
 

Or with the Food Chopper Scissors

Food Scrapers are very handy for any ingredient that needs scooping up after chopping. I feel especially for moist ones. It scrapes it up much easier and thoroughly. 

   

Quartered

 

Sliced

Diced uniform pieces

So many choices.  All of which we enjoy.

Visit our recipe page to see all the recipes that include this beautiful fruit.

You can filter the recipes to either include tomatoes in your recipe or eliminate them due to your dietary restrictions.  Hopefully, you can enjoy these delicious Farr Better Recipes^®

 

 

Thank you for choosing Farr Better Recipes. We appreciate you sharing this with friends and family by clicking the social media buttons below. We believe everyone deserves to FEEL GOOD and ENJOY LIFE!

Bell Peppers are full of nutrition, likewise deliciously sweeter, very colorful, as well as in the nightshade family, considered a fruit and hermaphroditic.

How do they taste?

Bell peppers have a mild taste, which is why I like to use them in Farr Better Recipes^®. Usually, people with dietary restrictions are less likely able to handle the heat of the hotter peppers. The green peppers have a more grassy-like flavor, and the yellow, orange, and red peppers have a sweeter taste to them.

In the end, they all taste fantastic and are so good for your health too. I do recognize and understand that some people are allergic to peppers of any kind. Therefore, they have to refrain from using this ingredient. 

Here is more information about peppers from our excellent co-op resource.

What’s the Amazing Health and Nutrition Benefits of Bell Peppers?

Meanwhile, this list doesn’t cover all the benefits or nutrition information on bell peppers; however, I thought I would at least pique your interest.

1) Eye Health

2) Prevent Cancer

3) Boosts Immunity

4) Balances Mood

5) Natural Sleep Aid

6) Weight Loss

7) Beautiful Skin

8) Lowers Cholesterol

9) Helps with Pain

10) Heart Healthy

Detailed information from Dr. Axe about “Bell Pepper Nutrition Helps You Lose Weight & Fight Serious Disease.”

Enjoy more health information at Serving Joy.

Why are they more colorful than other peppers?

Bell Peppers start green and continue maturing as well as changing colors through that process. 

Because the green pepper is less ripe, it has a little bit more of a bitter flavor.

While it stays on the vine and ripens more, our next contender is the yellow pepper

subsequently turning into orange

These peppers are leaning towards the sweeter side. I would say a more neutral, pleasant flavor. 

In the final stages of ripeness comes along the red bell pepper.

This one is the sweetest and most healthy because it’s had a chance to ripen on the vine fully. 

Compared to green bell peppers, the red ones have almost 11 times more beta-carotene and 1.5 times more vitamin C. According to WebMD

 

What makes Bell Peppers a part of the nightshade family?

While we will look more into a detailed list of nightshade vegetables in a moment, here are the main edible nightshade members that you will want to be familiar with:

Potatoes. Tomatoes, Eggplant, Peppers

You can see just from this shortlist that there is great variety within the nightshade family. While the commonality might not be evident on a dinner plate, there are some basic similarities in the composition that nightshade vegetables share, and one such similarity is the presence of two substances: calcitriol and alkaloids.

More great information about nightshade vegetables from Dr. Axe

Did you know they are considered a fruit?

A fruit develops from the flower of a plant, while the other parts of the plant are categorized as vegetables.

Fruits contain seeds.

Vegetables can consist of roots, stems, and leaves.

From a culinary perspective, fruits and vegetables are classified based on taste. Fruits generally have a sweet or tart flavor and can be used in desserts, snacks, or juices.

Vegetables have a more mild or savory taste and enjoyed as part of a side dish or main course.

Bell peppers are fruits, and so are cucumbers, green beans, and red chilies! The bell pepper is the only member of the Capsicum family that does not produce capsaicin, which is known to cause a burning sensation.

More information from Healthline.

Remember, if you have an allergy to an ingredient, eliminate it from the recipe.

Where to find this amazing product…  Farr Better Store Options

 

Is the myth of male and female peppers true?

While this theory has circulated for years, it is important to remember that there are no male and female bell peppers. The plants are hermaphroditic, meaning that they contain both male and female parts. While plants with specific plants can create fruits with a certain gender, pepper plants are different.

Pepper plants can have two to five lobes. The number of lobes means absolutely nothing. Four lobe peppers don’t always contain more seeds than one with fewer lobes. Three lobe peppers don’t taste less sweet. You can use any pepper for any recipe. There is no reason to search through the pepper bin at the grocery store. More information from Gardenioka

How to prepare Bell Peppers for Farr Better Recipes^®

Most importantly, it’s a good idea to wash your bell peppers because they are a part of the “Dirty Dozen Plus™” list. Which means they have a high pesticide residue score.

Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to EWG’s analysis.

Dirty Dozen List

Clean 15 List

1. Again, it’s vital to wash thoroughly with Earth’s Natural Fruit & Vegetable Wash to clean 95% or more of the chemicals and toxins off your produce.  

           

Soak for 2 minutes in a Mixing Bowl

 

Rinse in an Extendable Collapsible Colander Strainer

 

Above all, this is my ♥favorite veggie wash and has my stamp of approval. Click the photo or the link to order yours today. I just did—what a great gift-giving idea.

Furthermore, it must be amazing if Twin Cities Live shared it with everyone!

Bell Pepper cuts preferred in Farr Better Recipes^®

Sliced in Whole Pieces

         

To make slicing quick and easy, try an Adjustable Mandoline Slicer

Sliced in Half

Pick your favorite cutting board to use from Farr Better Recipes^®.

   

Diced

Food Scrapers are very handy for any ingredient that needs scooping up after chopping. I feel especially for moist ones. It scrapes it up much easier and thoroughly. 

   

Try dice the peppers with my favorite ♥ kitchen tool – Hand-Powered Food Chopper

Prepare for Stuffed Peppers

Chopped  

 

Chop the bell peppers by hand with a knife
 

Or with this fun Food Chopper Scissors

Or with this convenient Food chop Vegetable Dicer

So many choices.  All of which we enjoy.

Visit our recipe page to see all the recipes that include this beautiful fruit.

You can filter the recipes to either include bell peppers in your recipe or eliminate them due to your dietary restrictions. Hopefully, you can enjoy these delicious Farr Better Recipes^®

   

Thank you for choosing Farr Better Recipes^®. We appreciate you sharing this with friends and family by clicking the social media buttons below. We believe everyone deserves to FEEL GOOD and ENJOY LIFE!