Bite-sized Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas

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Surprise mom on her special day with a batch of these bite-sized treats, a fresh floral bouquet and a heartwarming note. We’ve rounded up three of our blogger friends to share their Mother’s Day recipes. Mini Quiche Recipe

Gluten-free Mini Quiche Recipe

Recipe By: One Lovely Life food blog Whether you’re making brunch for a crowd or doing weekly meal prep, these mini quiches with hash brown crusts are the perfect dish to serve! They are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, and you can fill them with your favorite toppings! Ingredients:
  • 1 16-oz. pkg. Sprouts Brand Organic Frozen Hash Browns, thawed
  • 3–4 Tbsp. Sprouts Brand Olive Oil, melted butter or ghee
  • 1–2 cups Toppings (see below for suggestions)
  • 8 Eggs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste.
Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns with olive oil.
  3. Divide hash browns between 12 muffin cups. Press down the center to create a well and press the sides firmly against the rim of the muffin cup.
  4. Bake hash brown “cups” at 425°F for 20–30 minutes, or until they start to brown.
  5. Remove from oven and add desired toppings to the center of each hash brown cup.
  6. Whisk eggs in a small bowl (or liquid measuring cup with a spout) with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Working gently, pour egg mixture over the toppings just to fill.
  8. Bake again at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, or until centers are just set.
  9. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a cooling rack.
 
Fruit Tart Recipe

Mini Yogurt Fruit Tart Recipe

Recipe By: Recipes to Nourish Mini Yogurt Fruit Tarts are a fun little bite for special occasions and brunches. These healthy, grain-free tarts are topped with protein-rich Greek yogurt and fresh berries, nestled on a homemade pistachio crust.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup Pistachios, shelled
  • 4 Medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 Tbsp. Sprouts Brand Cocoa or cacao powder
  • 1 Tbsp. Sprouts Brand Butter, melted (can also use melted ghee or avocado oil)
  • 3/4–1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1–1 1/2 cup Fresh organic berries
  • 4 Tbsp. Organic apricot preserves (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place Medjool dates in a small bowl and cover with warm water to soak and soften for about 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Get a muffin pan ready and set aside.
  3. Place pistachios, soaked and drained Medjool dates, cocoa powder and healthy fat of choice in a food processor.
  4. Pulse about 3–5 times, just until combined (do not over mix it or it will turn into pistachio butter).
  5. Evenly distribute mixture in 12 muffin cups.
  6. Using clean hands, press the mixture down into each muffin cup, forming a mini crust that covers the bottom and comes up the edges about 1/2 inch.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 7–8 minutes.
  8. Allow the mini tarts to cool completely in the muffin pan, about 30 minutes, before gently removing the mini tart crusts (do not attempt to remove them until they are completely cool or they will break).
  9. Top each mini tart with about 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Add 1 teaspoon of the optional apricot preserves on top of the yogurt.
  10. Top with each mini tart with fresh berries.
  11. Serve immediately.
 
Egg Bites Recipe

Mushroom & Sun-dried Tomato Egg Bite Recipe

Recipe By: Handmade in the Heartland These delicious veggie-filled egg cups are perfect for brunch!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 Sprouts Brand Organic Eggs
  • 2/3 cup Milk
  • 2 cups Cheese, shredded (1 cup each Havarti & Fontina)
  • 1 8-oz. container Crimini mushrooms, diced
  • 1 Garlic clove, diced
  • 1/3 cup Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. Sprouts Brand Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp. Fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tsp. Sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat, add olive oil and mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms release their juices, then add garlic and rosemary. Cook for 1–2 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Add eggs to a large mixing bowl and beat. Add the mushroom mixture along with the remaining ingredients and mix well.
  4. Pour into 24 mini muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray or buttered. Fill each muffin cup 3/4 full.
  5. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. You want the middle of the eggs to be fully cooked and not wobbly.
  6. Remove and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
 

DIY Gift Bundles for Mother’s Day

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Need a last minute Mother’s Day gift? Look no further than these DIY gift baskets your mom will love! Mother’s Day is just around the corner and you may be rushing to find the perfect gift for mom. A gift basket made by you is a thoughtful, practical and personalized gift that any mother in your life will cherish. Check out these easy, DIY gift basket ideas created by our friends at Fresh Mommy Blog; Food, Pleasure & Health; and One Lovely Life!

The Ultimate Pampering Gift Bundle by Fresh Mommy Blog

If anyone needs a little pampering in their lives, it’s the mamas of the world! Give her the gift she may not give herself – everything she needs for an evening of relaxation and pampering.

Supplies:Basket filled with assortment of gifts.

  • Body Wash – Nubian Heritage Patchouli & Buriti
  • Body Lotion – Nubian Heritage Patchouli & Buriti
  • Body Scrub – Nubian Heritage Patchouli & Buriti
  • Pretty Soap – Sappohill Oatmeal Soap Bar
  • Candle – Tru Mélange Harmony Vanilla & Peppermint
  • Bath Bomb
  • Body brush or natural sponge
  • Wine – Gérard Bertrand Coté des Roses
  • Chocolates
  • Flowers
  • Basket
  • Hand towels

Instructions:

  1. Start with a color theme! While browsing the bath and beauty aisles of Sprouts, I landed on the theme of blush and vanilla. The Nubian Heritage bottles were pretty, and the perfect start to our themed basket. The product also smelled fantastic!
  2. Gather any items that would make bath-time a pampering and relaxing experience. In keeping with the vanilla theme, the Tru Mélange candle fit right in. The pumice stone and brush combo matched, and so did the oatmeal soap.
  3. Next, it was time to add a few extra treats. Chocolates are definitely part of a pampering experience, and I picked up a couple containers of various chocolates to put in mason jars to add to the look and feel of the gift basket. You could use goodie bags, add ribbon, tags, etc.
  4. Don’t forget something to drink! Mom’s favorite tea, coffee or wine makes a great pairing for a night of pampering. Rosé is not only a top choice, it’s also a beautiful one! This bottle of Gérard Bertrand Coté des Roses was stunning and I knew the bottle could even be reused later.
  5. Grab a beautiful bouquet to top off the basket, and you’re ready to go!
  6. Using towels, wash cloths or even a robe, begin to build the ultimate pampering basket by layering the items so each is visible and compliments the others.

Loves to Cook Bundle by Food, Pleasure & Health

Each item in this basket is hand-picked for moms who are adventurous cooks and are ready for more finesse in the kitchen.

Supplies:

Supplies:

  1. Gather all of the supplies from your favorite craft store and ingredients from Sprouts.
  2. Lay the basket flat on the floor and put empty cardboard box or riser inside for height.
  3. Cover the riser/cardboard box with tissue paper or fabric.
  4. Arrange the ingredients; think about color combination and height to make it visually appealing.
  5. Cover with cellphone bag, bows or other decorations as desired.

Natural Beauty Bundle by One Lovely Life

This gorgeous basket is full of natural beauty favorites—from makeup to self-care and more. This is the perfect gift for the beauty lover in your life.

Ingredients:Assortment of gifts in a basket.

Instructions:

  1. Assemble all items in your favorite basket or bag.
  2. Give along with fresh flowers.

Make the Switch

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It’s what’s inside that counts! Our Sprouts Brand products are free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives and sweeteners. Try these great healthy options—for food you can feel good about.

Sprouts Brand Red Lentil PastaProtein Pasta 

Swap heavy for healthy! Our gluten-free, protein pastas are made with only one ingredient. All three varieties are made from vibrant vegetables, imported from Italy and pack more than 10 grams of protein per serving.   

Spray Ghee 

Good-for-you ghee is now in a convenient spray. Enjoy the healthful difference of grass-fed, pasture-raised ghee—free of additives and lactose, and perfect for cooking at high temperatures. It’s loaded with fat-soluble nutrients and CLA, which may lower cholesterol.  

Sprouts Brand Exotic Fruit MixExotic Frozen Fruit  

No need to travel to the islands when our exotic fruits are frozen and ready-to-eat! Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, pop these vibrant fruit pieces in smoothies, yogurt or right in your mouth! 

Organic Pizza

Our organic pizzas are made I’m the authentic Italian tradition—the dough is left to rest and raise for 24 hours, then hand-stretched and the perfect amount of sauce, cheese and quality toppings are added.

Sprouts Brand Veggie CrispsCrispy Fruit and Veggie Chips 

Carefully dried to retain all the nutrients and flavor of fresh produce, these crispy fruit and veggie snacks are imported from Thailand, and are vibrant and incredibly delicious. A healthy alternative to chips, you can snack better with each non-GMO bite of these fruit and veggie chips.  

Crème Brûlée

The crème de la crème! This French treat is made with authentic, rich vanilla cream and a brown sugar topping that’s ready for caramelizing!

Ready to try some of these delicious, good-for-you foods? SHOP SPROUTS BRAND NOW

Top Picks (from Our Team Members!)

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Sprouts Team Member: Denise Drop

Ground Flaxseeds

I love the Sprouts Vitamins Organic Ground Flaxseeds. A great source of omega-3s and fiber, I sprinkle them on a bowl with fruit and oats each morning to start my day. I love to share recipes, like flaxseed pie crust, with our customers! —Denise Drop, vitamins clerk, store #410 – Glendora, California 
  Sprouts Team Member: Eric Kurland

Aloe Juice

When I began working at Sprouts a few years ago, I weighed over 250 pounds. I started eating healthier and have since lost 85 pounds. One of the products I love is the Sprouts Brand Aloe Vera Pomegranate juice—it tastes great and it offers detoxifying benefits too!  —Eric Kurland, service manager, store #236 – Burbank, California 
  Sprouts Team Member: Karen Brackett

Inflacalm & Super Joint Complex

My favorite Sprouts item is Inflacalm. I suffer from some disc issues in my neck and Inflacalm paired with the Sprouts Super Joint Complex help support the structure and quell the inflammation in my neck. I’m currently training to run the Ragnar Relay in Utah and have noticed a difference in my ankles and knees as well.  —Karen Brackett, vitamin manager, store #605 – Jordan, Utah  
  Sprouts Team Member: Toby Kitterman

Coconut Water

My favorite Sprouts Brand product is our coconut water. I normally buy two cases a week for my family. We’re very active and it helps to keep us hydrated in the New Mexico desert so we can maintain our outdoor activities longer. —Toby Kitterman, regional director, New Mexico/Southwest  

Ready to find your new Sprouts Brand favorite? START SHOPPING NOW at sprouts.com

 

We Go the Extra Mile

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Sprouts Brand Products for LunchWe seek out specially imported and better-for-you items to create unique taste experiences. Learn more about our authentically sourced products.

Market Corner Organic Bread

Made with 100% organic whole-wheat flour, our organic breads feature hearty whole grains and come in five nutritious varieties, including thin sliced!

Market Corner Sliced Cheese

Our rBST-free Market Corner cheeses have no added hormones and are made from creamy, whole milk for a difference you can taste.  

Butcher Shop Air-chilled Organic Chicken

Our Butcher Shop Air-chilled Organic Chicken is fed a certified organic diet while having plenty of access to the outdoors. With better flavor and texture, our organic chicken is tender and incredibly juicy.  

Did you know?

Air-chilled chicken is cooled by passing the meat through several chambers to be blasted by cold, purified air. This results in a more tender chicken since it’s not submerged in ice water to cool and absorb any excess. It’s also kind to the earth, saving 30,000 gallons of water every day. 

Mango and Pineapple Juices

Taste the tropics—with every sip! Enjoy 100% juice made with the sweetest, ripest mangos and pineapples from the Philippines. 

Cheese Bites

Our poppable, protein-packed cheese bites are made with 100% Italian cheese and are gluten- and lactose-free. They’re oven-baked for an incredibly crisp, crunchy bite that is sure to satisfy the cheese lover in us all.   

Vegan Pesto

A vibrant addition to any pasta dish; this pesto is sourced from Italy, completely vegan and very, very tasty. Spread on sandwiches or toss with cooked angel hair or penne for a simple, delicious meal in minutes.

Dark Chocolate Dipped Coconut Rolls

Imported from Thailand, these light, crispy rolls are made with real coconut milk and dipped in rich dark chocolate for an incredibly unique, sweet flavor experience.   

Eco-friendly Tips for Earth Day

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Earth Day

Celebrate the Earth from Home

There’s no need to go far–you can join in on the celebration with these five sustainable tips and DIYs.

Tip 1: DIY Sustainable All-purpose Cleaner

Put the clean back in your all-purpose cleaner! This DIY cleaner is free from harmful toxins, making it a better option for you and the Earth. Plus, it’s perfect for cleaning almost every mess.

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 1/2 cup White vinegar
  • 15-20 drops Essential Oil of choice

    • How to: In a spray bottle, combine and mix ingredients, shaking if needed.

    Tip 2: Composting

    Make your house plants and your planet happy with compost! Compost is the mixture of organic material that helps fertilize the soil that brings our Earth and all its plants to life. Not only does composting benefit the planet, but it’s also super easy to do at home!

    Step 1: Choose your location! Composting is easy to do both outside in your backyard, or inside in a bin. If you’re looking to compost outside, make sure it’s placed in a dry and shady area. If the outdoors isn’t your thing, no worries! All you need is a bin that you can leave under the sink, or on your counter.

    Step 2: Once you’ve decided where you’ll be composting, the next step is to gather your materials. Using dried leaves as the base of your compost, mix in kitchen scraps like veggies or fruits for your wet matter. Remember, you should always have about three times the amount of dry matter to your wet matter.

    Step 3: Now it’s time to layer! Keep using materials from your yard and your kitchen to build your compost. If your compost starts to smell, add dry material, and if it looks too dry, add water and wet matter. Make sure to turn your compost weekly. Once your compost appears to be a dark rich soil, you know you’ve succeeded—happy composting!

    Tip 3: Eat Plant-based

    Celebrate Earth Day by trying out a plant-based diet! Plant-based nutrition is a diet derived from eating plant-based proteins, dairy alternatives and even meatless meats! Now, with so many delicious options, going plant-based for yourself and the planet is easier than ever!

    Good for You: A diet that incorporates more plant-based foods is shown to be higher in dietary fiber and lower in saturated fats and calories when compared to diets higher in meat and dairy intake. Eating more plant-based foods may also help maintain healthy heart function, blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

    Good for Our Earth: The production of plant-based products has proven to be an environmentally sustainable enterprise. By reducing the production of animal-based products and increasing the consumption of plant-based products, communities can lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce waste and energy usage.

    Get into the festivities this Earth Day by cooking up some delicious, plant-based recipes–perfect for supporting you and our Earth!

    Tip 4: Reusable Water Bottles

    A reusable water bottle is an easy and cost-effective way to be good to our Earth! Single-use plastic bottles often don’t get recycled, making them harder for our Earth to break down. Luckily, glass and stainless-steel water bottles can be bought just about anywhere and are the perfect on-the-go.

    Tip 5: Grow a Food-scrap Garden

    If you’ve got leftover scraps from your produce, you can easily grow more with these simple tips. Try this variety for an at-home salsa garden.

    Tomatoes: Remove the seeds from the inside of a ripe tomato, allow them to dry and plant in a small pot of soil. Place in direct sunlight and water two to three times per week. Once the plant is large enough, you can move it to a bigger pot and continue growing it outside.

    Peppers: Peppers are great to have on hand for a variety of recipes! The best part is that they’re super easy to grow on your own. Take the seeds from your pepper and plant them in soil, avoid direct sunlight and watch them grow!

    Garlic: Next time you bring home a head of garlic, remove one of the cloves and plant it with the root down in the soil. Keep outside in the sunlight and water two to three times per week.

    Cilantro: Cilantro can grow new leaves by simply placing the stems in a shallow cup of water near, or on a windowsill–it’s as easy as that!

    Onion: Cut the root of the onion at about 1/2-inch thick and place in soil. Allow the onion to get plenty of sunlight and keep the soil moist by watering as needed.

    SHOP OUR FAVORITE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS

    5 Easy Ideas for Throwing a Grad Party

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    by Katie Sullivan Morford, RDN, founder of Mom’s Kitchen Handbook  Graduation party food ideasGraduation is nearly here. If you’ve got a high school, college or even grad student about to collect a diploma, festivities are in order. It can be tricky to plan and execute, since graduation season can feel overwhelmingly busy. Just know that there is no one-size-fits-all way to celebrate. Here are five fun graduation party food ideas—pick the right one for you and your graduate.

    Backyard BBQ

    With the weather warming up, move the party outdoors to minimize indoor chaos. It’s an ideal solution for more casual gatherings. Go with ribs, burgers and dogs, making sure you have a main dish option for vegetarians as well. Add a few favorite salads and a platter of fresh fruit, and your job is done.
    • Make It Special: For dessert, arrange a make-your-own-ice-cream-sandwich bar. Set out Bakery Cookie Trays from Sprouts, a tub of vanilla ice cream, and an ice cream scooper and let everyone get to it.

    Open House

    If you want to invite a lot of people without a lot of work, an open house is the way to go. It can be as straightforward as putting together a few simple appetizers and setting up a bar with your favorite drinks. With Sprouts, you can make it a little more substantial with no effort by ordering Pretzel Hoagie Platters along with a Fresh Vegetable and Hummus Tray.
    • Make It Special: Create a signature mocktail to serve the graduates, such as pineapple/orange juice blended with fresh strawberries served over ice with little paper umbrellas for added flair.

    Sit-down Dinner

    For something on the more intimate side, a sit-down dinner is a pretty sweet way to celebrate. Start off with an elegant Signature Cheese Tray from Sprouts. For the entree, side and salad, poll your graduate to find out their favorite dishes. If they’re off to college, these are the recipes they’re going to miss!
    • Make It Special: Put your graphic design skills to work by printing an official menu to put at each place setting. It will make the evening feel special and doubles as graduation memorabilia.

    Brunch

    Depending on the timing of graduation, doing brunch can be a lively way to celebrate. If you have a signature brunch recipe, now is the time to pull it out. If not, start by settling on one main dish, ideally something you can make ahead, such as an egg casserole or baked French toast. Fill in from there by adding a Fresh Fruit Trays and a European Bakery Tray from Sprouts. Make it extra pretty by arranging the fruit and baked goods on your best platters (nobody needs to know they didn’t come out of your own kitchen!).
    • Make It Special: Pick up flowers and balloons that are the colors of your graduate’s soon-to-be school. It won’t go unnoticed.

    Potluck

    If your budget is tight, consider joining forces with families of other graduates and host a potluck. Map out a game plan, dividing up main dishes, sides, salads, desserts and beverages so you have a nice balance on the table. Keep clean up easy (and eco-friendly) by using the compostable paper goods sold at Sprouts.
    • Make It Special: Gather or make a few silly props, masks, and signs, and set up a make-shift photo booth. If you can get your hands on an instant camera, everyone goes home with a memento from the day.

    Instagram Story Giveaway

    Take a peek at our Instagram Story on Wednesday, 5/8 for a chance to win Katie’s cookbook! No purchase necessary to enter or win. The giveaway is open to legal residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. Official rules.
    Katie Sullivan Morford

    Meet Our Food Blogger

    Katie Sullivan Morford is a food writer, registered dietitian, and author of the recently published book PREP: The Essential College Cookbook. She has two other cookbooks, Rise & Shine: Better Breakfasts for Busy Mornings and Best Lunch Box Ever. Katie has written and developed recipes for a number of publications, including Real Simple, Family Circle, Parents, Self, the San Francisco Chronicle and the New York Times. She is also the voice behind the popular blog Mom’s Kitchen Handbook, which features recipes, nutrition advice, and weekly meal plans for busy families. Katie has an undergraduate degree in English literature along with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and three daughters. Katie Sullivan Morford: Moms Kitchen Handbook

    Sports Nutrition: Get the Most from Your Workout

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    sports nutrition supplements surrounded by workout equipment

    Kick-start your health goals!

    Starting a new health and fitness routine can be overwhelming. We’re here to break down what pre and post-workout nutrition looks like, so you can focus on grabbing your gym bag, nourishing your body with delicious but nutritious food, and crushing your health goals—no matter what they may be!

    Focus on nutrition first

    An important first question to ask is, how hard are you working out? Are you strolling around the block a couple of times, or taking your 10-mile, half-marathon training run? The harder your workout, the more key it is to fuel up as well as replenish your body’s nutrients. Undereating or not eating the right balance of protein, fats and carbs could leave you feeling sore and run down. So ensure you’re nourishing yourself properly throughout the day to repair and recover for your next workout.

    Vitamins & supplements

    No matter what your fitness level is or how hard your exercise routine may be, getting all the nutrients your body needs for optimal health is a worthy goal. Even when we’re eating our best, sometimes we miss our nutritional mark. A simple daily regimen that includes multivitamins, omega-rich oils, probiotics and superfoods is a great practice. At Sprouts, we call this the Essential 4—read more about the benefits of these supplements!

    Meal timing

    As with many things in life, timing is everything. Fueling up about one to three hours before you intend to exercise is ideal. When you’re finished, refueling 15 to 20 minutes after your exercise is best. If that sounds unmanageable, having a post-workout snack within an hour to an hour and a half still helps your body to maximize those nutrients, replenishing the muscle proteins that were used up with activity.

    Protein & carbs

    Now that you know whento eat before and after a workout, what about the what? Protein plays an important role in rebuilding and repairing your body. That’s why it should be a part of both your pre and post-workout routine. Likewise, it’s equally important to take in carbs before and after—they’re the fuel your body craves!

    Pre-workout

    You may want to consider a pre-workout supplement to help keep you focused and motivated. Here are some of the things you might see listed in the ingredients:
    • Taurine is an amino acid found in the brain, organ tissue and muscles. A neurotransmitter, it regulates the transport of nutrients throughout the body.
    • Creatine is synthesized from amino acids and may help to improve muscle performance as well as lessen cramping.
    • Citrulline is an amino acid that naturally occurs in your body. It may help increase blood flow to your body’s tissues.
    • Beta-alanine is an amino acid produced in your liver which may help delay muscle fatigue.
    • L-arginine helps create nitric oxide which relaxes your blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow and oxygen exchange.
    • Betaine is a fat processing amino acid that helps to maintain liver function.
    • Caffeine can help raise your metabolic rate, improve endurance and reduce fatigue because it stimulates your central nervous system.
    • Guarana is a plant-based stimulant with two times the caffeine of coffee.
    Note: If you’re watching your caffeine intake, a way to gauge the amount in a supplement is to remember a cup of coffee has about 95 milligrams of caffeine in it.

    Recovery & Post-workout

    Developing a post-exercise routine is important for recovery as well as maximizing the effects of your workout. Remember the three Rs:
    • Refuel: Now is the time for carbohydrates—your body needs them to replenish glycogen!
    • Rebuild: After you’ve exercised, your muscles are most primed for the protein they need to rebuild themselves.
    • Rehydrate: Remember to stay hydrated. Water enhanced with electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium) helps restore balance in your body. Or try coconut water, it’s filled with naturally occurring electrolytes.
    In addition to getting the three Rs, you’ll want to be sure to get some good Zs. While we are sleeping, our bodies focus on muscle recovery, hormone balance and neurological restoration—all crucial to our overall well-being as well as athletic performance. Explore more about this foundation of good health.

    Shop Fitness Essentials

    SHOP NOW

    Peppers: Hot, Hotter, Hottest

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    Chile Peppers

    So Hot Right Now!

    Loaded with nutrients like vitamins A, C and B9 (folic acid), peppers are also low-calorie and a good source of fiber. You can’t talk about peppers without talking about capsaicin, the chemical compound that provides the heat we experience when eating peppers. It can make you sweat, your eyes water and nose run. Capsaicin can also release a rush of endorphins—which is why some people love them! The hotness of a pepper is measured by the Scoville heat scale ranging from zero to 16 million SHU (Scoville heat units). For reference, bell peppers rank zero SHU and jalapeños weigh in at 2,500–8,000 SHU.

    Types of Hot Peppers You’ll Find at Sprouts

    Long Hots (100–1,000 SHU)
    • Sweet with a slight sizzle
    • Roast ‘em or pan fry with olive oil
    • Not as hot as a jalapeño
    Anaheim Pepper (500–2,500 SHU)
    • Mild fruity sweetness with a touch of heat
    • Super versatile, try them in salsa or chiles rellenos
    • Usually green, when left on the vine to turn red, they’re called chile Colorado
    Hungarian Wax Pepper(1,000–15,000 SHU)
    • Tangy, it looks like a banana pepper, but has more heat
    • Great tossed in a salad
    • Can be eaten raw
    Jalapeño (2,500–8,000 SHU)
    • Perfect for those who like a little kick
    • A smoke-dried jalapeño is called a chipotle
    • Can be eaten raw and are perfect in pico de gallo
    Habanero (100,000–350,000 SHU)
    • Fruity flavor with serious fire
    • Good for mixing with tropical flavors like mango in salsa
    • Range in color from yellows, to oranges and reds
    Ghost Pepper (855,000–1,041,427 SHU)
    • Fruity and tropical, intensely hot
    • Whip up a BBQ sauce
    • 100 times hotter than a jalapeño
    Dried Reaper (1,400,000–2,200,000 SHU)
    • Sweet and fruity with fiery heat
    • Mix into a hot salsa
    • A cross between a ghost pepper and a red habanero

    What to Do If You’ve Eaten a Pepper That’s Too Hot

    Your natural inclination after eating a pepper-shaped inferno will likely be to reach for water—after all, you feel like your mouth is on fire. This would be a rookie maneuver though. Capsaicin is an oil; and oil and water don’t mix. Drinking water will just spread the fire. Instead, try one of these remedies.
    • Water & vinegar mixed together, can be swished and spit out. This combination helps to break down the fats of the capsaicin, cooling your mouth.
    • Beer with a healthy squeeze of lime can have similar results as the water and vinegar combination (but you can drink this elixir!), with the added bonus that the carbonation has a cooling and soothing effect as well.
    • Dairy, because of the protein casein, can help to neutralize the heat as well. If you’ve made your dish too spicy, tone it down with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt—it’ll make a world of difference.

    TIP:

    When you’re prepping and cooking peppers, always wear a pair of latex or nitrile gloves to keep the oils from getting on your hands. If you don’t have gloves? Don plastic bags while you chop and prep the hot peppers.

    START YOUR SHOPPING LISTORDER FOR DELIVERY