Registered dietitians at Village ShopRite stores around New Jersey are hosting Jersey Fresh Fridays in July and August in their produce departments, featuring a different Jersey Fresh fruit or vegetable each week.
The promotion allows customers to see a variety of recipes where Jersey Fresh produce can be used, according to a New Jersey Department of Agriculture news release. The events also promote healthy eating habits by encouraging customers to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables.
On August 2, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher participated in Jersey Fresh Friday at the ShopRite in Hammonton, N.J. Fisher joined ShopRite’s registered dietitian, Paige Macauley, in making a recipe featuring blueberries.
“Events like these are a great opportunity to highlight delicious produce grown and harvested by our hard-working farmers throughout the Garden State,” Fisher said in the release.
Fisher and Macauley made caramelized blueberry and basil ricotta crostinis. Macauley interacts with between 100 and 150 customers from 2-4 p.m. each Friday during this two-month promotion, offering samples.
“I enjoy making the recipes and sharing them with others in hopes they will take home what they learn here and make it part of their regular menu,” Macauley said in the release.
New Jersey is ranked in the top 10 in production value in the U.S. in 10 different fruits and vegetables, including being No. 3 in peaches and cranberries, No. 4 in bell peppers and spinach and sixth in blueberries, tomatoes and squash, according to the release.
Like all 140 ShopRite stores in New Jersey, the Hammonton ShopRite features a wide range of Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, cucumbers, spinach, lettuce and peaches.
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