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