DLJ Produce

Everything you put in your body has a profound effect on your overall health, energy, and vitality. Although a slice of pizza, a candy bar, or a cheeseburger may satisfy your taste buds, it’s unlikely that the rest of your body will appreciate it as much. Health is a byproduct of what you choose to eat mixed with fitness and a healthy overall lifestyle. But remember that everything starts with healthy, delicious, and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just want to expand your health food knowledge, here are some staples with surprising nutritional qualities.

Bell Peppers

Although bell peppers are often overlooked compared to other leafy greens, these delicious veggies pack a punch of nutrition. According to Whole Foods, bell peppers rank as one of the best vegetables for increased nutrition, which is seen by this list of nutrients:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B
• Fiber
• Potassium
• Manganese
• Phosphorus

In addition, bell peppers are chocked-full of antioxidants, which help protect your body against disease. And in case you’re wondering, red bell peppers are the most nutritious by virtue of being on the vine the longest followed by yellow and then green bell peppers.

They’re also a versatile specimen, and are ideal for pasta dishes, salads, or even by themselves. If you’re looking for a fresh, nutritious dish, try a stuffed pepper, which is a mix of a protein, rice, and tomatoes inside a bell pepper and then baked.

Grapes

Grapes are one of the most nutritious fruits available, packed with a number of nutrients and fiber. Some of the nutrients in abundance in grapes include:

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Thiamine
• Riboflavin
• Copper
• Potassium

Grapes come in a variety of colors, which impacts its flavors. Red, black, green, white, and even pink grapes are readily available at many grocery stores. According to studies, red grapes—and more specifically, Concord grapes—are the most nutritious, supplying a higher dose of phytonutrients and flavonoids.

DLJ Produce is home of the Razzle Dazzle sweet, seedless California grapes. Razzle Red and Dazzle Green are delicious and can be found at markets across the country.

Although grapes are delicious on their own or in salads or cereals, they’re surprisingly tasty in a number of recipes. Try these delicious morsels on homemade pizzas, seared pork, stuffed sweet potatoes, or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Citrus Fruits

Although the Vitamin C content of citrus fruits are well documented, they also have a number of other nutrients that make them worth the purchase. Whether you love the sourness of a lemon or the tartness of a grapefruit, you’ll still get these vitamins and nutrients:

• Niacin
• Potassium
• Vitamin B6
• Pantothenic Acid
• Magnesium
• Copper
• Folate
• Fiber

Citrus fruits are also naturally void of sodium, fat, and cholesterol, making them the ideal choice for heart health.

Although citrus fruits are a perennial hand snack, breakfast food, and salad ingredient, they’re also amazingly versatile. Try them in pudding recipes, as a glaze or side in baked duck or pork, marinated chicken breasts or thighs, or your very own homemade juice or smoothie.

Although mixing these foods in the same dish may produce less than stellar results, the best way to enjoy them is through experimentation. By finding recipes online or making up a few of your own, you can get the nutrition you need to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Happy cooking and happy eating!

What’s your favorite vegetable or fruit? We’d love to hear from you, contact us to get in touch!.