Alpha Lifestyle
Weight Loss Center
(228) 436-9844
Weight Loss Center
(228) 436-9844
Tips
How do you buy and store it? qThe darker the better.
qChoose firm stalks with tightly closed heads.
qThe base should not be dry.
qWhen you get home wrap the stalks in plastic wrap and stand them upright in a small amount of water and cover them with a plastic bag. They should last several days in the fridge.
Cooking Tip
qHold stalk loosely and snap off bottom. The stalk will naturally break where it starts to get tough.
qTo enjoy raw, shave it lengthwise with a vegetable peeler or thinly slice at angle, then toss with favorite salad.
How to buy? 
qArtichokes should be firm, heavy and medium sized.
qTest for freshness by squeezing the artichoke and listening for a squeaky sound. qRefrigerate in plastic bag for up to 5 days.
Cooking Tips:
Steam your artichokes in lemon water and serve with a nice seasoned olive oil dip.
1.Remove discolored petals close to artichoke base.
2.Cut off tips of outer petals with scissors.
3.Slice off stem so the bottom is flat.
4.Place a steamer basket in large pot with water just below basket. Place lemon peel and artichokes in basket. Cover and steam until base of artichoke can easily be pierce with the tip of a knife.
5.Eat the leaves by dipping the uncut edge in olive oil and seasoning and then bite down gently to scrape the meat from the tip.
6.After you have eaten the outer leaves scrape the fuzz and purple leaves from the center and this is the heart. Very meaty, yum.
How do you buy it?
Choose peppers that feel heavy for their size, avoid ones with wrinkles or cracks. This vegetable is best purchased organic if possible but if not soak it in lemon water for 20 minutes prior to cooking or eating.
Cooking Tips
Peppers are great roasted or grilled on the BBQ. Just cut into nice 2 inch slices, brush with olive and sprinkle with a seasoning of choice. Put them on the grill and cook until soft but not limp. They should still be a tiny bit crisp, at least that is my preference.
How to buy?
You purchase fresh by the bunch or pre-bagged. I recommend Sam’s because they sell a large bag at a very reasonable $4-$5.00.
Leafy vegetables are best organic because of the heavy pesticides but if you can’t find organic soak your spinach in lemon water and then spin dry.
Leaves should be crisp and deep green, with no limpness, spots or yellowing. Packed loosely in a plastic bag spinach can be in the fridge 3-4 days. Fresh spinach should smell sweet, never sour or musty. Look for thin stems.
