Christopher Ranch

March is here, and with its arrival, come many a wonderful thing.

Spring. March Madness. My birthday. St. Patrick’s Day.

Perhaps most important in today’s society, however, is National Nutrition Month, launched by the American Dietetic Association, to shed light on the need for - and celebrate - a healthy lifestyle. (Although I’d argue my 27th year in life is a close second…)

Since Christopher Ranch is a firm believer in – and supporter of - healthy eating habits, we want to do our part in promoting the cause.

One way to do such is by regularly including California Heirloom Garlic in your diet, as this fresh herb boasts numerous essential nutrients and oils, including vitamins B and C, iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, allicin, selenium and more.

In fact, research suggests fresh garlic possesses strong antioxidant, antiviral, blood-thinning and fat-burning properties, helping to combat such health conditions as heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, cancers and more.

On top of that, California Heirloom Garlic is 100% natural, with no preservatives, and serves as a healthy, flavorful salt alternative. In fact, substituting one teaspoon of fresh garlic for equal salt will eliminate 580 mg of sodium, helping alleviate potential heart-damaging sodium levels and weight gain.

To aid in your garlic-infused, healthy-lifestyle transition, we’ve compiled a few garlic selection and handling tips – to maximize your garlic’s health value – as well as nutritious – yet delicious – recipes.

Tip 1: Bottoms Up

For optimal health, make sure your fresh garlic has a California heirloom origin, as third-party tests have verified that California heirloom garlic contains higher levels of essential oils, nutrients, vitamins, amino acids and proteins than other California varietals, as well as Chinese, Argentine and Mexican garlic.

So, when perusing your local grocery store, look for either the Christopher Ranch label, or a garlic bottom with roots still intact. If you don’t see either, consult the store manager immediately. Kidding, but serious….

Tip 2: Crushing Preferred

How you slice and dice your garlic can make a pivotal difference in the herb’s nutritional value.

Why? Well, allicin is believed to be garlic’s key health compound, yet allicin is only activated when garlic is chewed, crushed, cut, sliced, etc. Only then, do two separate compounds – alliin and allinase - combine to form allicin. Thus, the finer the garlic is chopped, crushed or minced, the more allicin is released.

Now, the fun part; eating.

Garlic Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Arugula

Slow Cook Vegetarian Chili

Hearts of Palm & Spinach Salad

Garlic Pesto Stuffed Chicken

Sautéed Tofu With Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Frey Cabernet Sauvignon Orzo

Garlic-Ginger-Lime Salmon

Stewed Peppers With Garlic, Onions & Tomatoes

Rosemary Skewers of Shiitake Mushrooms, Broccoli & Garlic Cloves

Broccoli With Toasted Garlic

Sautéed Fish With Zesty Mango Salsa