| While the term "living green" is | | | | freshly ground pepper. |
| synonymous with being eco-friendly it | | | | If you're not from the south then you |
| also describes the kind of food we | | | | may not be as familiar with collard |
| should all be eating more of for | | | | greens. Just ask for insight on this |
| improved health. | | | | vegetable from someone who knows about |
| This isn't news for most people. Yet the | | | | it and you'll likely get an enthusiastic |
| Centers for Disease Control and | | | | response. Collard greens have a unique |
| Prevention (CDC) reported that less than | | | | smoky flavor that comes alive when |
| one-third of American adults eat the | | | | lightly steamed with olive oil, onion, |
| amount of fruits and vegetables the | | | | garlic and lemon and served as part of a |
| government recommends. What makes this | | | | main dish. |
| even more troubling is the fact one of | | | | Much more familiar to most people is |
| the leading killers of Americans is | | | | spinach. Raw spinach is a nutritional |
| colon cancer. According to the American | | | | superstar! It's got twice as much fiber |
| Institute of Cancer Research up to 75% | | | | as other greens and is loaded with |
| of cases of colon cancer could be | | | | vitamins and minerals. To make your |
| prevented by diet. One of the best ways | | | | spinach a little more interesting add |
| to arm ourselves in the fight against | | | | your favorite healthy dressing. Consider |
| cancer, especially colorectal cancer, is | | | | mixing together olive oil, Dijon |
| to eat foods rich in folic acid and | | | | mustard, sea salt, ground pepper, lemon |
| fiber. Green leafy vegetables fit the | | | | juice and pressed garlic to make your |
| bill for this requirement. | | | | own delicious Cesar dressing. It will |
| The challenge for many people is to | | | | provide one of the tastiest toppings for |
| identify enough vegetable varieties and | | | | your spinach salad. Sprinkle in any of |
| come up with enough recipes that will be | | | | your favorite vegetables like red |
| tasty and satisfying. Some great leafy | | | | peppers or even mix in flavorful lettuce |
| vegetables include spinach, turnip | | | | like Arugula and you've got a delicious |
| greens, beet greens, kale, collard | | | | meal. |
| greens and lettuces (Romaine, Boston, | | | | Since the Dijon mustard in your spinach |
| Arugula and many other tasty varieties). | | | | Cesar salad will provide tremendous |
| For those of you looking for some | | | | flavor why not look to the plant from |
| interesting and tasty meal suggestions | | | | which mustard originates. Mustard greens |
| for inspiration consider the following | | | | are very tasty and have an interesting |
| less known varieties and food | | | | peppery flavor. It's no wonder their |
| preparation ideas. | | | | seeds have such a kick to them! Mustard |
| Kale is a beautiful leafy vegetable that | | | | seeds are of course used to make |
| is from the same family of vegetables as | | | | delicious Dijon mustard. To add this |
| cabbage, collards and Brussels sprouts. | | | | tasty element to your own recipes simply |
| It has a pungent flavor that is great | | | | sauté mustard seeds and sprinkle then |
| eaten on its own or mixed with other | | | | on casseroles, pasta salad and even |
| vegetables. Raw kale is delicious with a | | | | sweet potatoes. The sharp flavor will |
| bit of olive oil, red wine vinegar and | | | | add an interesting bite to your meal. |