Washington state hosts a bounty of fresh, local, diverse produce. In fact, Washington ranks first in the United States in 11 commodities that it produces, including apples, sweet cherries, pears, hops and red raspberries. It also ranks second for the potatoes, grapes and onions that it grows, according to the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Thanks to our abundance of healthy, nutritious produce, there are a plethora of wonderful meals we can craft from these readily-available ingredients. Cooking some of Washington’s local produce not only supports our farmers and community members, but it keeps our bodies healthy and energized.
Here are some healthy meals that you can create from some of Washington’s finest fruits and vegetables.
Did you know that Washington potatoes are known world-round for their quality? That’s according to Washington State University, which reports that the soil of the Columbia Basin and Yakima Valley are perfect for growing potatoes. That means they are an excellent centerpiece for a breakfast scramble! Cube potatoes or grate them to fry in olive oil. Add some other local produce, such as onions, kale, cherry tomatoes, chopped green beans, or peppers. Sprinkle on cheese, add in an egg or two, and chop up fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and serve.
Stop by any roadside food stand or farmers market during the summer and you’ll find cucumbers, snap beans, asparagus, peppers, sweet corn, and leafy greens spilling over the tables. Use any and all of these ingredients to build yourself a crisp, crunchy summer salad. Sprinkle on some berries depending on what’s seasonal, from raspberries to blueberries to huckleberries.
To bring any salad recipe together requires a good dressing, and you can find some great and healthy recipes for these at The Organic Kitchen and Bon Appetit.
Someone should consider stealing New York’s moniker of The Big Apple and handing it over to Washington state, as we produce more than 60% of the apples in the United States, the Yakima Herald reports. Apple harvest spans August to November, and during that time, you can bake a myriad of delicious and healthy apple recipes, from applesauce to baked apple oatmeal.
One of the tastiest and healthiest desserts is an apple crisp, which combines apples, oats, nuts, maple syrup, and vanilla. Here are a few recipes from Ambitious Kitchen and All Recipes to get you started.
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