Welcome to your tenth and final ReFresh newsletter of the 2025 season! In this newsletter, we’re thrilled to bring you a mix of fresh ideas, seasonal recipes, and community resources to keep people connected to food. We hope these resources bring extra security, flavor and joy to your holiday season. Thank you for being part of our community—let’s dig in!
In this newsletter, you will find:
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Info about Quince and its health benefits in the “Featured Bag Item” section.
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How to let your garden rest and build soil over the winter in the “Gardening Section”
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A few simple recipes that you can make with the fresh ingredients in your ReFresh bag!
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Food insand health information, in “Community Resources” section.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and thank you for your participation as we work together to build a healthy local food system. Happy holiday season! Stay warm!
Text your questions, meal photos, and comments to: (505) 226-3707.
Featured Bag Item
What is quince and what are its health benefits?
Quince is a unique, golden-yellow fruit that has been cherished for centuries in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and European cuisines [1]. Nutritionally, quince is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and beneficial antioxidants, offering immune support and digestive benefits [2]. When quince is cooked, a natural reaction occurs in the fruit changing its color from a pale yellow to a lovely pink or even red! This happens because the natural compounds in the fruit react to heat, bringing out the vibrant color [3]. Adding a splash of lemon juice can make this pink color even brighter. This unique transformation is one of the things that makes quince so special to use in the kitchen.
Did you know, unlike most fruits, quince is best enjoyed cooked rather than raw? When heated, its hard flesh softens, and its flavor transforms, developing a rich sweetness and hints of apple, pear, and citrus.
What are the best ways to use quince?
In savory dishes, quince is a wonderful addition to stews and roasts, adding a layer of complexity and a subtle tartness that balances well with meats and spices. In desserts, quince can be used in jams, jellies, and compotes, creating a naturally sweet filling that pairs wonderfully with baked goods.
Quince Jam with Beets
Mermelada de membrillo con remolacha
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Jerusha Klemperer. Quinces are due for a renaissance. FoodPrint. Published September 16, 2024. Accessed November 7, 2024. https://foodprint.org/blog/quinces-are-due-for-a-renaissance/
Disclaimer: The information shared by Three Sisters Kitchen (TSK) is for general informational purposes only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a doctor or other health care provider.
Photo by Southern Living.
Gardening
Recipes We Love
Pork Chops with Apples, Quince and Sage
This Pork Chops with Apples and Quince recipe combines protein-rich pork with nutrient-dense fruits for a meal that’s both hearty and healthy. Pork chops provide lean protein and essential minerals like zinc and iron, supporting muscle health and immunity [4]. Apples and quince add a dose of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, which promote digestive health and help combat inflammation [2]. The natural sweetness of apples and quince balances the savory flavors, making this dish a nourishing choice that’s rich in flavor and beneficial nutrients.
Click here for the full recipe!
Roasted Sweet Potato, Carrot & Garlic Bowl
Ingredients
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Sweet potatoes
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Carrots
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Garlic
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Olive oil
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Salt & pepper
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Optional: cumin, smoked paprika, lemon, cooked grain (rice/quinoa)
Steps
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Prep vegetables: Preheat oven to 425°F. Peel sweet potatoes and carrots. Cut into bite-size cubes or slices.
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Season: Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and (optional) cumin or smoked paprika. Add whole peeled garlic cloves
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Roast: Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–35 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and browned.
Finish: Squeeze roasted garlic from skins and mix into the veggies. -
Serve: Eat as is, drizzle with lemon, or serve over greens or grains.
For the full recipe click here
Mizuna & Joy Choi Stir-Fry With Garlic
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High in antioxidants
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Good source of fiber
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Naturally gluten-free (if using tamari instead of soy sauce)
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Vegan unless optional animal proteins are added
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Mizuna is a staple green in Japanese cuisine, often used in hot pots (nabemono), soups, and pickles.
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Joy Choi/Napa cabbage is a foundational ingredient in Korean and Chinese cooking, especially in stir-fries, soups, and kimchi.
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Stir-frying is a traditional Chinese technique known as chǎo, which cooks ingredients quickly at high heat to retain nutrients and color.
For the full recipe, click here.
Community Resources
If you are experiencing food insecurity, please check out this website from the city of Albuquerque. It has various resources.
https://www.cabq.gov/help/food
https://www.cabq.gov/help/food
Three Sisters Kitchen is launching their first ever National Diabetes Prevention Program in Spanish!
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Participants will receive:
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Free, year long support and education for Lifestyle Changes to prevent or delay Type 2 Diabetes with weekly online meetings for 6 months, tapering off to two weeks and then monthly.
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A bi-monthly bag of New Mexico produce
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To qualify, participants have to
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Understand spoken and written Spanish
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Not be diagnosed with diabetes
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Score High Risk on a Pre Diabetes Risk Test or have a diagnosis as Pre Diabetic with an A1C blood test through your personal doctor.
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Live in Albuquerque
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Type 2 Diabetes is irreversible, and Pre Diabetes has no symptoms. Take the Risk Test today. Also, check if your health coverage will cover an A1C blood test. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Send a text to 505-226-3707 and say that you are interested in taking the Diabetes Risk Test; state whether you want the test in English or Spanish. The next English class would likely be in 2027.
¡Three Sisters Kitchen lanza nuestro primer Programa Nacional de Prevención de la Diabetes en español!
Los participantes recibirán:
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Apoyo y educación gratuitos durante todo el año sobre cambios en el estilo de vida para prevenir o retrasar la diabetes tipo 2, con reuniones semanales en línea durante 6 meses, que luego se reducirán a dos semanas y finalmente a una vez al mes.
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Una bolsa de productos frescos de Nuevo México cada dos meses.
Para participar, debe:
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Comprender el español hablado y escrito.
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No tener un diagnóstico de diabetes.
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Obtener un puntaje de alto riesgo en una prueba de riesgo de prediabetes o tener un diagnóstico de prediabetes mediante una prueba de hemoglobina glicosilada (A1C) realizada por su médico.
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Residir en Albuquerque.
La diabetes tipo 2 es irreversible y la prediabetes no presenta síntomas. Realice la prueba de riesgo hoy mismo. Además, verifique si su seguro médico cubre la prueba de A1C. No espere hasta que sea demasiado tarde. Envíe un mensaje de texto al 505-226-3707 indicando su interés en realizar la prueba de riesgo de diabetes; especifique si la desea en inglés o en español. La próxima clase de inglés probablemente será en 2027.
¡Favor compartir!
WIC offers free healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and health and community resources
Contact Centro Savila Today!
505-312-7296
WIC tiene alimentos saludables gratuitos, apoyo a la lactancia materna, educación nutricional y recursos de salud y comunitarios.
¡Contáct Centro Savila hoy mismo!
505-312-7296
