Hi Friends and Happy Summer!
If you have kids at home you are likely freaked out about the cyclosporiasis outbreak that is currently happening across the country. As of July 15, no source has been identified yet.
While I would never advise you to stop eating fruits and veggies, there is reason to be cautious with certain raw fruits and vegetables right now. While not life-threatening, cyclosporiasis causes explosive diarrhea, along with fatigue and loss of appetite. To help reduce your risk of getting sick, here are some precautions to take:
- Wash your hands well before and after handling any fresh produce
- Wash fresh produce under running water thoroughly
- Cook fruits and vegetables to kill the parasite. Food needs to reach 176° F (80° C) to be effective.
- Choose fruit and vegetables with an outer peel or skin that can be removed. Examples include melons, citrus fruit, cucumber and bananas.
- Cut away any bruised or damaged areas on fruits and veggies before eating.
- Refrigerate cut, peeled and cooked fruits within 2 hours.
While the CDC and FDA continue to monitor the situation, I’ll be cooking the fruits and veggies we eat, especially berries and leafy greens. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite recipes that highlight cooked produce. I hope you find this helpful!
COOKED FRUIT RECIPES
Buckwheat Flapjacks with Triple Berry Sauce
COOKED VEGETABLE RECIPES
Sheet Pan Turkey Sausage + Mushroom Frittata with Spinach
Elphaba Muffins (with spinach)