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Food, Nutrition and Health

Food, Recipe and Activity

Food, Recipe and Activity of the Week - June 15, 2008

This week's features include:
Food - Sugar snap pea
Recipe - Asian sugar snap peas
Activity - Washing the dog

Food of the Week > Sugar snap peas

sugar snap peas

History
Peas are legumes that have been used in ancient time. Dried peas have been found in Egyptian tombs and were commonly consumed in Europe until the Italian Renaissance when the Italians developed piselli novelli, which was a raw pea eaten unripe and fresh. Throughout the 16 th century, fresh peas were consumed in France and England . The Dutch and English first developed the pod peas, also known as green peas, in the 17 th century. Later the sugar snap pea was developed by crossing English and snow peas; however, they did not become readily available until the 1970s. Today more than half of the pea crop is canned, a smaller amount frozen, and only 5% are sold fresh.

Green peas are characterized by their thick firm skin and glossy pods, with a velvety feel. The pods should not have dark spots, be yellow in color, or have loose peas inside. Only the green peas are consumed in contrast to snow peas and sugar snap peas. Snow peas are characterized by their shiny and flat appearance, where the peas have barely developed. These are sweeter in taste than the green peas and are commonly consumed whole. Sugar snap peas should be plum, firm, and have a bright green color.

Peas are best consumed the same day they are purchased. However, if storage is necessary, put the peas in a perforated plastic bag and store in the refrigerator. Green peas should not be washed before stored and should be shelled immediately before cooking. Before serving sugar snap peas, remove the strings that runs around both sides of the sugar snap pod. Snow peas need to be trimmed by cutting off the tips from both ends of the pod.

Nutrition Information
Green peas are rich in vitamin B and protein. Snow peas, on the other hand, are immature peas, thus do not provide the same amounts. However, snow peas are good sources of calcium and vitamin C.

Nutrient analysis of green peas (1/2 cup canned): calories: 59, carbohydrates: 11 g, protein: 4 g, fat: 0 g, cholesterol: 0 mg, fiber: 3.5 g, sodium: 214 mg

Recipe of the Week > Asian sugar snap peas

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 lb sugar snap peas
  • 1/2 cup diagonally sliced carrots
  • 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts, canned, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions:

  1. Add oil to a nonstick skillet and heat on medium-high.
  2. Add snow peas and carrots and sauté for 2 minutes.
  3. Add water chestnuts and broth and bring to a boil.
  4. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Combine soy sauce and cornstarch, stir until cornstarch dissolves and add to vegetable mixture.
  6. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.
  7. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Information: 60 calories, 2 grams total fat, 9 grams carbohydrate, 3 gram protein, 2 grams fiber, 75 milligrams sodium, 0 milligrams cholesterol.

This recipe was modified from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. For more recipes, visit www.cdc.gov.

Activity of the Week > Washing the dog

You may not have thought of dog washing as a physical activity. For some it is more like a work out, especially if you have to chase your dog around the yard until you finally can clean it. Washing the dog can be a fun, frustrating, or pleasing experience where your whole family can be involved. To properly wash your dog and for your and the dog's comfort please pay attention to the following recommendations:

  • Choose a soap that is made for dogs. Human shampoos or soaps are not made for dogs and can cause skin irritation.
  • Make sure that the footing of your dog is secure. If washing the dog outside this is less of a problem then when washing it in a bathtub. The key is to prevent the dog from slipping.
  • Prepare your dog by combing out tangles before washing it. Doing it later makes it worse. You can put cotton balls in its ears and a drop of mineral oil in each eye to protect them from soap and water.
  • Prepare a bucket with warm and soapy water. Also provide a spray nozzle with clean water that you can rinse the dog with. You may need 2-3 buckets of water depending on the size of your dog. Have treats and possibly the dog's favorite toy to provide comfort. You also need a grooming brush, a few towels, and pet shampoo.
  • First wet your dog with warm water then shampoo it working up lather. Make sure to rinse well since leftover shampoo may create itchy skin and dull and flaky fur. A detangler is to recommend to facilitate brushing.
  • Let the dog shake off the water and then towel dry it. It is important to get the dog dry since on a hot day, the dog would be even hotter if it were wet. Try to avoid washing the dog when it is hot outside, warm climates are preferred.
  • Pay attention to the paws and make them clean and make sure that there is no “stinky dirt” on the ground that the dog may step into after the wash.

Enjoy a cleaner dog and a great day outdoors!