The "other" greens

"Finish all your Greens" demanded your Mom which is why you repeat it to your little ones.  "Greens" which usually makes us think of broccoli, spinach, kale and salad fixings are an essential part of a healthy diet.  But because we're Peas of Mind, we're here to shake things up and change the way you think of greens and help you incorporate some "other greens" into your families diet.

We're talking about FRESH HERBS! Now that it's spring, herbs are available at your local grocery store, your favorite farmer's market or hey, even your garden!  Not only are they loaded with nutrients they're packed with flavor and can add zest and pizazz to any meal. Yes, herbs are great to cook with but for an extra dash of flavor and nutrition, add freshly chopped herbs to your fully prepared meal. Uncooked-raw herbs are much more potent.

Our favorite herbs include basil, dill, thyme, rosemary, cilantro and parsley.  Fresh herbs like these contain a powerful antioxidant as well as an anti-bacterial that can help you fight a cold! Most herbs are extremely high in vitamin K and are a loaded with vitamin A and C, iron, magnesium and folate.

Now you can confidently serve your family their favorite meals: add extra parsley and basil to your favorite pesto recipe, a double sprinkle of cilantro on your famous enchiladas and put another sprig of rosemary in the lemon, garlic noodles that your kids love so much!  And with all these meals, you'll never have to say "FINISH all your greens" because they'll eat everything up and they'll never be the wiser!

Kitchen Tip: Grow your own herbs

No matter what dish you are cooking up for your family, nothing can make it extra delish like fresh herbs. Whether you want to add a pinch of minced rosemary to your pasta sauce or some cilantro to your salsa, herbs add that fresh touch that really takes it up to the next level. Dried herbs work fine in a pinch, but the brightness of fresh herbs like cilantro, thyme or mint can really not be matched. 

Sometimes herbs from the grocery store can be really overpriced and not very fresh looking or flavorful. But when you grow your own, you will have them ready for you when you need a touch of fresh flavor. They are easy to grow in small pots on your own windowsill! 

Herbs absorb a lot of moisture through their leaves, so it is great to fill a misting bottle with filtered or rainwater and use that to mist the herbs daily. When you trim them off, leave a little bit at the bottom and it will re-sprout. By continuously harvesting, you actually stimulate the plant to grow more and your herb plant can keep feeding you and your family for a long time! Just pick your favorite herb and get started. Also, fresh potted herbs look super cute on your windowsill and you and your family will notice the difference in your food!