Although in the culinary would its often treated as a fruit, rhubarb is actually a vegetable! And, as a vegetable, it has many health benefits; it’s rich in nutrients and a good source of fiber. Rhubarb originated from the western parts of China and has been used in traditional medicines for hundreds of years. Contemporary research shows that rhubarb has a host of health benefits. It has anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties, and it also has an impact on gut health. Not only does it have anti-microbial properties that help fight bad bacteria, such as H. pylori (the cause of stomach ulcers), but also helps to feed the good bacteria in our intestine while also strengthening the mucosal lining of the intestine. Learn more about rhubarb here. –Dana Mealing, RDN, LDN
Tag: vegetable
Cucumber Sorbet
Vegetables for dessert?! It’s not as unusual as it sounds. It’s likely you’ve had carrot cake or zucchini bread before. Finding unique ways to prepare vegetables is vital for maintaining interest in what we eat. When relying on the same few recipes, it’s not uncommon to get bored, and then those veggies fall out of favor.
Many desserts include nutrient-rich vegetables such as black bean brownies, chocolate beet cake, sweet potato pie, pumpkin muffins or a rhubarb tart. You may notice that most of these desserts are baked goods, making this cucumber sorbet recipe stand out. It’s cool and refreshing, a perfect way to end a hot summer day — and a way to get a little extra veg in before going to bed. Try making it with a handful of fresh mint too!
Roasted Asparagus
Asparagus is a classic spring vegetable, and roasting or grilling are by far the best ways to prepare it. These methods will give an enjoyably fibrous-yet-soft texture, a juicy stalk and crispy charred leaves at the head. Asparagus is full of many nutrients such as Vitamin A, E, C, K and folate, and the fiber strands make an excellent prebiotic to feed your gut bacteria.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
French beans, string beans, green beans. Whatever you call them, these beans are a staple American side dish. They’re not only a great addition to dinner, but also make a great snack raw, especially if you love a crispy, crunchy texture. Green beans are a great complex carb; its high in fiber, nutrient dense with a bit of protein. This recipe in particular is so good, it will be easy to fill half your plate with vegetables and meet your MyPlate goals.
It’s Pumpkin Season
Native to North America, pumpkins have grown here for more than 5,000 years. While pumpkins are technically a fruit, they are more similar to vegetables when it comes to their nutritional value.