Month: March 2025

Spring is here, and that means a vibrant explosion of fresh, delicious produce is hitting our shelves! At Caputo’s, we’re celebrating the season’s bounty with the highest quality fruits and vegetables to add a burst of flavor to your meals.

At Caputo’s, we buy fresh produce daily. We follow the same process that our founder, Angelo, did when we started in 1958. Our produce buyers are up early every morning in order to get the freshest products at the best possible prices in our stores that same day. 

 Let’s explore 5 of the spring stars you’ll find in our produce department, get some ideas of what to do with them, and learn how to pick the best ones!

Pineapple

Now is the time for the juiciest pineapple! Pineapple is a great anti-inflammatory, can aid in reducing sinus issues, is good for digestion, and more.  

Pineapples are great on their own, but with their juicy taste, they are also very versatile. Try making a pineapple salsa for your chips or tacos, make a pineapple upside down cake, blend it for your favorite smoothies, top it with tajin for a spicy snack, or grill it!

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How to pick: Pineapple should be gold in color with strong, green leaves on the crown. There shouldn’t be many soft spots and it should be on the heavier side. If you can smell the sweetness coming through the bottom of the pineapple, then you know you have a good one! Pineapple can be time consuming to clean and cut. If you want to enjoy, but don’t want to take the time to clean a pineapple, stop by our cut fruit section and pick up some pre-cleaned and cut ones for you!

Asparagus

Spring is when asparagus reaches its peak! Asparagus is rich in folic acid, protects against cell damage because it is high in folate, is good for your health, and low in calories. Asparagus makes for a great, creamy soup, can compliment most pasta and risotto dishes, is yummy with prosciutto, bacon, or pancetta, can be a side to any dish, and is great in a frittata! One of our favorite ways is wrap it in bacon, top with some parmesan, and drizzle with balsamic! Get that recipe here

How to pick: Asparagus should be a deep green color with some purple undertones that fades to white as it reaches the bottom of the stalk. The stalk should be firm and straight. The tip should be relatively closed. 

Strawberries

After a long winter, there’s nothing quite like the first bite of a sun-ripened strawberry. It’s a burst of sunshine, a taste of pure joy, and a signal that spring is truly here. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making them a healthy and delicious treat.

There are tons of ways to enjoy strawberries. They are always good on their own, especially at peak freshness. You can add them on top of our homemade angel food cake and top with whipped cream, make a strawberry shortcake, add them into a fresh salad, add to yogurts, and more!

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How to pick: You want to look for bright red, plump berries with fresh green caps. It is always good to avoid berries that are bruised or mushy.

Arugula 

Arugula is a green that is harvested young, so it is great in early spring through fall! Arugula is nutritionally strong and known for its high levels of vitamins and minerals, like calcium, folate, vitamin c, vitamin k, and vitamin A– just to name a few. Arugula can be used in so much. You can use it in a salad– try it with some fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and salt for a light salad or a heartier salad with fresh fruits and nuts! It is great on a pizza, in a sandwich, or in a  homemade pesto. 

How to pick: You want a bright green color with strong leaves. The arugula should look dry. At home, you can store your arugula in an airtight container with paper towels to extend its shelf life. 

Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green powerhouse and spring is its time to shine! Spring spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, offering a healthy dose of iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. Its rich nutrient profile supports immune function, eye health, and overall well-being.

Spinach is a great base for salads, either on its own or paired with some other greens.You can add it to your smoothies– it blends seamlessly with fruits like bananas, berries, and mangos. You can saute it and use it as a side, incorporate it into your pastas and risottos, or add it into a quiche or omelet! 

How to pick: You want to look for vibrant, green leaves and spinach that feels crisp. 

Feeding Families and Their Traditions from Generation to Generation

Pasta– it’s a blank canvas for flavors, and a comfort food staple. But have you ever heard of St. Joseph’s Pasta? It’s more than just a dish; it’s a tradition, a symbol of gratitude, and a delicious reminder of a legendary miracle.

The Legend and the Feast:

The story goes that during a severe drought in Sicily, the people prayed to St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers and families, for relief. Their prayers were answered with much-needed rain, saving their crops, particularly fava beans. In gratitude, they prepared a feast in St. Joseph’s honor, featuring dishes made with the bountiful harvest.

And thus, St. Joseph’s Day, celebrated on March 19th, became synonymous with elaborate altars laden with food, particularly pasta. This isn’t just any pasta, though. It’s often a special preparation, reflecting the region and the spirit of the celebration. We are going to walk you through 2 of the most popular variations of Pasta San Giuseppe. 

Pasta con Sarde

This recipe is traditional to the Sicilian region. These are the main components: 

• Sardines and Anchovies: These provide a salty, savory base for the sauce.
• Wild Fennel: This aromatic herb adds a distinctive, slightly sweet flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
• Sweet Elements: In some regions, sweet elements are added to the pasta, like raisins or figs, representing the abundance of the harvest.
• Shapes and Preparations: You’ll find a variety of pasta shapes used, from traditional long pasta like spaghetti or bucatini to more unique shapes. The pasta is often dressed with a rich, savory sauce, sometimes including a tomato base, and finished with the toasted breadcrumbs.

The dish offers a unique combination of salty (from the sardines and anchovies), sweet (from the raisins), and aromatic (from the wild fennel and saffron) flavors. We make this easy by using Cuoco Condimento which is specifically made for Pasta con Sarde. It is made with all the seasonings for this traditional Sicilian dish. It has fennel, Sardines, Raisins, Onions, Oil and Spices already in it saving you tons of prep, time, and cleaning!

Sawdust Pasta

This version of St. Joseph pasta is popular in the Puglia region! “Sawdust pasta” is a common nickname for a traditional St. Joseph’s Day pasta dish, and it refers to the toasted breadcrumbs that are a key component. St. Joseph was a carpenter, and the toasted breadcrumbs are said to resemble sawdust. This is a symbolic way of honoring his profession

The main components of this dish are

• Long Cuts of Pasta like mafaldine or bucatini which are to resemble wooden plans
• Anchovies for flavor
• Toasted Breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture and the St. Joseph symbolism
• Red Pepper Flakes for a little spice if you want
• Fresh Parsley for fresh herbs

This is a very simple dish with a lot of flavor and a lot of meaning!

Want to try them out? We have recipes for both dishes! Get both recipes here

St. Joseph’s Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a story, a tradition, and a reminder of the power of faith and gratitude. So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting and meaningful meal, consider giving this humble hero of Italian cuisine a try. You might just find yourself creating a new tradition of your own.

Feeding Families and Their Traditions from Generation to Generation

St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th, is more than just a religious holiday; it’s a vibrant celebration of family, faith, and, most importantly, food. Especially in Italian communities, the day is marked by elaborate feasts and symbolic dishes that have been passed down through generations. 

The story goes that in the middle ages, Sicily was going through a severe drought. This was cause for concern because no rain would ruin their crops and could have potentially led to a famine as well. The people prayed to St. Joseph in hopes of rain. Sure enough, the rain came and the crops were salvaged. To celebrate, feasts were prepared and shared with everyone– wealthy and poor. 

There are many traditional items you can eat in honor of St. Joseph’s Day or that you’ll find at a st. Joseph’s Day Table– here are 4 of them!

St. Joseph’s Day Bread

Bread holds a special significance. Elaborate loaves, shaped into crosses, St. Joseph’s staff, and other religious symbols, adorn the tables. These breads are often sprinkled with sesame seeds, representing abundance and prosperity. We make these in our bakery and have them in the shape of a cross, a crown, or in a staff in honor of St. Joseph’s staff.

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These are available for special order, so call or email our bakery or visit your local store!

Fava Beans

Fava beans play a symbolic role. Legend has it that during a severe famine in Sicily, fava beans were the only crop that survived, saving the people from starvation. Thus, they became associated with St. Joseph, who is believed to have interceded on their behalf. You’ll often find fava beans incorporated into various dishes or offered as a simple, roasted snack. Fava beans are also considered a lucky bean. Many people carry fava beans with them because it is said that if you carry fava beans with you, you will never go hungry!

Pasta San Giuseppe

“Pasta con Sarde” is a quintessential dish, featuring a long cut of pasta tossed with sardines or anchovies, and topped with toasted breadcrumbs. There are many nods to St. Joseph’s job as a carpenter. The long cuts of pasta like mafaldine or bucatini are to resemble a plank of wood and the breadcrumbs are to resemble saw dust.

Zeppole

And for dessert? It’s all about “Zeppole.” These are fried dough pastries, filled with various fillings. We make ours homemade in our bakery and offer them with creamy custard, cannoli filling, or a nutella filling! These are a decadent treat that are a must on st. Joseph’s Day!

St. Joseph’s Day food traditions are more than just recipes; they’re a cultural legacy. Each dish tells a story, each ingredient holds a meaning. These traditions connect us to our past, strengthen family bonds, and remind us of the importance of generosity and compassion; and at Caputo’s, we are committed to keeping traditions alive!

St. Joseph’s Day is also considered Father’s Day in Italy, so happy father’s day to all the dads!

Feeding Families and Their Traditions from Generation to Generation