The gorgeous colors.
The fresh smells.
The vitamins and nutrients just waiting to be had!
Our body is designed to eat seasonally and with summer upon us and farmers’ markets at our fingertips, this fun way to shop can open our eyes to a new and nutritious way of eating!
So how can you get the most out of your experience at a farmers’ market?
Here are our top 5 tips to eating your way through these exciting and beneficial stands of plenty!
- Talk to the Farmer.
Did you know that some farmers’ markets only allow actual farmers to sell produce? If you’re lucky enough to happen upon one of these or even just a farmer selling his/her own harvest, take time to talk to them.
Find out:
– is the produce organic?
– when was it planted?
– when was it harvested?
– how do they like to prepare it?
We love learning about the farming process and we find it inspiring for not only us, but our children, too!
- Try New Things.
When our diet is diverse, the bacteria in our gut also becomes diverse which leads to better health. And farmers’ markets can be the perfect way to try new things!
If you’ve always wondered what a sunchoke tastes like or if you are interested in the look of a celery root but have no idea what to do with it, now is the time to look up some recipes and introduce these new foods into your diet. The plethora of diverse fruits and vegetables is exciting because some of the produce you may find in the market may not be widely available in grocery stores.
So stock up on unique herbs, unheard of vegetables, and interesting fruits – it’s time to diversify!
- Have a Tasting.
Not sure which stand to buy from? Kids losing interest in the continuous stopping? Take a break with a tasting!
Pick a certain type of fruit or vegetable and purchase it from a few different stands or farmers – or take it one step further and choose a vegetable, such as a tomato, and select different varieties to try.
Notice the smell, the texture, and the taste of each. Is there one you prefer? How about the kids? Would one type be good for eating fresh and another better for cooking with?
Have fun with your opinions!
- Indulge in Color.
One of the most amazing elements of a farmers’ market is the bright colors at every turn. The reds, the yellows, the purples, and the greens, don’t forget the greens!
Due to farmers selling small-batch produce many times these fruits, vegetables, and herbs are fresher and of higher quality.
What does this mean for you?
Plants that are higher in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants!
So when it comes to indulging at the farmers’ market – the more rich in color, the more your body may thank you!
- Be Flexible and Think Simplicity!
Unlike many trips to the grocery store, shopping at a farmers’ market can be inspiring. So next time, forgo the must-get list and let your senses do the picking for dinner.
If you have a meal in mind but are having trouble finding all of your needed ingredients, opt for a more simple meal inspired by the market and leave the recipe to another day.
We especially love slicing up fresh fruits and vegetables for a meal, pairing them with a nice cheese, homemade bread, and/or fresh fish or organic, grass-fed meats.
The simplicity of the meal can be as enjoyable as putting it together!
This summer, enjoy the fruits of the labor around you. Appreciate what is grown in your surroundings and taste nature at it’s purest form.
For additional information on what foods may be most appropriate for your diet and health and nutrition advice and you live in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, or the Greater Denver Metro area, please don’t hesitate to call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a free 15 minute phone call with Dr. Graves to talk about your nutritional questions and needs.
Now go explore, learn, and taste your way through your local farmers’ market!
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