The Turkey

This is the favorite family holiday in the US! People gather around tables steaming of traditional american dishes. Many of the foods on the Thanksgiving table can be traced back to the staples of native american populations. The Turkey, for example, is believed to have been domesticated somewhere between 10BC and 10AD, by the Aztecs, who used their feathers for decorations and ate the juicy turkey meat 1.

Picture Source: http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/genetically-modified-turkey-2.jpg

Today's Turkey

• Commercially available turkey is completely different [from the wild turkey]. It is specifically bred for its huge breast and tender meat... It cannot fly at all, it cannot even run as it is too heavy and cannot mate due to the size of its breasts. ... Although the natural [color] of the turkey is black, commercial species are white-feathered. Most birds reach 10 Kg [or 22Lbs] live weight in 15 weeks due to the constant availability of formulated feed and ample water. The food is designed to retain water in the body. Consequently roasting loss is significant.1 
• Turkey meat is naturally dry; because the bird does not have a chance to create a fat layer that actually provides taste. For this reason carcasses are injected with vegetable oil solutions, water and salt to render it “self basting” an insult to the wild turkey.1

Picture Source: http://megnut.com/.a/6a00d835019f8653ef0133ed5b1a05970b-pi

The Locally Raised Turkey

• Buying local turkeys, raised on pasture in a low-stress environment is a good option for the holidays. Not only can you say that you enhanced the local economy, by keeping the money in the neighborhood (or State), you can also be almost guaranteed to remove a steaming succulent turkey roast from the oven in approximately the same size as it was when you put it in there. In addition, there are usually no growth hormones and antibiotics fed to these backyard babies. 
• Asking the farmer, store meat-buyer, or the farm stand about feed/feeding and the living conditions of the birds is always recommended.  
• Try a heritage bird to see what the original Thanksgiving turkey tasted like. These birds have longer legs, can fly, and taste more turkey-ish. It has more of the distinct turkey flavor to offer and is a very sought for specialty product in stores and at local farms.2 

Picture Source: http://cdn.blisstree.com/files/2010/11/76766179.jpg

1.  Berberoglu, H., (n.d.), Turkey History, Retrieved Nov 9, 2011, from http://www.foodreference.com/html/artturkey2.html
2. Hoad, S. (Nov 8, 2001). Heritage Turkey's: What's the Difference. Retrieved Nov 9, 2011, from  http://emmasfamilyfarm.blogspot.com/2011/11/heritage-turkeys-whats-difference.html

Mackerel

When I was kid, eating smoked mackerel on toast was unthinkable (yuck)! Now (grown-up and living without a TV), when I'm able to make my own decisions about what I like without having others telling me what is an OK flavor and what is not, I am actually thoroughly enjoying this rich, oily fish!

Picture Source: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/5873/images/5873_MEDIUM.jpg

Today I tried Cole's Wild Mackerel in Mustard Sauce. It was so surprisingly good that I ate it straight out of the can.

Mackerel is high in protein, good fats, and iron. "Vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Choline and Folate can be found in mackerel fish. It’s a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and some amount of Omega-6 fatty acids. Mackerel also contains monounsaturated fats" (http://factoidz.com/mackerel-nutrition-health-benefits-of-mackerel/). 

Health Benefits of Mackerel

• Mackerel fish is very effective in regulating hormonal levels and also improves the elasticity of blood vessels and capillaries.

• It helps in lowering cancer-causing agents and thus prevents the risk of many cancers.

• It is beneficial in lowering bad cholesterol levels as it has the property of reducing blood coagulation.

• Mackerel fish even lowers high blood pressure levels.

• It helps in treating migraine headaches, arthrosis and arthritis conditions. It even enhances memory by improving the activity of the brain.

• Mackerel prevents heart related disorders, improves organ functions that are weakened by illnesses, strengthens immune system and regulates metabolism (http://naturecure.ygoy.com/2010/12/02/health-benefits-of-mackerel/).

Mackerel is not all glitter and sparkles. The FDA suggests that mackerel contains elevated levels of mercury and should be avoided if you are pregnant (http://www.puritan.com/vf/healthnotes/hn_live/Food_Guide/Mackerel.htm).

Cranberries, Craneberries, Bounceberries

The cranberry was originally called craneberry because its pretty white and pink flowers look like the European crane's beak. To test the freshness of cranberries people used to check if they could bounce. They were therefore alsocalled bounceberries.*

Picture source: http://www.nawwal.org/~mrgoff/photojournal/2003/sum/pictures/06-13bogcranberryflower1.jpg

The cranberry was also offered as a symbol of peace by some Native American nations. It was seen as aiding in the healing of disagreements.*

Photo source: http://www.pollsb.com/photos/o/39187-cranberries.jpg

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

"...cranberries have high concentrations of vitamin C, dietary fiber, manganese and vitamin K. Vitamin C plays an important role in the growth and repair of tissues in your body and is one of the major vitamins that contain antioxidants... Fiber provides a full feeling and aids in digestion. Manganese...promotes bone, teeth and nerve health. Vitamin K is the vitamin that makes blood clot." Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/251296-cranberry-nutrition-information/#ixzz1bWhz0EHy

CRANBERRY BUTTERMILK PANCAKES

"1 cup cranberries, washed and chopped

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups unbleached flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 egg

1 egg white

2 cups lowfat buttermilk

3 tablespoons honey

3 table spoons oil

Mash chopped cranberries with sugar and set aside

In a large bowl, sift together dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat egg

until fluffy, then add buttermilk, honey and oil. 

Make a well in dry ingredients and slowly pout in buttermilk mixture.

Stir just enough to combine.

...Ladle batter into [preheated and oiled] griddle.

Sprinkle with cranberries.

Turn pancakes when half the bubbles burst,

and briefly cook on the other side until golden."

Recipe Source: Eldridge, 1997, p. 7

Picture Source: http://www.delish.com/cm/delish/images/am/cranberry-pancakes-ew1010-xl.jpg

*Sherri Eldridge. 1997. Crazed for Cranberries Lowfat Recipes. Harvest Hill Press, Salisbury Cove, ME

Local Food is a Community Blessing

The season for fresh local veggies is coming to an end. Summer and fall in Maine bring a wonderful variety of veggies, fruits, berries, mushrooms, and greens. It is such an exciting time for farmers and backyard growers! Square Root has enjoyed the ability to provide its customers with excellent quality local produce throughout the last few months.

October month still offers a good selection of local foods. Square Root has a great outdoor display this time a year where customers can find a range of locally grown wonders.

Such locally grown foods as potatoes, turnips, carrots, and other root vegetables will be available throughout the year. In addition to locally grown veggies, Square Root offers a variety of locally produced fresh and frozen meats, local organic unpasteurized milk, local pasteurized milk, local "home-baked" bread, Maine-made soft drinks, local crafts and Holiday gifts, even locally produced elderberry syrup for fighting your winter cold.

"anthoimmunetm delivers therapeutic antioxidants including anthocyanins and polyphenols. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, combat oxidative stress, repair damaged cells and enhance overall immune system functions.*

anthoimmunetm combines organic elderberries, organic elderflowers and organic wild Maine blueberries to deliver a comprehensive array of bioactive constituents.anthoimmunetm contains flavonoids including  quercetin, rutin and kaempferol and has an Estimated Glycemic Load of less than one.*" http://mainemedicinals.com/mainemedicinals_home/anthoimmune_about.html