Curried Squash Soup

Curried Squash Soup

Recipe courtesy of tasteofhome.com

Ingredients 

  • 1 butternut squash (about 1-3/4 pounds)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf

Cilantro Cream Topping:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°. Cut squash in half lengthwise; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a greased or foil-lined baking pan. Bake, uncovered, until tender, 40-50 minutes. When cool enough to handle, scoop out pulp; set aside.

 

In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil over medium heat until tender, 2-3 minutes. Add the flour, salt, curry powder and cayenne until blended. Stir in broth; add bay leaf. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 2 minutes. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Cool to room temperature.

 

Step 3

In a blender, combine half of the broth mixture and squash; cover and process until smooth. Repeat with remaining broth mixture and squash. Return to the saucepan; heat through. Combine the topping ingredients; place a dollop on each serving. If desired, sprinkle with additional fresh cilantro.

Hunts Point Produce Market

Seasonal Fruits And Vegetables In Your Region

With so many fruits and vegetables being imported from different regions, it can be difficult to know what produce is in season around your business. These days, consumers are willing to pay more for local and organic produce, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your region’s seasonal produce cycles. Our wholesale produce distributors in NJ at E. Armata Inc. have developed relationships with growers and farmers across the country. As one of the largest wholesalers at the Hunts Point Produce Market, we can supply your business with fresh produce from around the world. Continue reading to discover seasonal fruits and vegetables available in your region during the winter. 

Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables By Region

Whether you operate a restaurant or bar, your business stands to benefit from using in-season produce. Our wholesale produce distributors in NJ would like to share some seasonal fruits and vegetables available by region:

  • Northeast Region – Due to freezing temperatures and snow, parsnips and mushrooms are generally the only options available in this region during the winter. Our wholesale produce distributors in NJ can import all of your winter produce needs. 
  • Midwest – Similar to the Northeast, there aren’t many winter seasonal produce options to choose from during this season in the Midwest. Mushrooms are always bountiful in this region during the winter. 
  • Northwest – During the winter, the Northwest is one of the best regions to procure winter root vegetables. You can find plenty of carrots, beets, fennel, leeks, turnips, potatoes, cabbages, and brussels sprouts. Clementines are a unique winter fruit available in the Northwest during this time. 
  • Southwest – If your restaurant needs citrus throughout the winter, the Southwest is the place to procure fruits. This region boasts everything from oranges, lemons, and grapefruits to delicious strawberries. You’ll also find plenty of avocados, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. 
  • South – There is an abundance of citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges in the South during the winter. You’ll also find leafy greens like kale, spinach, lettuce, and collards. Apples are also plentiful in the South during the winter. 

Contact Our Hunts Point Produce Market

Learning what produce is available and in season in your region is essential if you want to use fresh ingredients and create the most delicious dishes possible. At E. Armata Inc., our wholesale produce distributors in NJ are committed to meeting all of our customer’s needs. To learn more about seasonal produce or for general inquiries, be sure to contact us today!

Food Distributors in NYC

How To Keep Your Produce Fresh For Weeks

Sometimes, it can be impossible to use all of the food that you buy. When your carefully chosen fruits and vegetables start to wilt and turn after two or three days, it can be incredibly frustrating. Throwing food away is a waste of money and food, but there are things you can do to keep your produce fresh for longer. At E. Armata Inc., our food distributors in NYC would like to share some helpful tips for storing your fruits and vegetables. Continue reading to learn more! 

Keep Your Produce Fresh For Weeks

The first step to prolonging shelf-life in your kitchen is to select the freshest produce available. Our food distributors in NYC have cultivated relationships with growers and farmers for generations, allowing us to provide the highest quality fresh produce to our customers. The next time you shop at the Hunts Point Produce Market, consider these storage tips to keep your produce practically perfect:

  • Store Produce Dry – A little humidity can be good for your produce, but too much moisture can promote mold. Thoroughly dry your washed fruits and vegetables before putting them away. Asparagus behaves like a bouquet of flowers, so you can trim the ends and set the bunch into a glass of water. You can refrigerate them until you’re ready to use them. 
  • Use Containers – Plastic bags and lidded containers help prevent moisture in your vegetables from evaporating. You can use the bags your produce came in to help. Remove any thick stems and place your produce into a container or bag. 
  • Put Ripe Fruits In The Fridge – Fruits like pineapple, mango, or avocados should be kept out at room temperature until they ripen. However, once the fruit is ripe, transfer it to the fridge to preserve freshness. 
  • Freezing – If you want to press pause on your produce’s shelf life, toss them into the freezer! Let your fruits reach desired ripeness and freeze them until solid. Break up any frozen pieces and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Chop and blanch most of your vegetables before freezing. 

Contact Our Food Distributors in NYC

Learning how to store your produce can help you save money and waste less food. If you are looking for delicious and fresh produce from food distributors in NYC, E. Armata Inc. has got you covered. To learn more helpful storage tips, be sure to contact us today!

Hunts Point Produce Market

Produce For Better Health

It’s no secret that all fruits and vegetables are good for your health. However, some produce stands out from the rest with additional health benefits. For years, E. Armata Inc. has operated out of the Hunts Point Produce Market and is well-known for its high-quality, healthy product selection. We want to share some of the best fruits and vegetables that can support and improve your overall health and wellness. Continue reading to learn more!

Produce For Better Health

No produce is unhealthy, but different fruits and vegetables have different nutrients to offer. When shopping at the Hunts Point Produce Market, you want to select the freshest, most nutritious produce that is both healthy and tasty. Create some delicious meals and reap the health benefits with produce from E. Armata Inc:

  • Spinach – Spinach is one of the healthiest vegetables, thanks to its impressive nutrient profile. Spinach is loaded with vitamins A and K and boasts plenty of antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of chronic disease. 
  • Broccoli – Broccoli is a superfood packed with protein, fiber, and crucial vitamins and minerals. Broccoli’s rich antioxidant profile may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. 
  • Carrots – Carrots are a healthy root vegetable that provides a good source of vitamins, fiber, antioxidants, and carotenoids. Carrots can potentially prevent cardiovascular disease, enhance diabetes control, and improve vision. 
  • Grapefruit – Grapefruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a crucial nutrient for collagen maintenance and wound healing. Vitamin C can also helps boost your immune system. 
  • Blueberries – Blueberries are considered superfoods for a reason. These small berries are an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and plant compounds. Eating fresh blueberries from Hunts Point Produce Market may reduce your risk of developing several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 
  • Bananas – Bananas are one of the most popular healthy fruits available. Bananas are packed with potassium, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Eating a diet rich in potassium can help lower your risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure. 

Contact The Hunts Point Produce Market

Incorporating a variety of healthy produce from the Hunts Point Produce Market into your diet is a critical aspect of staying healthy. At E. Armata Inc., our team can help you find your new favorite fruit or vegetable so that you can experience the health benefits first-hand. To learn more about our produce operation, be sure to contact us today!

Produce Companies in New York

Season Produce Guide – Winter 2022

Frigid temperatures and shorter days don’t mean that fruits and vegetables stop growing. In fact, a bountiful variety of produce are at their most flavorful during the winter season. E. Armata Inc. is one of the leading produce companies in New York dedicated to distributing fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. We’ve created a helpful seasonal produce guide. 

Winter 2022 Seasonal Produce Guide

There’s no need to wait until the summer to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is the best way to experience the maximum flavor and nutrients while saving money. Our team at E. Armata Inc.’s winter produce guide will help you choose the best produce in season. Here are some of the delicious, in-season fruits and vegetables available from our produce companies in New York:

  • Winter Squash – Winter squash hits the Hunts Point Produce Market around late September and stays through early March. Winter squash are at their prime during the fall and winter months. Their flesh is packed with potassium, Vitamin A, and carotenoids. 
  • Brussels Sprouts – Brussels sprouts are in peak season from September through February. Brussels sprouts boast the same health benefits as cabbage and are packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 
  • Pomegranates – Pomegranates are one of the most nutritious fruits available that are in season from October through January. Their beautiful red seeds provide antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties. Pomegranates support heart health, reduce diabetes risk, and help fight infection. 
  • Citrus Fruits – You can still access the taste of summer during the winter months. Citrus fruits grown in warmer clients are ripe between October and March. These fruits are dripping with vitamins, flavonoids, and antioxidants that keep you healthy all year round. 

Contact Produce Companies in New York

Despite cold, gloomy weather, the winter season provides us with plenty of tasty fruits and vegetables. The next time you visit one of the best produce companies in New York at the Hunts Point Market, use this guide to shop for the winter fruits and vegetables that are in season. At E. Armata Inc., we take pride in our high-quality products. To learn more about the best produce available during the winter, be sure to contact us today!

Hunts Point Market

Top 10 Uses For Canned Apricots In 2022

You’ve likely encountered apricots if you’ve perused the Hunts Point Market before. Fresh apricots may only be in season during the summer, but canned apricots mean delicious fruit at your fingertips all year round. Our team at E. Armata Inc. would like to share some of the best uses for canned apricots to ensure you get the most out of this delightful fruit. Continue reading to learn more.  

What Are Canned Apricots?

Apricots, along with apples and pears, are members of the Rosaceae family that are in season from May through July. Apricots are great for light snacking but can also be used for cooking and baking. Canned apricots are one of the best ways to enjoy this fruit all year round. Our apricots at the Hunts Point Market can be canned as unpeeled halves or whole fruits. Canned apricots have a much fuller flavor since they are left to ripen longer and naturally develop more flavor. 

Top 10 Uses For Canned Apricots

Canned apricots from the Hunts Point Market are a great way to incorporate more servings of fruit into your day. They have a longer shelf life than fresh fruit and provide the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy. Here are the top 10 uses for canned apricots you should try this year:

  • Spoon some apricots into a bowl and top with yogurt or oatmeal to elevate your breakfast. 
  • Serve your canned apricots with cheese to step up your next cheese plate. 
  • Add the apricots to a salad dressing. 
  • Try adding this fruit to dishes like chicken breast or pork loin for the perfect sweet and savory combination. 
  • Add apricots to your smoothies to make them thicker and more filling. This fruit also has a lot of fiber and vitamin C to support your health. 
  • Add this canned fruit to your pancakes or cake batters. 
  • Freeze them to make delicious ice cream treats. 
  • Enjoy apricots on toast or biscuits. 
  • Shake some apricots into a cocktail. 
  • Turn the canned apricots into a glaze for all things savory! 

Contact Us At The Hunts Point Market

There are many ways to use canned apricots and get the most out of this summer fruit year-round. At E. Armata Inc., we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality produce at the Hunts Point Market. To discover more information about our operation or general inquiries, be sure to contact us today!