Vegetable Storage Hacks!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
If you are someone that enjoys growing a garden in the summer and is dedicated to taking care of it, you may be experiencing an overflowing volume of vegetables. While having a surplus is a good thing, you might be running out of people to share your vegetables with! We have some tips and tricks on how to store your vegetables to extend their lifespan, as well as delicious recipes that can be made. After all, summer is winding down and we would hate to have you lose all your hard work.
When storing your produce, you first need to consider what types of vegetables you have and whether it should be stored in a room-temperature area or in a refrigerator. For example, potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, garlic, tomatoes, and onions should be stored at room temperature, like a counter or kitchen table. Additionally, these types of produce should not be covered by a bag to allow them to breathe.
On the contrary, vegetables that should be refrigerated and stored in a sealed container or Ziploc bag include leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes and carrots. By refrigerating produce in a sealed Ziploc bag, the cool moisture is held in. Additionally, ensure that the green tops of the radishes and carrots are removed prior to storage.
When storing your produce, be wary of what items you store next to each other. Apples should not be refrigerated directly next to leafy greens, broccoli, or cabbage due to ethylene gas that apples produce. This type of gas begins the ripening process and as apples begin to ripen, more ethylene gas is produced. Leafy greens are sensitive to ethylene gas, and by placing these next to produce like apples, you may lose your lettuce sooner than expected!
It is important to note that regardless of how well you store your produce, they will only last approximately one to three weeks depending on what type of vegetable it is. That is why you should always use your instinct to judge whether or not your vegetables should be consumed or thrown out.
Another great option is to try a new recipe using your fresh produce. Check out the recipes we have created below!
Spinach & Apple Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette : This combination of fresh apples, tomatoes, and spinach mixed with pecans and Gorgonzola cheese is the perfect side salad at dinner!
Instant Pot® Tortellini & Vegetable Soup: While this recipe calls for frozen vegetables, replace it with vegetables of your choice from the garden!
Air Fryer Loaded-Taco Baked Potatoes with Guacamole: This baked potato is filling, healthy, and delicious for even the pickiest of eaters! Be sure to stop by your local Price Chopper or Market 32 for PICS cheese and sour cream.
Open-Faced Butternut Squash and Kale Omelet: This hearty and healthy breakfast is delicious and easy to make! All you need are PICS eggs and bacon, your garden vegetables, and spices of your choice.
Happy Gardening!
Tools For Schools Launching Soon!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
Whether you are a parent, current student, or former student, it is no secret that school supplies can get very expensive. For families that have more than one child going back to school, the cost can be overwhelming and quite terrifying. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we have a simple way for customers to support their school of choice each time they swipe their AdvantEdge Card. We will soon be launching our Tools for Schools program which is an incredible way to help local schools earn their share of $350,000 in educational supplies. The kickoff for the program will take place on Sunday, August 21st. Who knew that by just buying groceries, you can support local schools and their students!
home.grown. Prolong Your Garden with Pickling!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
Summer is the best time of year for fresh produce. At Price Chopper and Market 32, we partner with a wide variety of local farmers in the region, but we know that many Northeasterners enjoy growing their own produce. If you fall into this category, your garden may just be overflowing, and you can only give away so many tomatoes! Pickling could be a good alternative for you and your veggies. We have exactly what you need from mason jars and lids and other canning and pickling essentials like large-size vinegar. Read below on how to pickle if this is new to you, and then stop in your local Price Chopper or Market 32 to get the supplies you need!
What exactly is pickling, and is it just for cucumbers?
Pickling is the process of preserving food in a brine solution in order to extend its shelf life. By brining certain foods, bacteria are not allowed to grow. There are so many food products that can be pickled, and just a few are listed below. Some may even surprise you!
Cucumbers, garlic, pork, beets, carrots, eggs, strawberries, blueberries, radishes, shrimp. onions, squash, peppers, beef, and mangoes.
History of Pickling:
Pickling foods is nowhere near a new concept. According to archeologists and anthropologists, they believe that ancient Mesopotamians pickled. Later, pickling was a necessity for families to have food throughout the winter months and was crucial for sailors on long voyages.
How to Pickle Your Garden Veggies:
Fresh vegetables without bruises from your garden are ideal to pickle. The shape you choose to cut your produce is up to you, but cherry tomatoes are best when left as a whole and carrots work well when cut into spears.
- Prepare your mason jar by washing it with warm, soapy water and then rinsing out completely. Dry thoroughly with a towel.
- Cut your vegetables into the shape of your choice and trim the ends. Add in any spices if you choose or garlic.
- Pack your vegetables tightly in the mason jars. Ensure that there is some room from the top of the vegetables to the rim of the jar.
- Prepare your brine by following the steps below:
- Combine: 1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar of choice, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Poor into a small pan over high heat and bring to a boil
- Continue stirring to ensure the salt and sugar dissolve
- Pour brine into mason jars
- Let vegetables cool for at least one hour before enjoying. The longer they sit in the brine, the better.
Happy Pickling!
Shop Pickling Necessities
Mango Mania!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
Did you know there is an entire day dedicated to celebrating mangos? That day just happens to be today, July 22nd! Happy National Mango Day to all our mango-loving customers!
The History of Mangos in India:
Mangos flourish in sub-tropical regions and were first grown 5,000 years ago in India. While many of us eat mangos as a delicious snack or in a recipe, there is a much deeper meaning to mangos in India. Mangos are a symbol of love in this country and giving a basket of mangoes is a gesture of friendship. Today, India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes!
Mango Varieties – When are they in season?
When you go to your local Price Chopper or Market 32 to purchase mangoes, you may not realize that there are hundreds of different mangoes! Even more interesting, not all mangoes grow in the same season. Check out a few below!
Honey Mangos:
Honey mangoes are a vibrant yellow that turns a deep golden color when fully ripe. The taste is super sweet, and, well, has a honey flavor of course!
Peak Availability: Between March and July.
Rainbow Mangoes
Rainbow mangoes can grow up to seven inches long with a thin, multicolored skin. They are very sweet and turn a blush red color when ripe.
Peak Availability: Spring to early summer
Haden Mangoes:
When eating this type of mango, you can expect a sweet, yet, bitter aftertaste. These mangoes are bright red with green undertones which turn yellow as they ripen.
Peak Availability: March to May
Ice Cream Mango:
Yes, you read that right! Ice cream mangoes are about five to six inches long. The flavor is sweet and resembles a mango sorbet flavor.
Peak Availability: June and July
Keitt Mangoes:
Popular in Asian countries, Keitt mangoes are sweet and fruity. Unlike many other mangoes, this type stays green even when ripe.
Peak Availability: March to April, August and September
Interested in more ways to eat mangoes? Check out a few of our recipes below!
This delicious meal will have you coming back for seconds! A few main ingredients in this recipe include tilapia, mango, cayenne pepper, and PICS white rice.
This is the perfect Sunday-morning breakfast that your family will love!
Change up your next “Taco Tuesday” with these pulled chicken tacos. The sweet and salty combination is a must-try!
Happy National Mango Day!
Are You Ready For Your Summer Getaway?
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
Nothing says summer like a nice, relaxing vacation with friends and family. Whether you are a lake or a beach person, Price Chopper and Market 32 want to make sure you have everything you need for your trip! If you are looking for new places to vacation this summer, you are in luck. Check out some great getaway spots below!
Lake George (Lake George, NY): Located in Upstate New York, Lake George has a variety of fun options. Whether you want to lounge by the beach, challenge your athletic abilities at Adirondack Extreme, or take a boat cruise of the lake, Lake George has an option for everyone!
Cape Cod (Cape Cod, MA): Cape Cod is booming with things to do, which makes this location a very popular destination in the summertime. Be sure to try out some amazing lobster rolls and other seafood restaurants while you are there!
Crystal Lake (Barton, VT): Located in the beautiful state of Vermont, Crystal Lake is three miles long and one mile in width. This destination has a variety of “outdoorsy” activities ranging from boating, paddle boarding, picnicking, and fishing.
duBois Beach (Stonington, CT): Located right outside of Mystic, Connecticut, duBois Beach is perfect for your family. You will find that this beach is in close proximity to the downtown shops and restaurants. While you are here, don’t forget to watch the sunset. It will take your breath away!
Hampton Beach (Hampton, NH): Hampton Beach is a family-friendly beach with many different activities. You can rent a cabin or campfire right online! Make sure to pack your marshmallows!
Lake Wallenpaupack (Stroudsburg, PA): Lake Wallenpaupack is a gorgeous, 13-mile-long lake in Pennsylvania. Whether you want to hangout in the sand, play a round of miniature golf, or visit Costa’s Family Fun Park, this lake is perfect for your next trip!
Wondering what to pack for lunch and snacks while by the water? Check out some of our favorites below. Just make sure you don’t forget the ice when packing your cooler!
Last but certainly not least, bug spray and sunscreen are a must! Check out Price Chopper and Market 32’s collection below to find exactly what you need for your big trip.
Shop Lake and Beach Vacation Essentials
Berry-Delicious Desserts & Smoothies!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
It is no secret that summertime is the best season to consume fruit. Not only are strawberries and blueberries delicious, but these little fruits have quite the history. Check out some fun facts and fruity dessert recipes below!
Strawberry Fun Facts!
Did you know that strawberries originated in Europe in the 1800s? Today, over 94% of American households consume strawberries! That is a LOT of berries!
Strawberry-Rosé & Poppy Seed Shortcake: Name a better combo than fresh strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream! Be sure to grab PICS whipped cream in the dairy section to top this dessert off.
Strawberry-Orange Smoothie: Price Chopper and Market 32 have a ton of frozen fruit in our frozen sections. Just add PICS milk of your choice, orange juice, nonfat Greek yogurt, and honey. Blend and enjoy!
Red, White, & Blue Trifle: With the Fourth of July right around the corner, this dessert will be a hit at your party. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but this dessert is bright, appealing, and fun!
Blueberry Fun Facts!
Did you know that people have been consuming blueberries for the past 13,000 years? Shoutout to New Jersey who was the first state to begin cultivating blueberries in the 20th century!
Lucky Charms Frozen Yogurt Pie: This yogurt pie is perfect for any summer occasion that adults and kids will love!
Fruit and Baby Kale Smoothie: Looking for a fresh and easy smoothie? Check this one out! The best part is, you can customize your drink based on preference.
Whole Wheat Blueberry Nut Pancakes: Ah, the perfect Sunday morning breakfast! Blueberry pancakes with fresh butter? Yes, please!
For more berry-delicious recipes, check out our YouTube page!
Enjoy!
Fun Father's Day Recipes!
Mia Teal
E-Commerce Marketing Intern
With Father’s Day right around the corner, we want to show all fathers, grandfathers, and uncles our love and appreciation for all they do, and there is no better way than by cooking up some of our favorite recipes! Check out these hearty meals as well as snack and dessert recipes!
Breakfast & Brunch
Spring Sausage & Vegetable Strata: Eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables? What better breakfast combo! This recipe has fresh, delicious ingredients and the best part is, substitutions can be made to suit all needs while keeping this meal bursting with flavor.
Eggs Benedict – Your way! This delicious meal will guarantee an egg-celent start to your Father’s Day celebration!
Buttermilk-Bacon Pancakes with Bourbon Maple Syrup: Check out these pancakes with bacon cooked within! Pair this meal with fresh fruit or a cold glass of PICS orange juice.
Lunch & Dinner On the Grill!
Grilled Orange-Teriyaki Steaks with Grilled Scallions & Bell Peppers: Nothing says Father’s Day like steak on the grill! Check out this recipe paired with fresh scallions and peppers that can be found in our produce department.
Grilled Drunken Shrimp and Jalapeño Skewers: Not only is this recipe flavorful, it is super easy to make! Be sure to pick up PICS shrimp, herbs, and honey in your local Price Chopper or Market 32.
Grilled Patty Melts: Fire up that grill for these juicy, cheesy burgers!
Snacks:
Barbeque Chicken Pizza Dip: A pizza dip? We think yes! This dip will be a favorite at your Father’s Day celebration!
Savory Rosemary Snack Mix: Warning: This snack is difficult to stop eating after the first bite! The Goldfish and Chex Mix combo will be sure to bring back some childhood nostalgia.
Tortellini, Pepperoni, & Olive Kabobs: This easy-to-make salty snack that will be a hit at your party!
Desserts:
Brookie Muffins: Chocolate and peanut butter both taste delicious, but how about when you combine them? Unreal! Check out our baking section for the brownie mix of your choice!
Double Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream Sandwiches: Dad will love these ice cream sandwiches! Pick up his favorite PICS ice cream in our frozen foods section.
Lemon Surprise Cake: This cool and refreshing cake is the perfect end to your Father’s Day.
Check out our YouTube page for more tips and tricks to make your Father’s Day meals spectacular!
Happy Father’s Day!
How to Build Your Own Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards present a thoughtful selection of meats, cheeses and accompaniments that make for low maintenance, snack-style meals. They’re perfect for entertaining and encourage mixing and matching of ingredients that create unique, flavorful bites. The art of composing a charcuterie board can be as simple or as sophisticated as you’d like. Use these quick tips to create your ultimate charcuterie board.
Meats
The heroes of the board, charcuterie meats range in taste from mild to spicy and come in varying textures from delicate to thick and chewy. Rich, cured charcuterie meats are excellent in small doses, so choosing two to three meats to feature is sufficient. Try melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto, smoky salami, spicy chorizo or zesty pepperoni.
Cheeses
When selecting cheeses, consider texture, flavor, type and style. Draw inspiration from your meats – mellow out rich meats with soft cheeses like mozzarella, Brie or goat cheese. Pair milder varieties, like prosciutto, with complex cheeses that have eclectic profiles such as pungent blue cheese or sharp Manchego.
Fruits & Preserves
Seasonal eating applies to boards too! Sliced fresh fruit and berries are perfect for summer boards while winter boards give citrus, grapes and dried fruits a place to shine. No matter the season, our home.grown. produce offers the freshest, locally sourced, in-season fruits year-round. For a spreadable, fruity component, give our Pear Mostarda recipe a try!
Bread & Nuts
Slices of toasted bread or assorted crackers can balance the tastes of your board’s strongly flavored ingredients. Nuts can also intensify the crunch factor. Use shelled and salted varieties such as pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios and almonds.
The best charcuterie platters have a little bit of everything – so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different components. For more charcuterie inspiration, see page 30 of our Ready magazine!
Shop Charcuterie Essentials
The majority of holiday celebrations around the world involve indulging in delicious feasts; however, the foods we eat and the traditions we practice vary. In Italy, elaborate dishes are the center of everyday meals and are emphasized at Christmas! If you’re looking to expand your horizons this holiday season, use the following tips to host an Italian-inspired, multi-course meal that embraces age-old Italian customs and creates priceless (and delicious!) memories with friends and family.
The Christmas Eve meal is traditionally meatless – instead, Italians enjoy a diverse variety of fish, also known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Don’t let this seven-course feast intimidate you. Fill your menu with familiar, easy-to-prep dishes that take some heat off of the host. Shrimp Toasts and seafood spreads containing crab, salmon or salted cod are crowd-pleasing starters that are perfect for preparing in advance. For the main courses, pasta and stews symbolize iconic Italian classics. Shrimp Alfredo, seafood linguine with clams or mussels, cioppino and Bouillabaisse are all dishes that showcase succulent seafood beautifully. Maple-Walnut Crusted Salmon and Classic Lobster Rolls are additional impressive dishes that make a big statement in your seafood lineup.
Don’t forget dessert! Both light and fluffy, panettone and pandoro are two Christmas cakes that your guests won’t want to miss. Panettone is studded with raisins or candied fruits, and pandoro is a moist, bright yellow cake (traditionally star-shaped) that’s dusted with powdered sugar. Serve these sweet treats with sauces like caramel, chocolate or maple syrup.
To follow ancient Italian tradition, keep the table set after everyone is finished eating; it’s believed that the Madonna (Mary) and baby Jesus will come to taste the food. The Christmas season in Italy begins December 8th and ends January 6th – providing many opportunities to practice and experience these time-honored traditions.
How many times has this happened – you have a busy week, not sure you will be able to get everything done, and then – the weather slows you down (or stops you completely), or someone gets sick, and your whole plan is out the window? We can help you restore some of the balance to your week with grocery delivery or click and collect pick up! A few minutes shopping with us online could get back on track with your busy holiday season. And, if you are trying to stay focused on your giving and gifting, check out our meal ideas to make that cyber shopping even faster!
The weather outside may be frightful, but these meals are just delightful! Keep everyone happy at the table with tender Certified Angus Beef Braciole, substitute Botticelli Pasta Sauce for the tomatoes and spices in this recipe for Slow Cooked Beef and Mushroom Braciole, paired with a Fresh Express Salad Blend and Bakery Italian Bread to kick off the week. Leftovers, (if you have any), make a great lunch for work the next day. Keep the second loaf of bread and jar of sauce handy for an easy, cheesy dinner made with frozen PEDE Ravioli, made right here in Schenectady County by one of our home.grown. local partners. The Botticelli Sauce and Bakery Italian Bread will get everyone to the table in a flash! In between, enjoy some NEW fresh stuffed fish – salmon, cod and haddock options mean something for everyone. Tender and quick cooking, each with a savory filling, paired with fresh asparagus or baby carrots is a seafood and produce power play. If you don’t have time to cook fresh, frozen is right there waiting – PICS Steambag Veggies, Green Giant Boxed Frozen Veggies, or Pict Sweet Farm Favorites. Double up servings of your favorite frozen produce for an easy way to eat more vegetables – only 1 in 10 of us get enough! Eating more seafood and produce are both smart moves – together they bring you closer to meeting nutrition recommendations for children and adults alike.