Keen on Green

Taking place every April, Earth Day aims to inspire awareness of, and appreciation for, the natural world around us. Common activities people participate in to observe this special day include planting trees, taking part in an environmental fair, and collecting garbage from beaches and parks. But another fun and tasty way families can show they have Mother Nature in mind is by serving up green recipes. Dishes painted green using the array of verdant foods can make you feel a little closer to nature—and also help spring clean your diet. From organic spring greens to locally grown asparagus, green-hued foods are not only easy on the taste buds, but also nutritional heavy hitters. For instance, organic edamame, bright-tasting immature green soybeans, are powerful bundles of protein, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Now sprouting up from local farms, asparagus offers a low-calorie way to infuse your diet with bone-strengthening vitamin K and folate, a nutrient needed for proper cell division, while in the process helping slash cancer risk. Peppery arugula is a good source of glucosinolates, compounds thought to also have strong cancer-fighting powers. From morning to night, celebrate Earth Day by serving up these enticingly green recipes that will leave any non-eaters green with envy.