So this next question is a little bit too timely…and you’ll know what I mean in just a second.

So I’m sure you’ve been hearing all the news about what to do to prevent coronavirus, what to do to cure coronavirus, etc. And the news is doing its best, what with all the reporters stuck at home. But so far, there has been a few prevailing practices that might seem to be worth the try. One of those golden words I’ve been hearing is zinc. For whatever reason, this is latest circulating rumor: that a diet full of zinc-rich foods can create a stronger immune system to battle COVID-19.

Now just like anything we hear on the news today, I didn’t have twelve reputable sources behind this particular factoid. However, I knew it never hurt to have a vitamin-rich diet and awesome immune system, so I decided to try it out.

Until our zinc pills were out.

“Out?” I asked my mom as she unloaded our Costco groceries.

“Word must’ve gotten out,” she shrugged, taking eggs out of our reusable bag.

“Geez, no wonder there was so much toilet paper. People are getting their zinc fix now. Can they not obsess over two things at once?”

Despite my musings, I had enjoyed not being infected with a novel virus up until that point. So, I asked Hal about the best alternatives.

Me: Hey Hal.

Hal: Just a sec…I’m here…how can I help you?

Me: Costco’s run dry on the zinc supply, so I need some options. What foods have zinc? Or rather, which foods have a high zinc content?

I knew this might take a minute or so for Hal to compute, so I got to work on our family quarantine puzzle. It’s a picture of a bunch of stamps. It’s at least 10% finished. It’s taken me at least three centuries.

Hal: Mushrooms. Cereals. Meat. Shellfish. Legumes. Seeds and nuts too. That ought to keep you busy if you eat all that.

If only Hal knew how quickly I could wolf down a full-course meal.

Luckily, after taking a quick mental inventory, I knew we had at least five of those things. To be frank, I needed a brief refresher on what a legume really is. The full description was a little broad, but it gave me the examples I needed: peanuts, soybeans, beans, chickpeas, lentils, etc.

After doing some research, I was thrilled to discover that edamame are also considered legumes, as they are basically baby soybeans. Growing up, my parents always served edamame fresh out of the pot, still hot and topped with a sprinkling of salt. Knowing I can go through my regular quarantine snacks like no one’s business, I decided this would be a worthwhile addition to my list.

If you want to add zinc to your diet but make it a little treat, I’d suggest honey-roasted peanuts. Now be careful — these snacks are grade A addictive, and you can go through an entire container without even knowing it. But if none of the other foods on the list appeal to you, honey-roasted peanuts can be a great “gateway legume”.

Didn’t think I’d use the phrase “gateway legume” today, but I think we’re all doing something a little different than we expected.

Kyleigh Hoye