Jefferson County Public Schools
mission is to provide healthy meals in a positive environment that supports student success and lifelong wellness.
September - May
Summer Squash
Summer squash grown in Colorado is typically in season from August though
TWO Types of Squash: W I N T E R
Examples of winter squash are pumpkins, acorn & butternut.
Winter squash has much harder skin than summer squash.
Squash are a type of FRUIT !
Examples of summer
Summer squash faster than winter squash.
All squash are related melons!
could grow around 11,000 squash!
Summer squash takes around 60 days to mature after being planted.
Potassium
Potassium supports balancing fluid in the body & proper function of the muscles and nerves.
Once potassium enters the body, it functions as an electrolyte.
Electrolytes help balance the amount of water in the body.
FUN FACT:
Potassium is the THIRD most abundant mineral in the body.
Potassium helps promote bone health.
The body is made up of approximately 60% water.
Potassium helps to regulate muscle contractions.
98% of the body’s potassium is found in its cells.
Many runners eat foods high in potassium before a run to prevent muscle cramps
Watermelon
Most of the watermelon grown in Colorado are grown in the cities of Pueblo & Rocky Ford.
Watermelons grow well in Colorado because of the combination of strong sunlight & natural irrigation.
The world's heaviest watermelon was 262 pounds.
Watermelons are made up of 92% water.
Watermelons take 90 days to grow from seed to fruit.
Seedless watermelon are most popular.
Watermelons are harvested by hand.
Watermelons are grown in over
National Watermelon Month
Hydration
Hydration is the process of Water is the body’s main source of hydration.
The body’s 6 essential nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals & WATER ! Water helps carry nutrients & oxygen to all the cells in the body.
Proper hydration can help to improve moods.
The body is better at fighting off when properly hydrated.
Sleep quality can improve when the body is hydrated.
Many fruits & vegetables have a high water content, making them hydrating to eat.
Most plums grown in Colorado are harvested during July & August.
Common
Varieties of Plums:
Damson
Greengage 3. Victoria Plum 4. Mirabelle Plum
Dried plums are known as Plums trees start to bloom in the
Plums are the 2nd MOST
Plums are grown on EVERY continent except Antarctica.
The number of species to exist of plums is unknown.
Plum trees can live for 20 – 30 years.
Plum trees can grow to be 20 - 33 feet tall.
Calcium
Calcium supports healthy bones as well as proper blood & muscle
Calcium is the 5th most abundant chemical element in the Earth’s crust.
99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones.
Calcium helps keep muscles
Calcium also supports 1% is found in the blood, muscles & other tissues.
Calcium helps to heal cuts & wounds.
Calcium helps form bones and teeth and keep them healthy.
Calcium is the MOST abundant mineral in the human body.
October
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers growing season in Colorado is from mid October
Bell peppers can be 2 to 6 inches long.
Bell peppers are in the same family as tomatoes, eggplant, and potatoes.
Most bell peppers
are
harvested by hand
ALL bell peppers start out GREEN before they ripen.
Red bell peppers are also known as sweet peppers. depending on how long they ripen.
Bell peppers get sweeter the longer they ripen.
Hoffman Farms
Hoffman Farms was started by Hanmei & Derrick Hoffman
Hanmei & Hoffman Farms is a & operated fruit & vegetable farm. variety produce. greenhouse.
Hoffman Farms provides fresh produce to many local schools in the area!
Hoffman Farms located in Greeley, CO.
Peaches
Peaches account for 75% of all fruit grown in Colorado.
Main Varieties of Peaches:
1. Clingstone 2. Freestone
AUGUST
Colorado is home to 2,400+ acres of peach orchards.
Most peaches in Colorado are grown in Mesa, Delta, Montrose and Montezuma counties.
1 peach tree can produce up to 66 pounds of fruit per year.
“Persian Plum”
Peaches are harvested HAND .
Peach trees usually grow to be around 25 feet tall. to mature.
can produce fruit for 12 years.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the immune systemthe body’s defense against infections.
ENERGY booster!
Vitamin C is also referred to as “ascorbic acid.”
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect against damage caused by exposure to harmful substances in the environment.
The body cannot make vitamin C on its own - it has to come from food.
Vitamin C helps keep you happy & healthy! What do you call a vitamin that improves your eyesight?
A Vitamin C!
Vitamin C is a very important vitamin for healthy gums & teeth.
Honeydew Melon
Colorado’s melon production is centered around Arkansas Valley & Rocky Ford
Honeydew melon is the 3rd most produced type of melon.
Honeydew melon are made up of 90% water.
Honeydew melons prefer to grow in sandy soil.
Honeydew melons grow on vines.
Honeydew melons are the sweetest of all melons.
Honeydew melons do not
Honeydew melons take around
Honeydew &
Fiber
Fiber supports movement through the digestive system
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate body doesn’t digest, it simply passes through.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water…it helps regulate blood sugar levels and removes cholesterol from
2 types of fiber:
1. Soluble fiber
to regulate the body’s use of sugar. sometimes referred to as “roughage. ”
Insoluble fiber Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water…it helps food move throughout the digestive system.
Dairy & meat products do not have any fiber.
Fiber is ONLY found in plant foods.
BOTH forms of fiber are important & beneficial to overall health.
Beets
Beets are in season in Colorado from early July through September.
Farm fresh beets come rainbow of colors.
Red beets are the M O S T common variety.
The sweetest beets are usually the smallest in size!
The majority of beets grown throughout the U.S. become canned. “Table beets”
Beets are described as
EVERY part of the beet is edible!
Beets come in many different shapes & sizes.
Beets grow best in cooler climates with bright sun.
Iron
Iron carries oxygen in the blood, supports the immune system & proper brain function
2 forms of iron: Heme & Non-heme.
Heme comes from animal meat and is easily absorbed into the body after eaten. comes from plant foods like spinach!
Iron is found in EVERY cell of the body.
Non-heme sources of iron are best absorbed into the body when eaten with a source of vitamin C, like an orange.
Iron helps muscles function by carrying oxygen to their cells.
Supports a healthy immune system.
Human blood is RED because of iron and oxygen reacting with each other.
80% of the Earth’s crust is composed of iron.
The body uses iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin helps carry and transport oxygen in the blood to other parts of the body…like a backpack!
Cabbage
Cabbage grown in Colorado is harvested from early September and early November.
Cabbage grows best in a lot of sunlight.
Cabbage is one of the OLDEST vegetables in existence…it has been harvested for over 6,000 years!
coldweather veggie.
400+
Early cabbage takes 45 days to mature, and late cabbage takes 87 days. cabbage plant is 4 - 6 feet tall.
Green Cabbage Red Cabbage
Savoy Cabbage varieties of cabbage:
Petrocco Farms
Petrocco Farms is a family-owned & operated vegetable farm.
Petrocco Farms by Albert Petrocco Sr. in Petrocco Farms grows both organic & conventional vegetables.
Petrocco Farms is located in Brighton, Colorado.
Petrocco grows, and ships vegetables.
2,500
varieties of apples are grown in the United States.
The U.S. produces 250 million bushels of apples/year.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant & supports the immune system.
Antioxidants help protect against damage caused by exposure to harmful in the environment. These harmful substances are called free radicals
Vitamin E was discovered in 1922.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin.
Fat soluble vitamins are best absorbed into the body when eaten with foods with healthy fats.
Vitamin E supports proper blood function – circulation, clotting & production.
Vitamin E also helps to maintain healthy skin.
Vitamin E is a group of 8 essential vitamins.
Examples of healthy fats include olive oil, avocados & eggs.
Vitamin E strengthens the immune system.
Tomatoes
Colorado tomatoes are in season from July - October.
Roma 3
Cherry
Grape
Colorado tomatoes available year-round are grown in greenhouses.
peach” Popular Types of Tomatoes:
93% Americans grow tomatoes in their own garden.
Tomatoes come in a variety of colors including yellow, , purple, black & white.
Tomatoes are grown in EVERY state in the U.S.
Botanically, tomatoes are a FRUIT !
Over
10,000 varieties of tomatoes.
Tomatoes are a warm season crop that LOVE the sun.
Potassium
Potassium supports balancing fluid & proper function of the
Once potassium enters the body, electrolyte
Electrolytes help amount of water in the body.
FUN FACT:
Potassium is the THIRD most abundant mineral in the body.
Potassium helps bone health.
The body is made up of approximately 60% water.
Potassium helps to regulate muscle contractions.
98% of the body’s potassium is found in its cells.
Many runners eat foods high in potassium before a run to prevent muscle cramps
Spinach
As a cool season crop, spinach grows well in Colorado.
3. Flat 3
Main Types of Spinach:
1. Savoy
2. Semi Savoy
Flat spinach is the best known & most popular.
Spinach grown in CO is usually planted in the early spring.
Spinach is a part of the goosefoot family of the shape of its leaves.
FRESH spinach is the BEST spinach! is peak spinach season.
Spinach prefer to grow in cooler climates. of its major nutrients after harvesting.
Spinach thrives when grown in sandy soils.
Iron
Iron carries oxygen in the blood, supports the immune system & proper brain function
2 forms of iron: Heme & Non-heme. animal meat and is easily absorbed into the body after eaten. comes from plant foodslike spinach!
Non-heme sources of iron are best absorbed into the body when eaten with a source of vitamin C, like an orange. oxygen to their cells.
Supports a healthy immune system.
Human blood is RED because of iron and oxygen reacting with each other.
Iron helps carry oxygen in the blood…similar to how backpacks carry books!
Winter Squash
Winter squash grown in Colorado is typically in season from August though December
TWO
Examples of winter squash are acorn & butternut.
Examples of summer squash are zucchini, yellow
All squash are related to melons Winter squash has much harder skin than summer squash.
1 acre of land could grow around 11,000 squash!
Winter squash takes to mature after being planted.
B Vitamins
B Vitamins help support the body’s energy levels, brain function & cell metabolism
essential B vitamins:
Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B7, Vitamin B9 & Vitamin B12.
Water is needed to help the body absorb B vitamins. they need to be regularly consumed.
B5, B12, C and E knock on your door…what do you do? blood cells.
B vitamins helps the body make energy from food.
B vitamins plays a role in serotonin production.
Serotonin makes us feel happy.
Lentils
The U.S. harvests around 376,000 TONS of lentils each year.
Lentils are one of the earliest domesticated crops – 11,000 B.C.
The U.S. makes up only 5% of the global production of lentils.
A drought resistant crop.
Main Categories of Lentils:
1. Brown
2. Green
3. Red/Yellow
4. Specialty
4 Brown lentils are the most common. pale blue flowers grow on the leaves of the lentil
Lentils are most commonly eaten in soups.
short crop - lentil plants never reach more than 2 feet in height.
Lentils grow inside the pods of the plant. There are 1-3 lentils per pod.
Fiber
Fiber supports movement through the digestive system
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate body doesn’t digest, it simply passes through.
Soluble fiber dissolves in water…it helps regulate blood sugar levels and removes cholesterol from
Insoluble fiber is sometimes referred to as “roughage. ”
2 types of fiber:
1. Soluble fiber
Insoluble fiber
Fiber is ONLY found in plant foods.
Dairy & meat products do not have any fiber.
Fiber helps to regulate the body’s use of sugar.
Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water…it helps food move throughout the digestive system.
BOTH forms of fiber are important & beneficial to overall health.
Potatoes
Colorado’s San Luis Valley is the 2nd largest fresh potato growing region in the U.S.
Colorado produces 2+ BILLION pounds of potatoes each year.
around 4.5 million pounds of potatoes every hour.
In 1995, potatoes became the first vegetable grown in
Potatoes are the 2nd most consumed food in the U.S. after dairy products.
AUGUST 13
National Potato Day
Potatoes are also referred to as “spuds. ”
Potatoes are grown underground. Potatoes are an annual plant.
Potatoes are a part of the nightshade family.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy.
The body cannot make carbohydrates on its own - it has to come from food, like potatoes!
Carbohydrates support the nervous the system that helps all parts of the body communicate with each other.
Carbohydrates are also commonly referred to as “
Carbohydrates improve health supporting good moods, memory power and concentration.
Carbohydrates are classified into
Soybeans
In total, the U.S. produces around 4 BILLION bushels of soybeans per year.
75 MILLION acres of farmland are used for growing soybeans in the U.S.
Soybeans were first grown in the U.S. for
1 acre of soybeans can produce 82,368 crayons
Soybeans are a part of the legume family.
“Miracle
The U.S. is the leading country in soybean production.
Each soybean plant produces around 100 pods. Soybean pods usually contains 3 seeds each.
Soybean plants average 3 - 5 feet tall.
Bean”
Protein
Protein builds, maintains replaces the tissues in the body.
Protein helps to transport nutrients throughout the body.
18 - 20% of the body is protein.
Protein is an important part of a healthy diet!
in the human body contains protein.
The body cannot store protein long term which is why protein needs to be consumed daily. “building blocks.
Protein plays a big role in building and repairing muscles.
Protein is a MACRONURIENT . A macronutrient is a nutrient that the body needs in LARGE
Protein helps maintain fluid balance throughout the body.
Carrots
Carrots grown in Colorado tend to be sweeter because of the climate.
Carrots are 88% water. Carrots take 4 months to complete growing.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain climate is ideal for carrots to reach full ripening, color & flavor potential.
Carrots are the 2nd most popular vegetable in the world.
2,000 carrot seeds fit in 1 teaspoon.
Carrots can survive entire WINTERS underground!
Carrots are biennials, which means they have a 2-year life cycle.
Vitamin A
more vivid colors during the day
How far can you read down this eye chart?
speed up the healing process of cuts & scraps. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin.
How do you know carrots are good for the eyes?
You never see a rabbit wearing glasses!
Vitamin A supports the immune system to fight off infections.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are one of the most common vine crops grown in Colorado.
The U.S. is the 4th largest cucumber producing country in the world.
Cucumbers take 12 to produce fruit after being planted. cucumbers are grown worldwide each year.
Bees are essential for the pollination of cucumbers.
Cucumbers can grow 2 feet
Cucumbers are a
The large leaves on the cucumber plant provides shade for the developing fruit.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K supports proper blood function, bone growth & kidney health. The body has the ability to create vitamin K on its own.
2 main forms of vitamin K: K1 and K2.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble which means…
Vitamin K helps the body heal from wounds.
It absorbs better into the body when eaten with foods with some fat like olive oil or avocados!
Vitamin K helps produce proteins that bind themselves to calcium - this helps build strong bones.
Vitamin K supports heart health.
Vitamin K is found throughout the body in the liver, brain, heart, pancreas & bones.
Vitamin K plays a role in proper blood function- specifically with clotting.
Asparagus
Asparagus grown in Colorado is in season May through June.
Asparagus roots can grow up to 20 feet deep.
Watch asparagus grow!
across the U.S.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant & supports the immune system.
Antioxidants help protect against damage caused by exposure to harmful substances in the environment. These harmful substances are called free radicals.
Vitamin E was discovered in
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin.
Fat soluble vitamins are best absorbed body when eaten with foods with healthy fats
Vitamin E supports proper blood function – circulation, clotting & production.
Vitamin E also helps to maintain healthy skin.
Examples of healthy fats include olive oil, avocados strengthens the immune system.
Vitamin E
Strawberries
June-bearing strawberries are the most common type of strawberry grown in Colorado.
One acre of land can produce 50,000 pounds of strawberries.
Peak strawberry harvesting June.
are the FIRST fruit to ripen in the spring.
1. June-bearing 2. Ever-bearing 3. Day-neutral
Main Types of Strawberries: 3 strawberry has 200 seeds.
Strawberries are the ONLY fruit with seeds on the outside.
Strawberries are a part of the rose family.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the immune systemthe body’s defense against infections.
ENERGY booster!
Vitamin C is also referred to as “ascorbic acid.”
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect against damage caused by exposure to harmful substances in the environment.
The body cannot make vitamin C on its own - it has to come from food.
Vitamin C helps keep you happy & healthy! What do you call a vitamin that improves your eyesight?
A Vitamin C!
Vitamin C is a very important vitamin for healthy gums & teeth.
Colorado is home to 300+ dairy farms & 200,000 dairy cows.
5.3 BILLION pounds of milk is produced in Colorado each year.
Nearly 98% of U.S. dairy farms are family owned & operated.
Breeds of Dairy Cows:
1. Ayrshire
2. Brown Swiss
3. Guernsey
4. Holstein
5. Jersey
6. Milking Shorthorn
Holstein cows all have a unique pattern of spots!
1 cow produces around 6 gallons of milk per day.
The reason milk is white is because it contains “casein” - a type of protein.
ALL 50
The U.S. produces ~227 BILLION pounds of milk each year.
Milk is the source of ALL dairy products!
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports the development & maintenance of bones, teeth & muscles.
Vitamin D is the ONLY vitamin that the body can make on its own.
Vitamin D helps prevent cavities.
Vitamin D is known as “The Sunshine Vitamin. ”
Only a few foods naturally contain vitamin D.
Most people get the majority of their vitamin D when their skin is exposed to the sun.
Vitamin D supports the immune system. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
Vitamin D can help boost happy moods!
Vitamin D helps the body phosphate from food.
Calcium and phosphate are essential for strong bones.
