Welcome to Tasty Tidbits, your go-to guide for making the most out of the fresh, local produce that you find at Alabama farmers markets! Brought to you by Live Well Alabama, each edition highlights a delicious fruit or vegetable, providing nutrition facts, simple storage and cooking tips, and new recipe ideas. Get ready to explore fresh flavors, boost your meals with nutritious ingredients, and enjoy the best of what Alabama’s farms have to offer.

Nutrition Nuggets

• Low in calories and sodium.
• Supports a healthy heart, strong bones, and a strong immune system.
• Rich in fiber to promote a healthy digestive system. 

How to Store 

• Keep separated from gas-releasers such as apples, apricots, and cantaloupe. 
• Store in the refrigerator crisper drawer and use within 5 to 7 days.
• Do not cut before storing to maintain freshness. 

 How to Prepare 

• Wash and dry.
• Remove and discard the cap and stem.
• Dice or cut into rounds or spears. 

 How to Enjoy 

• Great as a side, served sautéed, grilled, roasted, or baked.
• Add to a stir fry, put on a pizza, or include in ratatouille.
• Use as a noodle alternative in lasagna dishes. 

Did You Know? The larger and older an eggplant is, the more bitter flavors can be present. Also, one eggplant provides 30 percent of the daily recommended potassium and 14 grams of fiber. 

Recipes 

Broiled or Grilled Eggplant 

Ingredients 

• Eggplant, cut into 3/4-inch slices 
• 1 clove garlic, minced 
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 

Directions

• Preheat oven to broil setting or set grill to medium-high heat. 
• In a small dish, mix oil with garlic.  
• Brush each eggplant slice with oil.
• Broil or grill for about 5 minutes on each side or until eggplant is tender and browned. 
• Remove from heat and serve. 

Ratatouille

Ingredients 

• 1 eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons oil 
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 2 bell peppers, any color, chopped 
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes 
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper 
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped 

Directions

• Heat oil in a large skillet
• Sauté eggplant, onion, garlic, and bell peppers until tender, about 15 minutes 
• Add tomatoes and basil and cook about 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and add pepper and parsley.
• Serve hot.

Roasted Eggplant with Tomato Sauce 

Ingredients 

• 2 eggplants, cut into 1/2-inch slices 
• 1 cup pizza sauce, low-sodium  
• Cooking oil spray, as needed 

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
• Spray a baking sheet with cooking oil spray, and lay the eggplant on the sheet in a single layer. 
• Spoon pizza sauce on each slice. 
• Bake for 30 minutes or until tender. 
• Serve hot. 

Tip: For an eggplant pizza snack, remove the eggplant when it has baked for 25 minutes. Sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese on top of each slice and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Learn More

For more Tasty Tidbits, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com.

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