The Provo City School District's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program is introducing students to fresh green beans and pomegranate arils this week, according to a November 9 report.
Students at participating schools will receive trimmed green beans in individual serving bags and fresh pomegranate arils in single-serving cups.
Green beans are noted for their natural sweetness, mild flavor, and crisp texture. While often steamed, sautéed, or roasted, they can also be eaten raw as a nutritious snack.
A popular variety, the Blue Lake green bean, was originally grown for canning in Northern California during the early 20th century. Today, green beans are grown in various regions and consumed in dishes globally.
The green beans provided this week will be fresh, trimmed, and ready for student consumption.
Pomegranates are identifiable by their bright red skin, with the edible portions consisting of hundreds of small, juicy, ruby-colored pieces known as arils.
These arils contain edible seeds and juice, providing a distinctive texture and a sweet-tart flavor. Pomegranates also provide dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
Believed to have originated near modern-day Turkey and Iran, pomegranates have been cultivated for thousands of years.
This week's arils will be served in individual cups to allow students to experience the fruit without the need to cut open a whole pomegranate.
Through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, students have opportunities to discover new flavors, explore different fruits and vegetables, and develop healthy eating habits.
