Foodtown - March 2018

What’s the Right Temperature for My Refrigerator?

Make Sure to Find Your Hot Spots

Finding the right temperature for your refrigerator can be quite a challenge. I know what you’re thinking — most newer fridges have temperature gauges on them, so you’ll always know the internal temperature. But did you know that these can be off by several degrees depending on the make and model? Because bacteria growth begins around 40 degrees, a misreading of your fridge’s temperature can cause problems.

Find Your Ideal Range: It’s important to keep your fridge at 35–38 degrees. This temperature prevents freezing and frost development and keeps food cool enough to prevent harmful foodborne illnesses. You may think your modern refrigerator with all-new amenities is perfect, but every unit has a common characteristic: zones that are cooler than other areas. Test the Accuracy: Consumer Reports does testing on top brands of new refrigerators every year. Many come back showing discrepancies in their readings. Some may be off by a couple degrees, others even more. If you think you have an issue with this, try a fridge thermometer. It’ll not only help you see your hot and cold zones, but if the power goes out, you’ll still know the temperature of your unit. Ingredients • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1 large yam, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 large parsnip, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 cup baby carrots • 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces • 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, cut into 1-inch pieces • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Directions 1. Heat oven to 425 F. Grease 2 baking sheets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place the yams, parsnips, and carrots on the sheet. 2. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, then add the zucchini and asparagus and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Continue baking until all of the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more. Once tender, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 30 minutes on the baking sheet. 3. Toss the roasted peppers together with the garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined. Add the roasted vegetables, toss to mix, and serve! The Perfect Holiday Vegetable Medley

Where to Store What: The coldest spots of your fridge are at the back and the bottom. Cold air sinks, so the food at the bottom of your fridge and furthest away from the door will be coldest. On the opposite end of the spectrum, items in the door can reach up to 60 degrees. This is why it’s suggested you put meats at the bottom of the fridge and condiments in the door. The fuller your fridge is, the better. Not just because it’s full of delicious food, but also because it retains coolness. This is key to ensuring your Foodtown items always maintain their ultimate freshness. Stop by one of our locations today and keep your refrigerator cool with the best food selection in the region.

Try Fresh Asparagus in Your Next Meal

Asparagus is an incredible superfood that can provide long- lasting nutritional benefits. It’s jampacked with vitamins and minerals that are key to living a healthy lifestyle and achieving daily nutritional requirements. Here are three reasons why asparagus is a great addition to any meal. Fiber Asparagus is rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which keeps you feeling full. A diet high in fiber is also beneficial to your health. Diuretic This green veggie serves as a natural diuretic, which is key to clearing out the kidneys and the urinary tract. Antioxidants Free radicals can cause major damage to important cell structures in your body. The antioxidants found in asparagus can help regulate these and prevent damage to your body.

Stop by our produce department today for the freshest selection of asparagus around!

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