healthy hair, skin and nails View More

Shiny hair, radiant skin, and strong nails are hallmarks of youth and beauty. But no matter your age, if you aren’t getting the nutrients you need, your appearance will be affected. To look your best, make sure you’re getting these 9 must-have beauty vitamins and nutrients:   Vitamin C Boosts collagen production, protects skin from… Continue Reading

Grapes View More

(Vitis vinifera)   Grapes are round or oval berries that grow on woody vines in clusters ranging from about fifteen to nearly three hundred. Grapes feature semi-translucent juicy flesh encased in a smooth skin and may contain edible seeds.   Categorized as either “white” (green in color) or “black” (crimson, dark blue, deep purple, and… Continue Reading

Green Beans View More

(Phaseolus vulgaris)   Green beans belong to the legume family.  Other members include shell beans such as pinto beans, kidney beans, and black beans. All of these beans are referred to as “common beans”, a tribute to a shared ancestor that originated thousands of years ago in Peru.   Traditionally referred to as string beans… Continue Reading

Cucumber View More

(Cucumis sativus)   Cucumbers are a member of the gourd family. Other members include watermelon, zucchini, pumpkin and squash.  Although botanically classified as a fruit, cucumbers are often perceived and prepared as a vegetable.   Cucumbers originated in India and have been cultivated there for over 3,000 years. From India their cultivation spread throughout Western… Continue Reading

Asparagus View More

(Asparagus officinalis)   Native to the Mediterranean region of Southern Europe, asparagus is a member of the Lily family, related to onions, leeks, and garlic.  Asparagus means “shoot” or “sprout” in Greek, a fitting name as the ancient Greeks were one of the first to cultivate this sprout nearly 3,000 years ago.  During the Middle… Continue Reading

Celery View More

(Apium graveolens)   Celery is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Other members include carrots, fennel, parsley, and dill. Perhaps best known for its stalks, celery is a versatile vegetable, crunchy in texture with a mildly salty taste. While celery ribs are the most commonly consumed portion of the vegetable, the roots, leaves, and seeds… Continue Reading