September is “More Matters Month.” It is the month that an initiative is made to celebrate and encourage consumption of more fruits and vegetables.

Well, as you probably already know, it is OCTOBER … and as life would have it, we did not get to run this segment in September. However, as I see it, any time is a fine time to celebrate all that fruits and vegetables have to offer.

The main point I want to make about fruits and vegetables is that all forms matter. Meaning juice, dried, fresh, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables all matter and contribute to our health. We (the media and health authorities) spend a lot of time talking about fresh foods, which I do adore, but that should not imply that canned or frozen foods are less than. They are wonderful forms of convenient foods that retain much of their original nutrient quality.

Some of my favorite frozen, canned and dried fruits and vegetables to keep on hand are:

• Frozen tri-pepper blend: This makes quick work of stir fries and is a great addition to fajitas or burritos.
  
• Chopped frozen onion or pepper: Makes for wonderful recipe starters and time savers and are great to have on hand when you are out of fresh ones.
  
• Canned artichoke hearts: These are perfect for salads and are great tossed with pasta and diced tomatoes for a quick pasta meal.
  
• Canned diced reduced sodium tomatoes: Good for soup starters and adding to tomato sauce. Also great to toss with pasta and artichoke hearts.
  
• Canned green beans: I just love these drained and cooked with reduced sodium chicken broth and garlic … easy and delicious!
  
• Dried cherries and cranberries: Great for adding to salads and make a perfect grab-and-go snack.

For more information and how-to videos at your fingertips, go to www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org.

Until next time: eat well, live well!

Segments on this topic:
-Monday, Oct. 1: Succotash
-Tuesday, Oct. 2: All Forms Count (dried, frozen, fresh)
-Wednesday, Oct. 3: Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
-Thursday, Oct. 4: Kim's Favorites
-Friday, Oct. 5: Bonus Recipe: Pluot Breakfast Squares

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