Bringing the Garden to Your Table: Whipping Up Tasty Summer Dishes!

This spring, a wonderful group of volunteers came together to plant a variety of vegetables for our community! Now, the exciting part is figuring out what tasty dishes we can create with our harvest! The garden is open for everyone, so feel free to enjoy the fresh produce however you like, whether you're munching on it straight from the garden, adding it to your meals, or trying something new like canning!

If you are interested in helping us out with the community garden, we could use your help with weeding, watering, and harvesting! Please contact Tariq at tabdulhadi@wchc.on.ca or call 519-664-3794 ext. 222 if you are interested. We also have a pollinator garden which has all native Canadian plants. Hummingbirds like to visit sometimes! The garden is at our St. Jacobs site, at 10 Parkside Drive in St. Jacobs. Feel free to stop by.

Why eating vegetables daily is beneficial to your health.

Canada’s Food Guide reminds us that enjoying a colourful mix of fruits and vegetables can be a great way to support your heart health! These tasty foods are packed with essential nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals, all working together to help reduce the risk of heart disease. So, why not try filling half your plate with fruits and veggies at each meal? It’s a simple and delicious way to take care of yourself!

What’s growing in the garden:

• Zucchini

• Squash

• Tomatoes

• Yellow & Green beans

• Spinach

• Carrots

• Beets

• Lettuce

• and more!

Recipes:

• Savory Vegetable Stir-Fry

  • Includes squash, zucchini and carrots

  • For a delicious and nutritious meal, why not add a tasty chicken breast and serve it over some rice or rice noodles? It's a great way to create a balanced dish!

• Simple Summer Roasted Vegetable Salad

  • Includes zucchini, squash, tomatoes, beets and spinach

  • This delightful salad is easy and quick to whip up! Packed with a colourful mix of vegetables, it makes the perfect side dish to complement any meal.

• Beet and Carrot Curry

  • Includes beets and carrots

  • If you love bold flavors, this vegetarian curry is just for you! It's perfect for spice lovers and is bursting with deliciousness. And if you're looking to add a bit more protein, you can easily toss in some chicken for a well-rounded meal.

• Green & Yellow Bean Salad

  • Includes green & yellow beans, tomatoes

  • This simple salad is just what you need on a hot summer day!

Blog prepared by our volunteer, Caprice Henning.

References:

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/healthy-eating-recommendations/make-it-a-habit-to-eat-vegetables-fruit-whole-grains-and-protein-foods/eat-vegetables-and-fruits/