Fresh Vegetables Made Easy
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December 2009 Newsletter

Here we are December 21, 2009. We can all celebrate the Winter Solstice today. Many of us will be celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the in-laws and family members are coming, the in-laws and family members aren't coming, yeah I have family, yeah I'm an orphan. The range goes everywhere. Whatever you are celebrating this month, Mann Packing Company hopes to give you a few tips to make the ride a little more enjoyable. Happy Holidays!



Research Shows Cruciferous Vegetables May Fight Disease
Written by Pamela Riemenschneider for The Packer
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered an antioxidant found in broccoli and cauliflower may treat and possibly prevent chronic health problems.

The study was published in the November edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Physiology professors Zhe Lu, Yanping Xu and senior research investigator Szilvia Szep showed that an antioxidant present in cauliflower and broccoli, thyiocyanate, could be effective against inflammation-based disorders like cystic fibrosis, diabetes and heart disease and neurodegeneration, according to a news release from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine scientists' work showed that the antioxidant protects cells from damage caused chemicals created by the body in response to infection and inflammation.

The authors pointed out that without adequate dietary supplies of thiocyanate, the body is susceptible to additional collateral damage to cells that worsens inflammatory diseases.

Holiday Cooking
At many homes, the kitchen is the central gathering place, especially around the holidays. Invite your friends and family in to help make some of the holiday dishes. Mann's Recipes Some of our favorite broccolini and sweet potato dishes are located on our website.


Shown above:
Balsamic Broccolini
Citrus Shrimp & Sugar Snap Peas
Roasted Parmesan Rosemary Sweet Potatoes


Processed Foods- The Good & The Bad
To keep a healthy diet we have been told to watch our processed food intake. Processed foods are any food that has been altered from its natural state by canning, freezing, refrigeration and dehydration, to name a few methods.

Good processed foods include milk, fruit & vegetable juices, and frozen vegetables (when fresh is not available).

The bad processed foods are the ones with trans fat, saturated fat, sodium and lots of sugar. Next time you are at the market pick up a can of your favorite soup or chili and read the nutrition label to check for the amounts of sodium and other additives. And if you are prone to buy any complete meals from your freezer section, please check the labels there. I think you will be surprised on the sodium, fat, calorie and cholesterol content even on some of the "diet meals". Processed meats are also very high in these components. Frequent consumption of processed meat products is believed to increase your risk of cancer, if eaten frequently.

The daily suggested amount of cholesterol to be consumed each day is 300mg. High cholesterol can lead to heart attacks and strokes, so it is very important to keep this number low. By reading the nutrition labels you will stay aware of how much you put into your body each day.

Free List of Fat Burning Foods
I had to share this one with all of you. During the holidays it is very hard not to over indulge. I found this list of fat burning foods at Ezine Articles. Fat Burning Foods from Ezine If you try eating these between the holiday meals you will have a much better chance of not putting on extra unwanted pounds. Don't forget to do some extra walking and exercise too!

Also be aware that research shows that people who eat their meals fast until they are full have a higher body mass and are three times more likely to be overweight.
Read Entire Article

Gourmet Garden Excellent Recipes With Mann's Veggies
I can't tell you how delicious all four of these recipes are. They all combine Mann's Fresh Veggies with Gourmet Garden Herbs. Any of these will enhance your meal for yourself, your family or friends. Thank you Green Gardens. Enjoy!



Butternut Arugula Pizza
Sweet Potato Risotto
Vegetable Salad With Fennel Dressing

See All 4 Green Garden Recipes

The Women & Men Behind Mann!
Mann Employee Profile
Rosemary Fickas, Receptionist Extraodinairre!

As the company receptionist, Rosemary Fickas, creates the first impression for Mann Packing Company. She is that first smiling face people see as they enter our lobby.

"I love it and enjoy it," Rosemary said. "I'm a people person so it's right up my alley."

Rosemary joined Mann in February 2006 after being semi-retired, working as a caretaker for her parents for 10 years. She is responsible for all of the day to day mailings, special shipments, shipping special orders, banking, supplies, building maintenance and the list goes on. She is our "Jacqueline of all Trades".
Read Entire Article



Consumer Questions & Answers
Most frequently asked questions for December 2009:

Question # 1 : I see your plant is located in Salinas, California, but where are the vegetables grown?

Answer # 1 :
If you look at the top right hand corner on the front of all of our packages you will see "Product of". This tells you exactly where the veggies are grown.

2009 has been a year full of challenges. Evereyone at Mann Packing wishes all of you the best of holidays, and may 2010 bring bright prospects to all of you and your families.

Sincerely,

Susan Cameron
Mann Packing Co.
Fresh Vegetables Made Easy!