Tags
blue and white kitchen ware, camping, cherries, doughnut nectarines, facebook, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008421612386, kale, Miles surreyKitchen cat, mint, Oregano, runner beans, spinach, tents, www.figjamandlimecordial.com, www.surreyKitchen.com
SurreyKitchen is celebrating the health benefits of fresh produce in this months IMK.
IMK this August are….
Doughnut nectarines. A mutation of the popular doughnut peach, a flattened peach with a sunken middle. The fruits skin is thin and flushed with tones of rouge, ivory and rose. Its flavour has a rich syrup-like sweetness, unmatched by other white nectarine and peach varieties. These are from Epsom market.
Studies have revealed that cherries are unusually rich in health-promoting compounds, which can trim our tummies, help to prevent heart disease, make exercise easier thanks to their pain-fighting capabilities and even improve our sleep. At just less than 100 calories a serving, you have every reason to buy some this August.
Runner beans are high in antioxidants and so have several cardiovascular benefits such as improving the level of blood fats. They also contain omega-3 fatty acid which is again good for your heart. Trials for anti-inflammatory benefits are ongoing.
And here are some new purchases ready to go in my vegetable boxes
Mint is rich in nutrients, a good source of manganese, copper and vitamin C. Health research shows that mint can relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including indigestion and colonic muscle spasms. This is because of its smooth muscle relaxing ability. Mint is believed to be a potential anti-cancer agent. Mint is used widely as an anti-microbial oil as it can stop the growth of many different bacteria.
Oregano means ‘mountain joy’ and was revered as a symbol of happiness by the ancient Greeks and Romans. It is a medicinal herb that contains vitamins A,C,E and K, as well as fibre, folate, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, calcium, and potassium. Often called ‘wild marjoram,’ in Europe it also contains antioxidants for immune system support, Oregano is thought to be anti fungal and antibacterial as well as having anti-inflammatory properties. It is useful for upper respiratory infections and has been shown to have cancer fighting effects.
Kale is King of the super healthy greens. It is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Kale is loaded with powerful antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol which have anti-depressant and anti-cancer effects. It is a fantastic source of vitamin C which serves many vital functions in the body’s cells. Kale can help lower cholesterol, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and is also one of the worlds best sources of vitamin K which is crucial for blood clotting. Low in calories this superfood will help you shift the pounds.
Spinach is another great source of vitamin K, A, C, folic acid, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2. The benefits of consuming these dark leafy greens include improving blood glucose control in diabetics, lowering the risk of cancer, lowering blood pressure, improving bone health, lowering the risk of developing asthma and more.
Brussels sprouts are surprisingly high in protein for a green vegetable, and just one serving would meet your needs for vitamin C and vitamin K for the day. This vegetable also decreases the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease while promoting a healthy complexion, increased energy, and overall lower weight.
I also have some beautiful new blue and white kitchen ware.
Miles has been enjoying his garden this August.
He remains loyal to his favourite box. The castle tent is far too childish for his tastes.
However sometimes a box is just too big even for Miles!
Unimpressed as usual!
Miles decides indoor camping with home comforts is much more his style!
I would like to say a huge thank you again to Celia at www.figjamandlimecordial.com for August’s IMK fun.
Also just a reminder that you can follow http://www.surreyKitchen.com on Facebook by clicking the link below.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008421612386
If you follow SurreyKitchen and would like the opportunity to guest blog for us in the future then please get in touch through our contact page.
Wishing you all a very Happy August
Emma xx
Exciting things going on in your kitchen Emma! I love what you’re putting in your vegetable boxes!
Thanks Heather. It’s much harder to keep on top of everything here at surreyKitchen now that I am a mum. Best wishes to you and your family. Remember get in touch if you would like to guest blog for us at some point. Emma xx
It all looks so delicious! I love all the fruits of summer. I have not seen donut nectarines, look quite tasty. I love everything your putting in the vegetable boxes. I’ll be waiting a few more weeks before I do my fall planting as it is still incredibly hit here.
Good luck with your vegetable boxes. I can’t wait to see what you put in them. Enjoy the last of the good weather. Emma xx
I love the fresh produce, and plants ready to go. The blue & white plates are gorgeous. But Miles steals the show 🙂
Miles knows he’s the star trust me! Lol! I’m so glad you enjoyed our August IMK post. Best wishes to you and your family. Emma xx
Love all the freshness and wonderful blue and white additions to your kitchen Emma and Miles darling cat, you are the best!
Have an awesome day.
🙂 Mandy xo
Thank you Mandy. I hope you and the family are well. I thought of you last week when it was world elephant day. Take care. Emma xx
Another wonderful IMK post from you!
Thanks Mimi. So kind of you to say so. How is your gorgeous little grand daughter?
Emma xx
Emma, thanks for sharing your knowledge of the nutritional properties of your garden produce. Good tasting and “good for you” is an unbeatable combination! Loved your blue & white “fish plate” and your kitty’s camping adventures. 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed the IMK post. Miles is a real character. One of the best things Ross and I ever did was rescuing him from Battersea Cats and Dogs home. He makes us laugh every day. We wouldn’t be without him now. Best wishes to you and your family. Emma xx
I rally miss runner beans – I can’t find them in France…
Another blogger who lives in France said the same thing to me. I am surprised as France is such a foodie nation. Best wishes. Emma xx
I love your new kitchen ware! And the veggies and herbs are coming along quite nicely!
It’s kind of you to say so. I hope you and your family are well. Take care. Emma xx
Love those plates, and lovely to see what’s growing 🙂
Thanks Elaine. I am a little bit in love with the blue and white fish plate. The best bit is it was inexpensive as I found all of the china in Sainsburys. I hope you and your family are well. Emma xx
Nice!!! Sainsbury’s here I come!
Check, check, check 🙂
We’re members of a food co-op where we get local grown products and most of these items have been in our deliveries this summer. We’re getting doughnut nectarines tomorrow for the first time so I’ll have to let you know. I’ve been making a lot of jam which is not like me at all! 🙂
I would love to see one of your jam recipes. Maybe you could do something exciting with those doughnut nectarines. The food co-op sounds a wonderful idea. Im an occupational therapist by day so I often use horticulture as therapy with patients. Children love growing vegetables too. They are so proud of the end results. Best wishes to you and your family. Emma xx
Hi Emma,
just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for a One Lovely Blog award, for the consistent beauty of your posts. No need to do anything if you don’t want to. If you do, you can copy the logo from my own post and create a post where you “shout out” 10 other beautiful blogs–but no obligation whatsoever. Hope you are enjoying the lovely summer days. Annabelle x
https://wordpress.com/post/62060669/747/
Thank you so much Annabelle. I am really flattered. It’s so sweet of you to think of us at http://www.surreyKitchen.com. I hope you are well and if you would ever like to write another post for us then please get in touch again. Our readers really enjoyed your piece on the Brontes and the kitchen. Best wishes. Emma xx
I would absolutely love to write another guest post and will let you know once I have a good inspiration! x