FRESH FACTS

WEEK OF APRIL 7, 2008

“Spring’s arrival helps people feel motivated to get a fresh start toward making changes, so it’s the perfect time for spring cleaning your pantry” admits Chef Domenica Catelli, author of the recently released “Mom-A-licious” cookbook (www.mom-a-licious.com). And as spokesperson for the National Organic Campaign, Catelli will be doing an in-person organic pantry makeover for one lucky contest winner (deadline April 30) (www.organicearthday.org).

“If you need a Ph.D. to decode the ingredients of whatever’s in your kitchen, it shouldn’t be in your body” is Catelli’s first rule of thumb for a successful spring cleaning.

“Get rid of anything hydrogenated or containing high fructose corn syrup. Reading your labels is essential for healthier eating.”

Extra virgin olive oil is a must-have pantry ingredient. So too are fresh HERBS. “Why not grow a window sill garden? HERBS are aromatherapy for your kitchen” says Catelli.

“Fresh HERBS, whether they be ITALIAN PARSLEY, CILANTRO or BASIL, are great for throwing into salads for added flavor. CITRUS FRUIT is another great ingredient for brighten up any dish from VEGETABLES to fish.”

Catelli recommends always having seasonal fresh PRODUCE on hand – “items like CAULIFLOWER and ZUCCHINI are very versatile. So are fresh GARLIC and SHALLOTS.”

Canned BEANS are another healthy cooking building block, says Catelli, citing black BEANS and CHICKPEAS as the perfect basis for a VEGETABLE and GREENS Salad. “Quinoa is one of my favorite grains – cooks in less time than rice and is the most nutrient dense. It makes a great chilled salad combined with LEMON juice, chicken and your favorite VEGETABLES.”

Among Chef Catelli’s Mom-A-Licious recipes that are a perfect fit for Spring are Easy Roasted ASPARAGUS, GINGERED rice & EDAMAME, Smashed Roasted CAULIFLOWER and HERBS (DILL, ITALIAN PARSLEY, THYME, BASIL), and a Crunchy Hummus and VEGGIE Sandwich, chock-full of CUCUMBER, TOMATOES, AVOCADOS, RED and YELLOW ONIONS and BASIL.

This Week in FRUITS

GRANNY SMITH APPLES, a favorite variety for making pies and tarts, is among this week’s most economical FRUIT values. GALA and RED DELICIOUS varieties are also in plentiful supply at very reasonable prices.

California’s production of STRAWBERRIES is strengthening as prices decrease; quality is excellent. Great for shortcake with whipped cream or for topping breakfast waffles.

RED SEEDLESS GRAPES continue to be very reasonably priced, with volume from Chilean growers plentiful.

HASS AVOCADOS continue in plentiful supply at very reasonable prices, with large sizes predominating.

Best values in the CITRUS FRUIT bin include PIXIE TANGERINES, LEMONS, NAVEL ORANGES, MINNEOLA TANGELOS and RUBY RED GRAPEFRUIT.

Beta-carotene is a dietary essential for good health and fresh CANTALOUPE is an excellent source, in steady supply at moderate prices.

Fiber as well is an important part of daily nutrition and BARLETT PEARS, now in steady supply, offer a delicious way to get an adequate amount into your diet.

DATES are in excellent supply from California’s Indio growing region. Take a tip from fitness guru Bob Greene and mix DATES and other DRIED FRUITS like CHERRIES and CRANBERRIES into popcorn.

Good values continue on both tiny GRAPE TOMATOES and full-size hot-house grown TOMATOES. Combine with peppery ARUGULA and goat cheese for a tasty salad.

PINEAPPLES from Hawaii are in plentiful supply at moderate prices.

BLACKBERRIES, considered a super anti-oxidant source, are in plentiful supply, with prices decreasing.

MANGOS, WATERMELON and STRAWBERRY PAPAYA are economical choices for FRUIT salad this week.

This Week in VEGETABLES

ARTICHOKES are among the best VEGETABLE choices this week, with large sizes the best value. Enjoy the hearts in salad or steam and stuff with crab salad seasoned with MUSHROOMS, GREEN ONIONS and RED BELL PEPPERS.

BROCCOLI supply is steady, with prices moderate and recent studies have shown that BROCCOLI consumption may help to prevent Alzheimer’s.

The mild, slightly nutty flavor of CAULIFLOWER makes it a favorite side dish choice and this week’s economical prices are another.

ICEBERG LETTUCE, ROMAINE and RED and GREEN LEAF LETTUCE varieties are all good salad choices this week, along with SPINACH, GREEN CABBAGE and RADDICHIO.

Salad toppings in steady supply include CUCUMBERS, RADISHES, GREEN ONIONS, SPROUTS, MUSHOOMS, JICAMA, CELERY and CARROTS.

Good values continue on SWEET BROWN ONIONS, great for grilling to smother steak or for using in classic French ONION soup dishes.

RUSSET POTATOES are the most economical by the pre-packaged bag. FINGERLING POTATOES are in steady supply and delicious roasted.

SUGAR SNAP PEAS make a great spring side dish for lamb or poultry.

FAVA BEANS are another easy side dish choice; simply peel and sauté in HERB butter.

ZUCCHINI is plentiful at reasonable prices, perfect for baking or sautéing.

This Week in FLORAL

Potted TULIPS, DAFFODILS and HYDRANGEA are among the best values for brightening outdoor areas as spring cleaning gets underway. Perk up indoor living areas with bouquets of DAISIES, ROSES, CARNATIONS, IRIS, SUNFLOWERS, ALSTROMERIA LILIES and TULIPS.