To commemorate the nutritional value of fresh vegetables and their importance to human health Fresh Veggies Day is celebrated on June 16. Fresh vegetables are vital for metabolism, growth, development, and disease prevention, they are the best sources of micronutrients. Vegetables help prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, and colon cancer, thanks to their natural fiber content. There is no such thing as a bad vegetable according to “Food & Wine” magazine. Some veggies may require additional work to remove an outer shell or be peeled, and some fare better when cooked. Yet, there is no reason not to eat fresh vegetables every day.
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History
Farmers mostly from Great Britain and Scandinavia who brought farming techniques from their homelands to till the rich soil of the Midwest were the first settlers of America’s heartland. The majority of American settlers lived near the Atlantic coast and shipped their produce east for consumption. But in the mid-1800s, with the advent of railroads, farmers could ship food straight to Chicago, where it was processed into canned goods and transported back east by boat or rail.
The nationwide distribution of fruits and vegetables had become a big deal by 1852, according to “The New York Times” the California and Oregon trail was the great thoroughfare for transporting fresh fruit. 59 million pounds of produce were sent from the West Coast by rail in 1855.
The Department of Agriculture was created in 1862, to guarantee that everyone had access to fresh veggies and improved nutrition in the United States, they have been successful so far. In recent years, new organic and vegan products have hit the market, making vegetable consumption even more accessible for all people.
In rural North Dakota, in the spring of 1992, a group of farmers gathered to discuss the future of their farms and their families. They wanted to develop from conventional farming using agrochemicals and cultivating their soil for weed control to a system that would use less fossil fuel and less chemical pollution. On one-quarter of their land, the farmers decided to stop using chemical pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Rather, they used complex crop rotations, manure, cover crops, and compost to provide fertility.
Timeline of Fresh Veggies Day
1800s (The Advent of Railroads) – Farmers ship food directly to Chicago, where it is processed into canned goods and transported back East by rail or boat.
1855 (The Result of the Use of the Railroad) – 59 million pounds of produce is sent from the West Coast by rail.
1862 (The Department of Agriculture is Created) – This step is taken to ensure that everyone has access to fresh veggies and improved nutrition in the U.S.
1992 (Farming for the Future) – Farmers gather in Rural North Dakota to evolve from what we call conventional farming using agrochemicals and tilling their soil for weed control, to a system that uses less fossil fuel and less chemical pollution.
FAQs about Fresh Veggies Day
What is the most popular green vegetable?
In 39 states Broccoli is the most popular veggie.
Which vegetables should you eat every day?
Consuming more dark leafy greens means healthy eating, such greens are spinach and broccoli. In your diet, you can include more red or orange vegetables as well, such as tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, and legumes.
Can I eat too many vegetables?
Consuming too many veggies can also cause nutrient deficiencies because your stomach is so busy processing all those plants, that it can’t absorb nutrients from other types of food.
What is today’s date in numbers?
Fresh Veggies Day Activities
Visit a farmer – Learn from the farmer how to produce vegetables until they are ready for the market. Afterward, help them in the process of production.
Have a lunch or dinner party – Organize a lunch or dinner party where the complete menu is fresh veggies. Take a photo of the moment and then share it on your social media.
Send a package containing vegetables – Make a pack of fresh veggies and send it to your family or friends. It is a perfect way to show you care about their health.
5 Interesting Facts About Broccoli
The most important contributor – Broccoli production in the United States originating from California reaches 90%.
The world record for eating broccoli – The world record title for eating broccoli holds Tom Landers; he ate a pound of broccoli in just 92 seconds.
Loved by the American people – Every year, the average American eats around four pounds of broccoli, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
Broccoli has cancer-preventing abilities – Broccoli prevents cancer with the help of antioxidants present in it that reduce oxidative stress.
The heaviest broccoli reaches 35 pounds – The heaviest broccoli weighed to date was 35 pounds, according to the Guinness World Record. This broccoli was grown in 1993 by John and Mary Evans.
Why Do We Love Fresh Veggies Day?
1) People are encouraged to eat more vegetables – The main cause for celebrating Fresh Veggies Day is to motivate people to eat more fresh vegetables. Many people think that it should be consumed cooked but, many vegetables like cabbage and carrots can safely be eaten raw.
2) This day educates people about vegetables’ significance – Fresh vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet because they are full of vitamins and minerals, making them helpful in giving us energy. The aim of this day is to educate people on the advantages of consuming fresh vegetables and fruits every day.
3) It creates environmental awareness – Fresh food may be important for your health, but it is also important for maintaining our environment. Consuming a plant-based diet helps decrease greenhouse gasses and preserve our natural resources.
