February is canned food month, and it's the perfect time to highlight two of the most popular canned fruits and vegetables: peaches and tomatoes. These two staples offer a range of health benefits, making them a great addition to any diet.

Canned peaches are a sweet and convenient snack that can be enjoyed on their own or added to a variety of dishes. They are an excellent source of vitamins C and A, which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting good vision. Additionally, they contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion.

One of the biggest benefits of canned peaches is that they are available year-round, regardless of the season. This allows people to enjoy this sweet fruit even when it's not in season, and it also helps reduce the need for refrigeration, making it easier to store. Additionally, canned peaches are often more affordable than fresh peaches, making them a budget-friendly option for families.

Tomatoes are another popular canned food that is widely used in many dishes, from pasta sauces to soups and stews. They are a rich source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, as well as heart disease and stroke. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and fiber.

One of the advantages of canned tomatoes is that they are often more concentrated than fresh tomatoes, making them a great choice for sauces and other dishes that require a more intense tomato flavor. They are also more convenient, as they don't need to be peeled or seeded, and they are often less expensive than fresh tomatoes. Additionally, canned tomatoes are often available year-round, making it easy to enjoy the health benefits of this fruit even when it's not in season.

In conclusion, canned peaches and tomatoes are two of the most popular and versatile canned foods that offer a range of health benefits. From vitamins and antioxidants to fiber and potassium, these two staples can help support a healthy diet. So, be sure to include them in your shopping list this February and enjoy the many health benefits they have to offer

Here is an easy to prepare, family friendly, kid approved, recipe to try at home with your family. 

Roast Salmon with Savory Peach & Basil Sauce

This is elegant enough for entertaining but fast enough for a midweek dinner. Individual fillets work well too and they’ll take about 5 minutes less roasting time. Just roast the peach mixture a little bit earlier so everything is ready at once.

1¼ to 1½ lb (675 to 750 g) piece wild salmon, halibut or black cod, at least 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick or 4 fillets

Finely grated peel of 1 lemon

½ tsp (2 mL) each paprika (preferably smoked), dried thyme leaves and granulated sugar

¼ tsp (1 mL) each salt and black pepper

1 can (14 oz/398 mL) California Cling peach halves, in fruit juice or light syrup

1 cup (250 mL) cherry tomatoes

2 green onions, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces

1 garlic clove, minced

2 tsp (10 mL) olive oil

Pinch of salt

3 tbsp (45 mL) coarsely chopped fresh basil or mint

Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easier clean up. Place fish at one end of baking sheet. Stir lemon peel with seasoning and sugar. Sprinkle over fish and rub in. Roast fish 10 minutes.

Drain peaches well and cut into quarters. Place in a bowl along with tomatoes, green onions and garlic. Add oil and salt. Stir.

After 10 minutes of roasting fish, place peach mixture at other end of pan. Continue to roast 8 to 10 more minutes until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. Toss peach mixture with basil. Cut fish into serving-size pieces. Serve peach sauce spooned over top.

Serves 4 to 6.

Recipe and photo source: California Cling Peach Board

For these and more delicious recipes using canned California Cling Peaches go to www.calclingpeach.ca