A Pear-fect Blend of Flavor and Health
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian *sponsored by USA Pears Updated December 5, 2024 The United States is the largest exporter of fresh pears, averaging 244.3-million pounds between 2021 and 2022. Exports of prepared/preserved pears (ie. frozen, jam, pie, etc.) accounted for only 6.2-million that same period.(1) A […]
Popcorn’s Not Just for the Movies
By Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated November 25, 2024 Between 2016 and 2020 it is estimated Americans consumed about 14-billion quarts of popcorn per year!(1) Popcorn is its own species of corn in that its seed is thicker. This thickness allows for the seed to build pressure from […]
The Squeeze on Cranberry Juice
Written by Abby Gelineau, Dietetic Intern, University of Minnesota School of Public Health Updated November 15, 2024 Cranberries are a tart fruit that can be used in many different ways: fresh, juice, or dried!Cranberries are rich in antioxidants which can be beneficial for heart health by loweringblood pressure, lowering the bad cholesterol and raising the […]
Turkey Talk
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated October 30, 2024 The history of turkey as the main protein for Thanksgiving is a mystery. According to Kansas Farm Food Connection, it is believed a collection of Pilgrim journals published in 1856 referenced an abundance of water fowl and wild turkeys […]
From Bog to Table – The Wonderful Cranberry
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated October 30, 2024 The cranberry is considered the “original superfood” of the United States. They are the only native commercial fruit in North America where they grow in swamps and bogs of the northeast..(1) Cranberries are closely related to blueberries, bilberries, and […]
Tuna Time!
Written by Cassie Oman, Mackenthun’s Dietetic Intern Updated October 9, 2024 Tuna is a very versatile protein that can be utilized in many different recipes, on a sandwich or eaten on its own. It comes frozen, fresh and even shelf stable in packetswhich can last for up to 2 years in your cupboard! Did you […]
Pork Up Your Nutrition
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated September 23, 2024 Heart-Healthy Choice Pork is certified heart healthy by the American Heart Association.The pork cuts that meet the criteria include – New York chop Sirloin chop Ribeye chop Porterhouse chop Sirloin roast New York roast Ground, 96% Tenderloin For a food item […]
Edamame Essentials
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated September 26, 2024 Edamame are immature soybeans that are known for its green pods and similarities in appearance like a lima bean. Unlike their mature counterparts which are a light yellow-brown pod, edamame is often eaten as is, mixed in soups or salads, or […]
Would You Believe Butter IS Okay?
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian Updated September 2, 2024 According to a market analysis by Statista, it is predicted that the butter industry will earn approximately $49.91 billion by the end of 2024 and projected to grow 5.94% annually until 2029.(1) In recent years grocery stores have seen […]
Canned Tomatoes and Beyond
Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Registered Dietitian Updated September 2, 2024 Tomatoes are a native crop to South America; during the Spanish colonization of the Americas the Spaniards brought with them tomatoes for trade. Tomatoes were not available for commercial production in the United States until the mid-1800s.(1) Behind potatoes, tomatoes are […]
