How wonderful is it that in 2018 National Agriculture Day (as part of the larger National Agriculture Week) falls on the first day of spring? It seems fitting that we should celebrate the hard work of farmers and ranchers across the country for the wonderful bounty they supply consumers with each year, and it is also a great time to honor the work of the ever-busy honey bee.
While we do enjoy the blooming flowers that make spring look and smell so beautiful, it's really the delicious fresh foods that spring brings that has us excited about the season. Did you know that honey bees are responsible for one in every three bites of food you eat? Honey bees are essential to the pollination process that yields our favorite fruits, vegetables, and nuts. In fact, according to a 2012 study, the increased yield and quality of agricultural crops as a result of honey bee pollination is valued at more than $17 billion a year!
To celebrate all the tasty fresh fruits and veggies that are going to hit our grocery store shelves in the coming weeks and months, we're featuring two of our favorite honey-inspired recipes that are sure to get you in the spirit for spring.
Our Honey Kiwi Raspberry Fruit Dip is a sweet treat that is perfect for kids of all ages. With just five ingredients, this snack is easy to whip up and sure to be a favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe kiwi, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup unsweetened frozen raspberries
- 1/2 cup honey
- 8 oz. low-fat vanilla yogurt
- Fresh fruit, for dipping
Directions:
In the bowl of a food processor, combine kiwi, raspberries, and honey; puree. Stir in yogurt.
Serve with sliced fresh fruit (strawberries, pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapes, bananas, etc.)
Of course, you can't talk about fresh snacks without including crisp garden vegetables, and our Bees in the Herb Garden Dip is just the tasty sidekick to serve with them. This dip is so full of flavor that even the pickiest eater won't be able to resist!
Ingredients:
- 1-pint sour cream
- 6 T honey
- 2 T orange juice, thawed, undiluted
- 2 T Dijon mustard
- 1 T creamy-style horseradish
- 2 tsp. rosemary, crushed
- 1 tsp. chervil, crushed
- 1 tsp. basil, crushed
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. white pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, finely crumbled
Directions:
Combine all ingredients; mix well.
Refrigerate at least one hour to allow flavors to blend.
Stir before using and serve with vegetables.
But we want to hear from you! What are you looking forward to most this spring? Tell us in the comments below.