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