Go CAULI, It's Your Earth Day

Today marks one of our favorite days of the year - Earth Day. A day when we can take a moment to think about all the incredible things our Earth provides us with - like nutritious vegetables, such as cauliflower (not that we’re biased, or anything). 

In fact, every day feels like Earth Day for CAULIPOWER as we support the American Heart Association Teaching Gardens, planting vegetable gardens in underserved schools throughout the country and teaching kids about the importance of healthy eating through hands-on learning.

This year, we may have the urge to celebrate Earth Day more than ever - aka, finally get outside the 4 walls of our home. Well, we’re here to help. Been thinking of which new hobby to take on after you completed your 7th puzzle of the week? Look no further. It’s time to bring those vegetable gardens into your home! 

Yup. You read that right. This Earth Day, we’re encouraging you to plant your own veggies and delicious pizza toppings from the comfort of your living room. We’re sharing some of our fave home gardens below to get you started. Better yet? We’ve shared some of our favorite healthy Earth Day recipes for you to choose from as well. Whether you only have room for a few potted plants or you have ample space for a full garden (lucky you!), here is some inspiration you can grow at home to keep you and the earth healthy. 

Herbs

Fresh-from-the-garden herbs can add flavor and fragrance to food. And, they're low maintenance enough that even those who lack a green thumb will be able to manage. 

Basil

A staple in your spice rack, basil is most commonly used in tomato sauces, pesto, or vinaigrettes. Needing just 6 hours of sunlight a day, try planting your own basil and then whipping up a Greek-inspired Tapenade and Red Onion Pizza that will taste all the more delicious with your basil. Pro tip: don't chop the leaves; instead, tear them for the most flavor. 

Parsley

From a breath freshener to a cooking spice, parsley is easy to grow, demanding not a whole lot other than lots of light and abundant water. Plus, parsley can be used in a variety of food: from mouthwatering Spicy Chicken Quesadillas to an Irish themed Lepra-CAULI Pizza, you'll find yourself using your homegrown parsley regularly. 

Cilantro

A member of the parsley family, cilantro is a versatile herb that can be used to give your food a little kick of spice. Typically best grown in light shade, cilantro can be harvested all year round. Spice up your pizza night with Red Curry Pizza or go a more traditional route with a BBQ pizza. Either way, your homegrown cilantro will add the oomph your pizza needs.

Veggies

In addition to better flavor, some of the most seasoned gardeners cite reasons for growing their own vegetables include better health, food safety, saving money, helping the environment, and having a better quality of life. Well, consider us sold.   

Tomatoes

Arguably the most popular vegetable for any size garden, tomatoes can grow in hanging baskets or other containers so long as they get lots of sun. Tomatoes help you stay healthy as they are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K! With hundreds of recipes calling for tomatoes, we suggest whipping up a Rainbow Vegetable Pizza that will properly showcase just how fresh and delicious your tomatoes are. 

Bell Peppers

From pasta to salads to tacos and omelets, bell peppers provide a tasty crunch to a wide range of popular meals. Bell peppers are filled with fiber and iron and are also a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium. Because they’re easy to grow at home with adequate light and water and packed with vitamins, you'll never get tired of adding your sweet, crunchy bell peppers to healthy recipes like Dairy-Free Pizza or Spicy Chicken Quesadillas. Show off your gardening skills by combining your freshly grown bell peppers with your homegrown tomatoes in the Rainbow Vegetable Pizza.

Jalapenos  

If you live in a place with lots of sun, you need to start growing your own jalapenos. Like, literally, start this minute. We can wait.  Because if you can handle the heat, jalapenos add the spice that your salsa and even margaritas call for. Plus, not only are they rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium, but they are also packed with carotene, which is the antioxidant that helps fight damage to your cells. Using your homegrown jalapenos, you can provide your body a nutritional boost as you throw together a healthy Keto Taco Lasagna or take your bowl game to the next level with this Chicken Tenders Bowl.

Leafy Greens 🥬

With a garden containing your favorite leafy greens at home, you'll always find a use for them. Plus, is it just us, or is it insanely frustrating when you purchase fresh greens and when you go to use them they have already gone bad? Well, cut down on the unnecessary food waste with an edible garden of your own!  

Arugula  

An easy to grow salad green, arugula is a popular choice for a home garden or window garden box. With a peppery taste that adds a little something special to healthy recipes, your homegrown arugula will taste delicious in a Dairy-Free Pizza or add the freshness needed in this Strawberry Walnut Cauliflower Crust Pizza.

Kale  

One of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, kale is surprisingly easy to grow at home. With just three or four plats of kale, your whole family will enjoy a sweet weekly harvest. Plus, kale can be used in a variety of different healthy recipes that would make even the younger, pickier eaters happy (we’re all about those Meal Hacks!). Try your homegrown kale with this kid-friendly CAULIPOWER Chicken Tender Taco recipe or this homey Winter Veggie Pizza. 

Lettuce  

Your year-round salad awaits! Easy to grow even indoors, lettuce at home will provide you the convenience of a fresh meal daily. Place your pot in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, keep the soil moist, sing to it (yes, it makes a difference), and in no time you’ll have plenty of lettuce for those healthy recipes you’ve saved on your Pinterest board. So, Lettuce Make You A Wrap!