Hello again, my entry is a bit late this month, as we’ve just come back from a great holiday in Thailand.

Whilst there, it was great to try new foods, which you can easily buy on the streets from local growers. Dragon fruit was a new experience, it looks fantastic, cerise pink spikey peel with white flesh and black seeds inside……sadly it’s a bit bland!!!!

Well, back to some seasonal home grown foods to try during March and some information about possible benefits to your health….

Rhubarb

- It’s actually a vegetable though we usually prepare it as a fruit
- It is 95% water, contains potassium, as well as vitamins A&C and small amounts of B vitamins
- It has high levels of calcium which makes it a fat-free alternative to dairy products
- It is low in calories, at only 7 calories per 100g (not including the sugar you need to add though…….!)
- On a down-side, it can exacerbate certain types of kidney stones
- I particularly enjoy rhubarb crumble, but Ian claims it’s great eaten raw dipped in sugar…….beware, he is from Wiltshire!!!

Radishes

- Very popular in salads and often used as a garnish especially in oriental cooking
- A member of the mustard family, with many different varieties
- Only 20 calories per 100g
- They are moderately high in vitamin C, and the leaves are often eaten which contain even more vitamin C

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about rhubarb and radishes….why not buy some from your local farm shop and get creative in the kitchen.
If you have any questions about health matters relating to food, please contact me through the feedback page, and i’ll try to answer them next month!!!
Bye for now,

Dr Nic

To see the February page click here