Welcome to your ninth ReFresh newsletter of the season. Freezing temperatures are here! Parsley can survive outside, but it’s time to bring in other potted herbs.
In this newsletter, you will find:
– The ReFresh Post-Survey
– Information about quince in the “Featured Bag Item” section.
– Learn about taking care of winter herbs and veggies in the “Ask a Farmer” section.
– A few simple recipes that you can make with the fresh ingredients in your ReFresh bag in the “Recipes We Love” section
– Details about Bilingual Computer Classes, the New Mexico State University Newsletter, and the Fiber Arts Classes in the “Community Resource” section.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and thank you for your participation as we work together to build a healthy local food system.
The LAST ReFresh distribution of the season: 11/15/23 and 11/16/23
Text your questions, photos, and comments to: (505) 226-3707.
Featured Bag Item
Quince:
Quince is a round fruit that is often described as being a cross between an apple and pear shape. The taste of this fruit can be described as having a citrous, sweet, or sour flavor, which can be dependent on how it is cooked or prepared.
Nutrition Information: Quince contains fiber, potassium, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus, and it has several health benefits. For example, quince is very helpful in promoting digestive health, protecting against cancer, boosting immunity, promoting heart health, and supporting wound healing.
Fun Fact: Quinces are native to Iran, Greece, Turkey, and the Crimean Peninsula. It was originally used for medicinal purposes in ancient Greece and Persia.
Storage: Quinces can be stored in a cool, dry space away from other fruits and will last for 10-14 days. They can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Here is a great recipe that provides a great example of how quinces can be used!
1)Simply Recipes 2)Healthier Steps 3)Kitchen, Leanne. The Produce Bible: Essential Ingredient Information and More Than 200 Recipes for Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, and Nuts. Stewart, Taberi & Chang, New York, 2007
Have more questions about food and nutrition? Send your questions to [email protected]
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.
Ask a Farmer
Recipes We Love- find three recipes
Check out the below three recipes that you can use your Refresh bag with.
Pear Crumble: This is a healthy breakfast or dessert option that is easy and quick to make.
Arugula Pasta: This is a delicious meal that takes little time to make and can be served for lunch or dinner!
Apple Fries: This is a tasty snack that is perfect during the fall season!
Kieffer Pears: Kieffer pears are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients are helpful in boosting immunity, maintaining digestive health, maintaining fluid balance, and assisting in wound healing.
Arugula: Arugula contains various vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A. These vitamins and minerals promote bone, muscle, heart, and eye health. They also help assist with wound healing and boost immunity.
Red Rome Apples: Red Rome Apples are rich in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. These help promote digestive, heart, and eye health. Apples also help to boost immunity, and the iron that is contained within them helps transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
Substitutions:
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Pear Crumble:
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Substitute honey with maple syrup for vegan option
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Apple Fries:
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Substitute evaporated milk or coconut cream for heavy cream if whipped cream dipping sauce is made
Community Resource
Bilingual Computer Class: Various libraries around the city have one-on-one support computer sessions in English and Spanish and are recurring. Call your local branch to make an appointment to accommodate your schedule. Most classes require advance registration and a library card.
New Mexico State University Newsletter: You can use this form to sign up for nutrition classes and to learn recipes. For more information about our classes, please visit ican.nmsu.edu.
Fiber Arts Classes: Do you enjoy Knitting, Crocheting or other fiber arts? Would you like to work on your stitching projects with like minded folks? Join the Stitch Up! Group January 23, 2024 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Lomas/Tramway Library. It’s FREE! All skill levels are welcome.
This week’s ReFresh bag:
This week your Refresh bag will include the following delicious fresh and staple items:
*NM grown / NM made We raise money to purchase these foods from local farmers and food producers as a concrete way to invest in our local food system and get delicious, fresh, local food to our ReFresh families.
*NM grown / NM made We raise money to purchase these foods from local farmers and food producers as a concrete way to invest in our local food system and get delicious, fresh, local food to our ReFresh families. Keep an eye out for these local farms and food businesses when you do your food shopping. ReFresh bags will always include local food items.
Special thanks to all of the farmers and food producers working so hard to feed our communities; to the staff, volunteers, donors, and ReFresh families who make the program work, and to our partners at MoGro who pack these beautiful ReFresh bags each week for us, and who do so much important work connecting communities to healthy food throughout New Mexico. There would be no ReFresh program without all of you – we love our partners
