Hello Dux Dine enthusiasts!
As the start of December arrives, it's time to celebrate the summer's vibrant seasonal fruit and vegetables! At Dux Dine, we're passionate about serving delicious meals and promoting the freshest and healthiest produce. We're excited to share our latest blog post, dedicated to love for these summer veggies and promoting a seasonal and more organic approach to dining, with some ideas of how to incorporate these veggies into a mediterranean diet!
1.Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the bright red berry of Solanum lycopersicum, commonly known as the tomato plant. Bursting with antioxidants like lycopene and vitamins A, C, and potassium, tomatoes are a hallmark of a Kiwi summer. They promote heart and skin health, plus they are full of antioxidants!
Try creating a fresh tomato salsa to accompany a grilled fish or seafood tacos. Or, try a Caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
2. Zucchini:
Did you know that zucchini is technically a fruit? Zucchini, courgette, or baby marrow is a summer squash, a vining herbaceous plant whose fruit is harvested when immature seeds and epicarp are still soft and edible. Loaded with vitamins C, A, and fiber, these low-calorie wonders support digestion and weight management.
Swap pasta or noodles for 'zoodles' or enjoy zucchini boats stuffed with a mix of quinoa, veggies, and cheese.
3. Capsicum:
Our colorful friends, capsicums, bring a flavor explosion to the table. Capsicum, also known as Bell Peppers in America, is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae, native to the Americas, cultivated worldwide for their pepper fruits. From sweet yellows and oranges to the sweetest reds, they're packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, boosting immune and gut health.
Dive into a 'green goddess salad' with chopped capsicum, cucumber, cabbage, and avocado, or add them to fish tacos for a burst of flavor.
4. Eggplant:
Similarly to zucchini, eggplant, by definition, comes from the fruit family too! Eggplant, or aubergine, is most commonly purple; the spongy, absorbent fruit is used in many cuisines. The versatile eggplant, rich in fiber and antioxidants, is a great ally for heart health. A serving of eggplant can provide at least 5% of a person's daily requirement of fiber, copper manganese, and B-6.
Bake it and pair it with cashew ricotta, or savor it in a classic eggplant parmigiana for a delightful meal.
5. Corn:
Maize, commonly known as corn in NZ, is a staple cereal grain that offers a treasure trove of nutrients. With its fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it aids digestion, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
Grilled corn straight on the barbie is an NZ BBQ classic, or try crafting a black bean corn salsa to add a zing to your vegetarian taco game!
At Dux Dine, we're committed to bringing you not only exquisite flavors but also the freshest, healthiest meals possible. By incorporating these seasonal veggies into dishes, you are eating higher quality food with more vitamins and nutrients. Not only is it healthier to eat seasonally, but also cheaper and allows you to eat locally, supporting our Christchurch community. At Dux Dine we offer the finest quality dishes, celebrating the flavours of the season - come relish good food and health at Dux Dine!
P.s we love seeing what you are cooking at home, tag us in your next home cooked ‘mediterranean style’ meal!