July Brings Us the Official Start of Summer!
School is out, vacations begin and everyone is enjoying friends and family. And what goes best with friends and family? Delicious food, of course! Barbecuing, pool parties and beach fire pits are filled with fun, food and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables! Grilling is the hottest cooking trend and our fresh fruits and vegetables fit the trend perfectly! Step out of the box and grill some fresh sliced fruit for a delicious (and healthy) treat.
The biggest holiday of the summer is Independence Day, or 4th of July. Independence Day in the United States is an annual holiday commemorating the formal adoption by the Continental Congress of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. On June 11, 1776, the colonies’ Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, formed a committee with the one purpose of drafting a document that would formally sever their ties with Great Britain. The custom eventually spread to other towns both large and small, where the day was marked with processions, picnics, contests, games, military displays and fireworks. The final version was officially adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1941 which is when it was declared a legal holiday.
The Fourth is traditionally celebrated publicly with parades, pageants, and fireworks displays. Many cities have out-lawed fireworks, hoping for a “safe and sane” holiday, making public fireworks shows very popular. Along the coasts nationwide, beach picnics and bon fires are extremely popular and filled with red, white and blue! This year July 4th is on a Friday. Everyone will be enjoying picnics and parties... all filled with a variety of foods and drinks. This is the perfect time to enjoy barbecue and picnic items like Veggi Dogs and White Pearl Onions. Don’t forget the fresh fruit to lace onto the kabobs for a delicious treat.
Since the fourth of July is at the beginning of the month, you can always count on summer grilling until school starts! Items like Melissa's Veggi Burgers and Portobello Sandwiches are gaining popularity and are easy-to-prepare. Try preparing vegetable skewers and steaks made with Organic Bell Peppers, Organic Potatoes and Organic Zucchini. Melissa’s all new Dutch Potatoes with Rosemary and Herbs are easy and ready-to go in their microwavable container. Grilled whole fruit, such as Organic Peaches and Nectarines also make a delicious side dish or dessert. An all-time favorite are sweet potatoes or yams sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Delicious and even lower in fat then potato salad!
Try some cucumbers, a great side salad item, along with fresh Sugar Snap Peas, Organic Baby Peeled Carrots, Jalapenos, Edamame and Dutch Yellow® Potatoes for potato salads. Our Ready-To-Eat Beets make a refreshing salad tossed with rice vinegar and your favorite pasta or grain. Don’t forget our new HOT, HOT, HOT salsas for dips and toppings. Enjoy your summer!
