Organic Gardening Magazine Takes the Garden to the Grill

EMMAUS, Pa., July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Grilling season is in full swing, but the same old menu of burgers, hot dogs and macaroni salad could use some fresh ingredients and ideas.   Whether you have a home garden or a local farmers' market, summer brings an abundance of fruits and vegetables that are prime for grilling.  In celebration of its 70th anniversary year, Organic Gardening magazine is keeping the season festive with recipes that take the garden to the grill.

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Produce is the tastiest and most nutrient-dense when it is in-season, and it can be more affordable too. Grilling brings out the flavors and juices in fruits and vegetables: corn and zucchini take on a delicious, smoky flavor and the natural sugars in peaches and pineapple caramelize to perfection. Not sure where to begin?  Organic Gardening's Consulting Food and Wine Editor Victoria von Biel offers the following tips for a more flavorful grilling season:

Start craving those veggies:

• Keep temperatures low and the lid closed for veggie grilling success
• Forgo the pot: toss corn on the grill for tasty, smoky flavor; dress it up Mexican-style with some spiced mayo and cheese
• Juicy, meaty, marinated Portobello mushroom burgers please meat lovers and vegetarians alike
• Tired of losing sliced onions in the flames? Pick up an affordable grill basket- they are great for delicate fish fillets, too
• Don't be afraid to experiment: grilled romaine makes a fabulous Caesar salad!

Find hot new ways to enjoy fresh fruit:

• Make sure your grill is nice and clean; you don't want your pineapple to taste like last night's salmon!
• Fruit should be firm, and not overripe for the best results
• Brush fruit with butter or a bit of oil to prevent sticking
• In-season stone fruits like peaches grill to pie-like perfection; serve with ice cream or fresh whipped cream
• Surprise guests by tossing those watermelon slices on the BBQ and squeeze some lightly grilled lime wedges on top
• Dessert is not the limit: try grilled pineapple on a burger, or grilled plums in a salad!

Go bun-free:

• Expand the menu with simple, produce-driven sauces and salsas that splash flavor on fish, steaks and chicken
• Zesty salsa verde made from garden-fresh herbs like cilantro, basil and mint takes just minutes to whip up and is perfect on almost everything: chicken, fish, steak, and grilled veggies. 
• Sweet fruity salsas can be balanced with spicy hot peppers, garlic or onions

Recipes, tips and other seasonally smart ideas can be found at www.organicgardening.com

About Organic Gardening (www.organicgardening.com)

Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2012, Rodale's Organic Gardening is the leading magazine resource for an organic approach to home, food, and garden. With the mission of "living lightly from the ground up," the magazine empowers readers to lead simpler, healthier lives by making positive connections with the world through gardening. Featuring fresh ideas for home-cooked meals, accessible tips, tools, and tricks for gardeners of all skill levels, and gorgeous photography that inspires, Organic Gardening helps readers garden to truly live their whole lives. 

Follow Organic Gardening on Twitter @OGMag and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/OrganicGardening. Organic Gardening is also available on the iPad.

Contact:
Katie Hunsberger, Brand & Digital Communications
212.808.1372
[email protected]

SOURCE Rodale Inc.