June is upon us and this month is full of different treats by way of fresh produce. From cucumbers to kale and blueberries to rhubarb here are some of our favorites at Dr. Joy Lunan’s dental office. 

Beets –  Inorganic nitrate levels found in beets are converted by the body into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide slows the growth of acid producing bacteria found in plaque, which is the primary cause of tooth decay. 

Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients

• 6 ounces mixed greens lettuce I use 50/50 blend spinach and spring mix leaves
• 1 large avocado
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/3 cup toasted pistachios
• 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges
• 1/2 - 1 full can (15 ounces) full can small whole beets
• Crumbled goat cheese or feta will work

Dressing

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 and 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 tablespoon poppyseeds

1. You may use roasted beets instead of canned beets. 

2. Place the lettuce in a large bowl.

3. Remove the pit and peel of a ripe avocado. Chop into small pieces and toss with lemon juice. Add to the lettuce.

4. Drain the mandarin oranges and add those.

5. Drain and rinse the whole beets if using canned. Allow to dry. 

6. Chop up the whole beets and add however much you want to the salad.

7. Toss the salad with the dressing (see instructions below) and then add the toasted pistachios and crumbled feta or goat cheese.

8. Do not toss the salad with the dressing until right ready to enjoy the salad. This salad doesn't store or sit well.

Dressing

1. Combine all of the ingredients except for the poppyseeds in a small blender or food processor (I used a Twister jar with my Blendtec). Blend and taste. Adjust to personal preference and then stir in the poppyseeds.

2. Toss however much dressing you want with the salad. Leftover dressing will stay good up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge.

 

Cherries – Low in calories, cherries contain a healthy dose of fiber and vitamins and minerals providing benefits for your overall health and well-being. A 1 cup serving has 10.8mg of vitamin c which helps you to fight infections as well as keeps your skin and teeth healthy. A nutritious source of copper helps to support jaw bone function as well.

Fresh Cherry Salsa:

WHAT YOU NEED~

• Cherries, pitted and chopped
• jalapeño, finely diced
• red onion, diced
• cilantro, chopped
• fresh squeezed lime juice
• salt & pepper to taste

WHAT TO DO~

Mix it all together!  Enjoy with your favorite tortilla chips.

 

Leeks – Not only are these delicious, but they are easy to prepare as well. Like garlic, much of its health benefits comes from its sulfur conatining compounds such as allicin. Allicin helps fight the bad bacteria in our mouth keeping us safer from tooth decay.

Leek and Potato Cakes:

Ingredients

• 6 medium sized potatoes - grated
• 1 leek - finely chopped
• herbs - mint, thyme, sage and chives - finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
• 3 eggs, beaten
• ½ cup grated cheese
• salt and pepper to taste                   Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a muffin pan well.
2. Use the food processor or finely chops the leek, herbs and garlic.
3. Grate the potatoes and combine with the leek and herbs in a large bowl.
4. Add the eggs and cheese and mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Spoon the mixture into the muffin pan, filling each space half to ¾ full.
7. Bake in a moderate oven for 30-40 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.

Enjoy these recipes. We know we will! If you or a family member need a professional dental cleaning afterwards give us a call. We are located in the middlebury, CT area and are accepting new patients. 203-598-7920

www.middleburydentist.com          Check out our reviews here.