Tips and recipes for an extra nutrient boost this summer  

We’ve all heard of “wine pairing” and are familiar with the wine pairing suggestions for menu items that some restaurants provide. But, what about “food pairing?” Well, perhaps its worth a little blog and a few recipes on the topic.

Seasonal Roots is offering an overflowing bounty of local summer fruits and vegetables. While it’s all delicious and each individual fruit and vegetable offers super nutritional benefits on its own, read on for tips on maximizing your nutrient absorption by thoughtful food pairing.

Mix ‘n match food combinations 

For optimal absorption of the nutrients you’re eating, nutritionists recommend combining certain foods. Why? Well, healthy eating is like a great outfit. Pull the right pieces together and you feel fabulous. Eat the right combination of foods, and the elements in one will help you more fully absorb the elements in the other.

Vitamin C and Iron 

Incorporate Seasonal Roots’ fresh kale and crisp apples in this refreshing summer salad. This delish dish combines the vitamin C that’s in both apples and lemon juice with the kale’s plant-based iron. Separately, vitamin C and iron are both great and important nutrients. But when you put them together, they add up to something greater than the sum of their parts – the vitamin C helps break down the iron so your body can more easily absorb it. 

Vitamin D and Calcium 

Have you ever wondered why milk is often fortified with vitamin D? Milk is a good source of calcium, and one of milk’s proteins helps your body absorb that calcium. So does vitamin D. It increases your intestines’ absorption of calcium, and promotes healthier digestion. So if you add vitamin D to milk, you guarantee the calcium will make it into your bones. 

Another great calcium source is Seasonal Roots’ pastured eggs with spinach in this Florentine Omelette recipe. The combination of vitamin D from the eggs and calcium from the spinach will help keep your bones strong.

Vitamin C and Catechins 

If you’re a tea lover, (Remove this from the hyperlink) this ginger strawberry tea is a great way to enjoy the minced ginger from The Farm at Red Hill. Ginger is full of vitamin C, and so are strawberries, which also have a high concentration of catechins. Catechins are powerful antioxidants, but they’re lousy at absorbing into your body without a healthy dose of vitamin C. So the double whammy of vitamin C from the ginger as well as the strawberries prevents the catechins from breaking down, and optimizes their absorption into the intestines. 

Carbohydrates and protein

Seasonal Roots offers sustainably sourced grass-fed beef, pastured pork, and seafood options, plus made-from-scratch breads with wholesome ingredients. Pairing protein with carbs, including fruits and vegetables, is important for absorption. And it helps increase your body’s feeling of being satiated plus boosts your energy. So pair Seasonal Roots’ beef with this roasted squash and turnip recipe, add a side of crusty bread, and enjoy a well-rounded meal that will leave you satisfied and well-nourished!