ripen avocados quickly microwave

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

store ripe avocados

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

We all want a natural and glowing complexion. Nobody wants lines or wrinkles, or age spots or blemishes. This is evidenced by the amount of dollars spent every year on cosmetics and miracle creams and lotions. While the cosmetic industry would like you to believe that their product is the “one that works”, you can spend a lot of money finding one that truly benefits your particular skin type.

I know that when I walk into a store and shop for a skin care product, I am usually overwhelmed at the selection and the prices. I read the label and read their claims of “no more wrinkles” and “dramatically reduces the signs of aging”, etc., then I usually question if it really works. I don’t want to spend upwards of $30 and not see any improvement in my skin.

With that in mind, I set out to find a better and more cost effective skin care program. I t have come to the conclusion that homemade skin care is an inexpensive alternative. In addition, homemade skin care really works and as an added benefit, no animal testing involved!

Skin care recipes are easily customizable for each skin type. For instance, an oily complexion may want to add a little witch hazel (for its drying properties) to their toner mixture, whereas a dry skin type may add just a bit of Jasmine (moisturizes dry, stressed and sensitive skins and also helps to increase elasticity). The same theory applies to creating your moisturizers and exfoliation treatments. Each recipe is custom made to your liking. In addition the fragrances you decide to choose or blend are truly unique for you taste.

Some common ingredients used in skin are almond oil, aloe Vera, chamomile and green tea. Each of these ingredients brings with them unique characteristics. For example almond oil is a wonderful vegetable oil for dry skin. It is used as a carrier oil to blend with other essentials oils. In addition it is easily absorbed into the skin and is an excellent emollient. Aloe Vera stimulates skin cell regeneration and is also known for it healing properties. Chamomile tones all types of complexions. The anti-inflammatory effect of the essential oil applied topically improves skin regeneration, and a cold compress does wonders for puffy eyes. Chamomile is used in facial steams to reduce puffiness and cleanse the pores of the skin. Green tea a powerful antioxidant and a potent anti-inflammatory agent thereby reducing inflammation in the skin.

Below is a facial mask recipe for both dry and oily skin types.

Avocado and Olive Oil Facial Mask

Ingredients:

½ half ripe avocado

olive oil (for dry skin)

Scoop out the flesh of the avocado and mash to form a smooth paste. Apply to face and leave on 10 to 15 minutes. Soften with warm water and wipe clean. Pat face dry and follow with your choice of toner and moisturizer.

Properties of avocado are: moisturizes, reduces appearance of age spots, heals sun damage and scars. Regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. Additionally, avocado increases collagen in the skin thus great for aging skin and has superior moisturizing qualities.

For more skin care recipes and products, visit Complete Skin Care Therapy

About the Author:

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Low Budget Skin Care That Works

ripen avocado quickly

Is there a faster way to ripen avocados rather than doing the paper bag thing?

I read that if you put avocados in a brown paper bag with an apple or tomato or banana, it ripens them more quickly, but is there a way to do it faster? Setting them out in the sun maybe?

I heard putting them in a bag with a banana but not the apple or tomato.

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

how to ripen avocados quickly

Is there a faster way to ripen avocados rather than doing the paper bag thing?

I read that if you put avocados in a brown paper bag with an apple or tomato or banana, it ripens them more quickly, but is there a way to do it faster? Setting them out in the sun maybe?

I heard putting them in a bag with a banana but not the apple or tomato.

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

avocado quick ripen

Is there any way to make an avocado ripen quicker?

Put it in a bag with a banana… that will make the avocado ripen quicker than it would on its own.

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

storing ripe avocados

how to preserve avocados for long time? My friend gave me a lot.?

Is it ok to keep inside refrigerator before it is ripened? or once it is ripe store it in freezer?

I have had the best results by removing the skins and seeds, mashing the ripe pulp, adding a small amount of lemon juice, and then freezing. I have not had any luck trying to store unprocessed avacado for any length of time.

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

how avocados are grown

How can I grow avocados, myself?

I eat ALOT of avocados. I always throw the pit away. Is there a way that I can grow them myself? Some sites state that I have to suspend the pit with toothpicks in water. Is this the best method? Or is there an easier way? I live in a very sunny place, so I’d imagine they would appreciate that.

First of all, it is difficult to grow a fruiting avocado tree, from a pit. It also takes a long while for the plant to become a tree. You need to live in a zone 10 area, with very well drained soil. Most often people who have a fruiting tree have grafted (see source) a existing fruiting branch to your starter plant (from the toothpick method). A mature tree can produce 100’s of avocados.

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

microwave avocado ripen

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

unripe avocado

Avocados too Hard, not ripe?

They are unripe. What can I do to make my avocados mushy and soft, I have already cut them and I found out they are not ripe at all, How can I make them soft? i am using them for a recipe tonight.

Only time will ripen them. They will taste like fruit if you try to use them now. Always look for avocados that are almost black and have a soft texture to the touch. I would serve something else or run out for more.
Good Luck!

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

ripen avocado microwave

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

avocado ripen microwave

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

microwave avocado to ripen

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable

avocado microwave ripen

How do you quickly ripen an Avocado?

I have heard you can put them in a brown bag or slice them and put in the microwave. Any good ideas on how to quickly ripen Avocadoes whole or cut?

FIRST OFF don’t ever cut open an avocado that hasn’t ripened, it will turn brown, look terrible and still be to hard to eat. this is what you do put two or three un-ripened avocados in a paper bag with a banana, the banana lets off gases that will speed up the ripening process, if there’s no banana in the house just seal them in a paper bag and leave on the kitchen countertop, check on everyday you don’t want them getting to soft, a good way to check is to push your thumb into the outer skin if the indentation stays there its ready to be eaten

The humble spud has been voted the veg the UK would most like to be the national emblem of England, beating Wimbledon favourite Strawberries and Brussels sprouts to the title. This data comes from a new survey commissioned by AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website axappphealthcare.

Published as the EU prepares to lift its ban on the sale of ‘misshapen’ produce such as straight bananas on July 1st, the independent research of over 3,000 people explores consumer preferences for fruit and vegetables, their purchasing criteria and knowledge of provenance. The survey also reveals that whilst size doesn’t matter the nation is still vain about its veg.

Poor knowledge of fruit and veg roots

The survey revealed real lack of knowledge when it came to picking the fruit and vegetables from our shores.

? A quarter of people believed the tuber it to be a native to the UK

? 2% said Asparagus as was indigenous to the British Isles

? Nearly three quarters of under eighteens were unable to identify an image of UK grown gooseberries

? Peanuts and pineapples proved the most puzzling with 74% and 88% admitting they didn’t know how they grew, citing ‘in water’ and ‘on trees’ instead of underground (peanuts) and on bushes (pineapples).

? 72% of people were also unaware that imported apples can be a year old from tree to supermarket trolley despite UK grown harvest producing enough to make us self sufficient

Getting your 5-a-day

Top nutritionist and AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness expert Sarah Schenker comments:

“One of the most important things people can for their health is to achieve their 5-a-day. So while its good news that people opt for fresh fruit and vegetables they should be aware that there is no nutritional difference when it comes to shape and size, in reality straight bananas and curly cucumbers and the like are just as nutritious. The return of odd shaped fruit and veg to our shelves could mean a reduction in prices which is great news for households trying to stick to a healthy diet while watching what they spend”.

AXA PPP healthcare nutritionist Sarah Schenker’s top tips on buying, storing and preparing fruit and vegetables:

“There is nothing tastier than fresh produce,” says nutritionist Sarah Schenker. “Learning to cook with fresh ingredients will help ensure that you enjoy healthy and tasty meals.”

Whether you’re buying produce from a grocery store or from a local farmers’ market, here are some tips from Sarah on what to look for when buying fresh fruit and vegetables:

? Choose fruit and vegetables that look and smell fresh. Look for produce that is not bruised or damaged ― over-handling produce can cause damage and spoilage.

? There is very little nutritional difference between organically grown and conventionally grown produce, so don’t feel pressurised to always buy organic because you think it is healthier. By all means choose organic for taste and flavour where your budget permits, but remember: whichever you buy, always wash well and peel when appropriate.

? When preparing vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or scrap lightly with a knife to reduce wastage. This also minimises the nutrient losses, as nutrient content is often more concentrated just beneath the skin.

? When cooking vegetables, try steaming lightly or microwaving in just a little water, as this will help reduce some nutrient losses. The nutrients most affected are vitamin C and folate: the longer you boil vegetables such as broccoli or cabbage, the more of these vitamins will be leached out into the water. These vitamins are also destroyed by heat, so it is best to cook vegetables quickly and allow them to retain some of their crunch.

? Vegetables don’t always have to be eaten raw to be healthy. Take carrots and tomatoes, for example: cooking them well releases antioxidant substances called carotenoids, which then allows them to be more easily absorbed by the body. So if you spot a bargain on a bag full of mis-shaped carrots, you can turn them into a very nutritious soup!

? Refrigeration keeps most fruit and vegetables from ripening. If you purchase unripe fruit or veg, place the fruit in a paper bag and close tightly. For certain vegetables and fruit, such as avocados, it is best to just lay them in a fruit bowl until they are ripe.
About the Author:

AXA PPP healthcare’s Nutrition and Fitness website http://www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/healthyliving is the definitive one-stop resource for information and advice on topical healthy living issues featuring articles, exercises, recipes and videos compiled by leading UK specialists.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Potato Tops Poll To Be UK’S National Vegetable