March 2013 Newsletter

New Farmers Join Us! 

Welcome Gama Farms

Potatoes, Onions, Garlic & More

Gama Farms is from Arvin, CA (near Bakersfield) and started up in 1989 by Jesus and Maria Elena Gama. On nearly 80 acres, the family grows a wide variety of produce seasonally, with a focus on potatoes and onions available year round. They also sell free-range eggs. Come and say hi this Tuesday!

Nuvo Olive Olive 

California EVOO!

Did you know we have a new certified olive oil farmer at the market? Nuvo Olive Oil is a brand new family run business operated by brothers, Nathan and Joshua Mardigian. Their olive orchard is located up north in Oroville. Their California certified extra-virgen olive oil is so freshly crushed you can taste the wonderful minerals and antioxidants that make olive oil such a rich heart healthy food. And, don't forget to bring your empty bottles because they can filler up for you! Come and welcome this team of brothers and sample their olive oil this Tuesday. 

Natural Easter Egg Dye

Easy All Natural Recipes

Want to keep it clean and healthy this Easter with colored eggs you'll actually want to eat later? Skip that "Red No. 3" food coloring and pick up some fresh ingredients at the market to do it right. Blueberries, red cabbage, yellow onions, carrots, raspberries--we've got it all to help you create bright and cheery Easter eggs for that hunt around the house. Check out these recipes courtesy of ecocrazymom.com

See you Tuesday!
-MBCFM

February 2013 Newsletter

Farm-to-table Heart Healthy FOods & getting to know your Farmers

Spread the Love of Health with Heart Healthy Fresh Foods

Valentine's Day has come and gone, but why not continue to spread the love with fresh heart healthy foods your heart will go pitter patter for. Check out what we've got: 

Avocados

Avocados are in season and it's high time we take them off the "too fat, no thanks" list. Yes, avos are high in fat, but the type of fat really matters. Avos are rich in healthy fats, otherwise known as monounsaturated fats, that promote good cardiovascular health. They can help lower bad cholesterol and give you a boost of good cholesterol. Research has also pointed to their anti-inflammatory benefits which help when the body is sick. Avos are also an excellent fruit rich in fiber to keep your digestive system healthy. Pick up your fresh avos this Tuesday from Atkins Nursery and George Bliss Premium Avocados. 

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries--not only are they sweet and fresh, but rich in heart healthy antioxidants. The antioxidants found in berries can help prevent or reduce inflammation in the body, which helps reduce your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Research has shown blueberries in particular can offer added protection to your heart by helping maintain healthy blood pressure. Visit Santiago Farms on Tuesday for a wide variety of berries to please the heart. 

Farmer Spotlight: Atkins Nursery

When's the last time you had a guava? How about a cherimoya? Fresh blood orange? Delicious fuerte avocado? If you just answered no or never to these questions--oh boy, you are missing out on some of the best tropical winter produce Southern California has to offer! Atkins Nursery is from Fallbrook, CA and grow amazing seasonal fruit-bearing trees. They've got everything from fresh citrus and aromatic guava, to beautifully ripe avocados. They even have 5lb and 10lb bags of tree-ripened oranges to help you satisfy your fresh squeezed juice cravings at home. Swing by this Tuesday for a sample and find out what's new in season! 

Kids in the Kitchen Update

Our last Kids in the Kitchen cooking extravaganza with Sarah Beck was amazing. The kids had so much fun preparing fresh farm-to-table recipes and we're always excited to help parents encourage healthy eating habits. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on our next Kids in the Kitchen event coming up in March so you can be sure to bring the kiddos by. 

Sugar Snap Pea Citrus Salad

This time of year we're lucky enough to get early spring veggies like snap peas, but we're still holding onto the best and most flavorful citrus varieties. Reinvent your usual salad by trying fresh seasonal farmers' market produce. Give this vegan salad featuring snap peas, artichokes, arugula, and grapefruit a try, courtesy of lunchboxbunch.com. Enjoy!

See you Tuesday!

-MBCFM

January 2013 Newsletter

STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER 

Cold & Flu Season is Here, Fresh Fruits & Veggies to the Rescue! 

It's that time of year again when everywhere you go, someone seems to be coughing and sneezing nearby. To help keep you healthy this winter (or recover quickly if you've already been knocked out with a bug), we've put together some farmers' market style health tips.  Disclaimer: Always check with your healthcare professional for guidance to best cater to your individual needs. 

Cara Cara Oranges, Mandarins, Grapefruits--Bring 'Em On!

The age old nutrition tip--get plenty of Vitamin C! Citrus, like different varieties of oranges and grapefruit, are excellent sources of Vitamin C which is essential in helping prevent those winter germs from knocking down your door. Vitamin C also helps your body heal and has been shown to  help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. 

For over 100 years (really!), Arnett Farms has grown beautiful delicious oranges in Fresno, especially for Southern California farmers' markets. Stop in this Tuesday to pick up a bag of Navels or try the Cara Cara! Your family will thank you for the immunity boost with fresh squeezed OJ and orange slice snacks on hand. 

Dark Leafy Greens to Heal

Spinach is an amazing nutritious cool weather California crop you may want to eat more of this season. Spinach, and other dark leafy greens like kale, chard, and mustard greens, are excellent sources of Vitamins K and A. Sometimes Vitamin K doesn't get enough props, but it sure does help us when we need it most. Vitamin K not only promotes bone health (combined with calcium of course), but it also helps you heal from minor cuts and scrapes (which is important during flu season when your immune system is tested). One cup of fresh spinach is about two handfuls and is equal to one veggie serving. Think about how easy it is to toss two handfuls of spinach into the blender with a few berries and OJ for breakfast. Yum! Visit JR Organics from Escondido or Jaime Farms from Chino for a selection of beautiful greens to choose from. 

Go Nuts for Almonds & Walnuts

Almonds and walnuts are known to be the healthy nuts on the block. Almonds and walnuts pack in a serious nutritional punch that helps with inflammation in the body and also promotes heart health. Almonds in particular are a good source of Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant known to keep your immune system, hair, and skin healthy. And remember, walnuts and almonds are packed with healthy fats to keep you feeling full longer. Come see MB Farms this Tuesday for a bag full of nutritious and delicious nuts! 

We sure do hope we've given you a few tips to stay healthy this winter. We're proud to provide the best California grown fresh foods for you and your family. For regular tips and updates, like us on Facebook.  

Kids in the Kitchen This Tuesday

Tuesday 12:30 in Community Quad

Inspiring healthy eating habits in your kids is easy and fun with help from the farmers' market.  Pop over with the kids this Tuesday for a new hands-on cooking demonstration with nutritionist and fitness pro Sarah Beck. Your kids will learn how to make a fresh and healthy recipe highlighting seasonal farmers' market finds. For more fun ways to get your kids engaged at the farmers' market, check out this Farm to Table Activity Booklet.  

See you Tuesday!

-MBCFM

December 2012 Newsletter

Celebrate the Holidays with the Farmers' Market!

Santa Claus To Visit Market

Photo from Patch.com

Santa Claus will appear at the market this Tues 12/18 from 12-2pm. Come down and get a picture with him and his amazing reindeer pulled sleigh. In addition to Santa, the market has lots of holiday themed activities going on....read more below! Come experience it all this Tuesday because due to the holiday calendar this year-- the market will be closed the following two weeks (Tues, Dec 25 & Tues, Jan 1). 

Christmas Trees For Rent!

Ever wondered what happens to your Christmas tree come New Year's when all the ornaments have been removed and it's been sent out to rest on the curb? Now you don't have to kick it to the curb and wonder because we've partnered with Scotty Claus of The Living Christmas Company to rent out fresh potted trees. Rather than head over to your nearest corner lot to get a cut tree, you can come to the market and get a locally grown, live potted tree in many varieties such as: spruce, pine, and cypress that will be yours for the holiday season. Living Christmas Company will even come and pick it up after you're done enjoying it and you may even get that same tree back again next year! Each tree is bar-coded, grown and trimmed with care, and will live on to be enjoyed many more years to come. Scotty Claus was featured on ABC's "Shark Tank" for this brilliant eco-friendly business idea. Living Christmas Company also offers eco-friendly gift wrap and fair trade recycled handmade ornaments. You can check out tree rental prices and varieties at Living Christmas Company, but we recommend you come and see for yourself at the farmers' market.

Want Fido on Your Holiday Card?

Come to the market and get a holiday pet portrait with Susan Werner Photography. Susan has a portrait booth complete with all the props, dress up, and a quiet space to stage your pet's portrait against a green screen, with your choice of themed background added later. Susan's many years of experience working with animals will coax a happy face out of any pet, so de-stress this year's card shopping and make your pet the star of the holidays.

In addition to the Holiday Pet Booth, Santa is coming to town! Santa is riding a holiday float into the market so get your cameras ready! Bring the kids to see Santa on 12/18 between 12-2pm. Face-painting and balloons too! We'll also be joined by carolers singing holiday tunes for us. Don't miss it!

Holiday Cooking with Chef Rona

Join us 12/18 at 12:30 in the Community Quad, for a holiday themed cooking demonstration with Chef Rona Lewis. Rona is a celebrity fitness and lifestyle coach, as well as a healthy foods gourmet chef. Rona is also author of Does This Cookbook Make Me Look Fat?, a fun and entertaining cookbook with healthy low-fat and low-card recipes that are actually easy to make! Rona will be signing books at 1:15pm at Bella Beach (227 Manhattan Beach Blvd) and then cooking a few of her recipes from 1:30-2:30pm, also at Bella Beach. Don't miss it!

Farmer Spotlight: Ha's Apple Farm

This time of year, the new season's apples are at their crispest and crunchiest, and we're lucky enough to have one of the best apple growers in the state! Ha's Apple Farm, located in Tehachapi, is a well-established orchard of 30 years that features irresistible organic fruits, spreads, vinegars, and syrups. It seems the Fuji apple is the most popular variety in the U.S., and owner David Ha has devoted 35 acres just to supply its demand. They have over 300 acres of fruit trees including apples, pears, and pomegranates. Trees are consistently nurtured and the Ha's Family approach to apple farming guarantees fruit to be delicious! Come say hi and get your apples.

Did you know in some cultures its tradition to gently wrap a fresh piece of fruit to place on the Christmas tree on Christmas eve for a morning yummy surprise? And whoever said apples weren't a wonderfully sweet stocking stuffer too! 

Recipe of the Month: Rona's Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing

Ingredients: 

4 cups finely chopped kale

3 tbsp dried cranberries or cherries 

2 tbsp toasted pine nuts

freshly shaved parmesan to taste

Dressing:

1tsp dijon mustard

1 small lemon, juiced

1 garlic clove, grated (omit if you're not into raw garlic)

1/4 tsp sugar

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

pinch of salt and pepper

Directions: 

In a small bowl, add dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic and sugar, whisk together. Slowly add in olive oil and whisk. Season with salt and pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge. 

Combine kale with a few tablespoons of lemon dressing to taste. Combine well and if time allows, let kale "marinate" in dressing for 10 min to help soften leaves. Stir in dried fruit, pine nuts, and top with shaved parmesan before serving.

Volunteer Alert!

We're always looking for volunteers to help us on our mission to empower folks to eat healthfully and choose local fresh foods. In return for your superb community service, we love to reward you with freshly-grown goodies. Hit us up on Facebook or send us an email. Better yet, stop by the market on Tuesdays and chat with us in the Information Booth.

Happy holidays and we'll see you on Tuesday!

-Manhattan Beach Certified Farmers' Market

Newsletter 11-05-12

Celebrity Guest Chef Cooking Demo and New Farmers Join the Farmers' Market! 

Food Network's Aida Mollenkamp Cooks it Up!

We are delighted to announce a brand new cooking demonstration from culinary extraordinaire and Food Network's own, Aida Mollenkamp. 

This Tuesday Nov 6th (don't forget to vote!), Chef Aida Mollenkamp from the Cooking Channel's Ask Aida and foodCrafters will join us at 12:30pm and then again for round two at 1:30pm in the Community Quad at the market. Come on by and learn from the best as Aida shows us how to make magic with fresh farmers' market persimmons. 

Aida just recently put the finishing touches on a brand new cookbook entitled, Keys to the Kitchen, and she will be available to chat about all those glorious recipes and techniques between 12pm-2pm before and after each cooking demonstration. 

At 3pm, we hope you follow Aida on over to our friends at Bella Beach (227 Manhattan Beach Blvd) where she will be signing Keys to the Kitchen. You don't want to miss this stop on her tour! 

Farmer Spotlight: Soledad Goats

We now have fresh goat cheese and yogurt available from Soledad Goats! Award-winning cheese-makers, Julian and Carol Pearce, operate Soledad Goat Farm in Mojave, CA at the base of Soledad Mountain. The Pearces raise several different types of goats including Alpines, which they say are the sweet natured bunch. Did you know you can even head out to Mojave to tour their farm and check out the cheese-making? Come on by the market Tuesday and try a fresh sample or how about pairing that goat cheese with a ripe seasonal pair? YUM!

Kids in the Kitchen is Back!

On Nov 20th, nutritionist and health coach Sarah Beck will be back to teach your little ones about fresh fruits and veggies. Last month was an amazing kick-off our our Kids in the Kitchen program and we can't wait for more hands-on fun! Parents, stick around to to have fun with easy Thanksgiving recipe ideas great for the kids. What better way to inspire healthy eating habits than to get your kids experiencing the fresh wonders of the farmers' market! 

Persimmons and Pomegranates, Oh My!

Fall is here and that means we've got fresh persimmons galore and oh-so-many pomegranates for you! Check out your advance preview of an autumn-flavored Aida Mollenkamp recipe! Here's what you'll need from the market: fuyu persimmons, pomegranates, extra-virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Click here for the how-to! 

Nutritionist, Jayne Justice, will also be onsite featuring persimmons and pomegranates. Don't miss out on even more autumn recipes!

Volunteers Wanted

Are you interested in getting to know your local food system? Maybe you're a backyard gardener who could use a few tips from our amazing farmers? Are you a Manhattan Beach super advocate that we haven't heard from yet? Come see us in the Information Booth on Tuesdays--let's chat! We hear the complimentary fresh fruits and veggies we offer our volunteers is quite the delicious and nutritious perk of working with us! 

See you Tuesday, folks!
-Manhattan Beach Certified Farmers' Market

Newsletter 10-08-12

Your new Manhattan Beach Farmers' Market team is excited to bring new energy to the market. Read all about it (and us) below. If you have questions or comments, please share! You can reach us at manhattanbeachFM@gmail.com. Newsletters will come out about once a month but you can get more timely info by following us on Facebook.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Cynthia Rogers & Mark Anderson

Did you know? The market has a new management team. Come on out and meet us any given Tuesday.  We, 'Farmer Mark' Anderson and Cynthia Rogers, are proud to be managing the market on behalf of its sponsor, the Downtown Manhattan Beach Business and Professionals Association. Yes, the market is sponsored by your local businesses, which makes it a market built by locals for the benefit of locals! Although new managers to your market, we certainly aren't new to farmers' markets. Our team offers a vast knowledge of the farmers' market arena with Mark having actually been a former small farmer that sold at numerous markets around town, including this market a handful of years ago. Perhaps you purchased one of his heirloom tomatoes at one time? We also manage several other markets around town on behalf of the non-profit, Sprouts of Promise Foundation, which has a mission to educate children and adults alike on the importance of healthy eating habits. We are excited to be here and promise to bring you, the consumer, the very best in locally sourced farm to plate fruits and vegetables.  

FARMER SPOTLIGHT: BLISS AVOCADOS

Teddy Bliss (organic grower)

Fruit of the Gods! Farmer Teddy Bliss exclaimed when I asked about his certified organic avocados.  Ancient legend or not, it's undeniable that his Haas Avocados are absolutely delicious offering a smooth buttery flavor rich with texture and packed with omegas, offering a higher oil content than most avocados. Ripe for the picking year around, Teddy will be offering an array of avocados brought direct to you from his family farm in Carpinteria, a 120 acre farm just three miles off the California Central Coast. As Teddy explains, the farm is uniquely located, being just off the coast and in a valley where his avocados have the good fortune to never get too hot nor too cold, simply it’s a perfect micro climate. What does that mean for us farmer market patrons? It means, we get beautiful certified organic avocados year around, perfecto! To learn more about Bliss Avocados, check out their facebook page, Bliss Avocados.

Also, to learn more on the health benefits and why nutritionists have been known to call the Avocado the "world's most perfect food," check out this article which showcases this leathery pear for providing nearly 20 essential nutrients, being high in fiber, cholesterol-free and lauds this fruit as the secret to having a healthy heart, a brilliant brain, and if that's not enough - eagle eyes! Avocados - Health Benefits.

'KIDS IN THE KITCHEN' COOKING DEMO - Oct. 16

Join us for the first Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Demo at the market. Nutritionist coach, Sarah Beck, will showcase a range of farm-to-table fruits and vegetables in simple recipes that adults and children alike can share in the good fun of cooking hands-on. All ingredients being fresh from your farmers' market. Kids in the Kitchen is a program brought to you by Sprouts of Promise (the non-profit behind managing of your farmers' market).  This program is uniquely tailored to be both fun and educational as it aims in furthering its mission to teach healthy eating habits, which we believe begins with the little ones! While you the adults get to look on and sample the delectable range of eats, your little ones will be side by side working with Nutritionist coach Sarah Beck - building a whole medley of farm to table eats.  Come hungry and energized. Demo starts at high noon, 12 pm. Catch you all then!

To learn more about Nutritionist and Fitness coach Sarah Beck, check out her website as well as her Ambassador page at the Lululemon Athletica's Website. 

'NUTRITIONIST 2 FARMER' PROGRAM - Oct. 23

Jayne Justice, Nutritionist

We're kicking off a new program called Nutritionist 2 Farmer on October 23rd. Come on out and meet your local nutritionist, Jayne Justice.  She will be on-hand all day to introduce you to the nutritional benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetable sourced directly from your local farmer. And, more still, she will be introducing you directly to the farmer with delicious farm-to-table recipes. Sure to be good fun, educational and inspiring. To learn more about Jayne, check out her website and facebook page. 

PEACH & AVOCADO SALAD

Learn how to quickly and easily eat locally and nutritiously with the great recipe. With Teddy Bliss' fresh organic Haas Avocados, Arnett Farm's medley of peach varieties, MB Farms' almonds, ABC Farms micro greens and the wonderful range of oils from Olive Press you prepare an amazingly simple yet sophisticated salad great for a lunch time snack or to serve with dinner.  Here's a link to the recipe, along with options to print out in recipe card format, Peach & Avocado Salad.

WORK FOR FOOD? VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

Interested in learning about the local food system, where your food comes from or how to eat healthy? You can by becoming a volunteer at the market. By volunteering, you'll get to know our farmers, learn about their produce and help them share it with the local community. We will give you a bag of fresh fruits & veggies as our way of saying thank you. Email us at manhattanbeachFM@gmail.com or stop by the Information Booth at the market if interested. 


See you Tuesday!