We’ve all heard it. You are what you eat! Though most of us aren’t proud of the amount of processed sugar and fat we consume.. According to Livestrong, a basic cheeseburger can have as much 400 calories (without condiments) and 18 g of mainly saturated fat. Too much fat in your diet might contribute to weight gain and heart disease. Next time, instead of getting takeout, stop buy your local farmers market. You can buy fresh produce, vegetables and healthy goodies at reasonable prices. Whether you’re a mom-on-the-go or a college student on a tight budget, the farmers market is a great place to have fun and learn about what’s really in your food. Fall is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. Find out what’s in season and get creative with your meals! Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a hassle or crazy expensive.
Here are some items and recipe ideas offered by local vendors at the downtown farmers market at Bo Diddley Plaza in Gainesville, Florida:
Fresh Vegetables
Need a quick snack? Try making picadillo salsa with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers and cilantro! Enjoy this dish with baked tortillas.
Breakfast idea:
- Slice tomatoes over your eggs for a yummy twist!
Lunch idea:
- Add sliced tomatoes to a fresh green salad.
Cost of a tomato basket: $3
Bitter Melon
This was a unique fruit sold we found.
According to WebMD, the fruit and seeds of the bitter melon plant are used to make medicine. Bitter melon contains a chemical that acts like insulin to help reduce blood sugar levels.
It is used for various stomach and intestinal disorders, diabetes, kidney stones and psoriasis. The vegetable is commonly found in Asian cuisine and can be used in stir-fried, salads and sauces.
Fresh Herbs
Kathleen Taylor, co-owner of Firefly Farm, tends to heirloom plants at the downtown farmers market in Bo Diddley Plaza.
Kathleen Taylor, co-owner of Firefly Farm, grows and sells heirloom plants, which are open-pollinated plants that people have been growing for generations. Among these heirloom plants are rosemary, basil, thyme and oregano.
“I think it’s important for people to grow a little bit of their own food,” Taylor said. “If you didn’t make your food, or you don’t know who made your food, than you don’t know what’s in it. It’s so liberating. It’s not that hard, but a lot of people think they can’t do it.” Taylor said people can still grow tomato and pepper plants in fall.
Breakfast idea:
- Scrambled eggs served with chopped basil
Lunch ideas:
- Whole wheat pasta and basil sauce. Make the pesto sauce with fresh basil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, walnuts and pecans.
- Tuna served with chopped jalapeño peppers.
Purple basil plants at the Firefly Farm vendor’s booth at the downtown farmers market in Bo Diddley Plaza
Roselle Tea Hisbicus plants at the Firefly Farm vendor’s booth at the downtown farmers market in Bo Diddley Plaza.
“It’s super high in vitamin c, and it fights skin cancer. It’s an anti-inflammatory agent,” said Kathleen Taylor, co-owner of Firefly Farm.
Basil
Why buy store-made seasonings when you can hand select the herbs?
According to WebMD, this aromatic plant has medicinal properties, and its oils and extracts are said to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Basil can be used to add a flavor kick to a variety of foods like soup, pesto sauce, tilapia, chicken and salsa.
Cost of a bundle of Basil sprigs: $1
Wholesome Grains
Vine Bread & Pasta’s is a local Gainesville bakery that makes organic bread, pasta and baked goods.
Teresa Zokovitch and Dean Griebel stand under the Vine Bread & Pasta vendor stand at the downtown farmers market in Bo Diddley Plaza.
More than likely, your local farmers market will have a vendor who makes handmade bread or grain products.
Did you know foods that are white in color like flour, bread, rice and pasta have been processed and refined?
According to WebMD, most white carbs start with flour that has been ground and refined by stripping off the outer layer, where the fiber is located.
Teresa Zokovitch, co-owner of Vine Bread & Pasta, said bread that is produced on a large-scale has additives and preservatives to make it last on store shelves. Zokovitch said Vine Bread & Pasta’s bread is made with flour, filtered water, and Himalayan salt.
Delicious, pre-made meals and desserts
After a long day on your feet at the office, the last thing you want to do is stand over a stove, wait for water to boil, and cook dinner. It seems almost impossible to live without frozen foods at times. Maybe fast food seems like your only option, but did you know that farmers markets offers a variety of pre-made food? If you’re in the mood for empanadas, curried food, or crave something sweet than you can find it here. Sandra Larlisi, co-owner of East End Eatery, sells what I like to call “guilt-free pizzas!” Her foccacia bread is topped with tomato and basil pesto, and spinach with mushrooms. There are ton of options to choose from. The best part is that there is no sauce! East End Eatery also offers vegan and gluten-free brownies. Where else can you get sweet treats that remind you of grandma and grandpa’s recipes!
Enjoy bonding time with your children, friends or family!
How often do you tell your child “because I said so” when he or she asks why they have to eat healthy? The farmers market is a fantastic way for them to have their questions answered about what goes in their tummies. Let their curious minds run wild and ask questions like why aren’t watermelon in season? why are carrots so orange? and probably “what does a farmer do?” If you’re a college student, bring your roommates and share a cheap snack. Split the cost of some fruits and veggies for the week. You are finally away from soda and the greasy, oily pizza that is served at virtually every college organization’s meeting. Take the opportunity to learn about organic food and whether you want to keep downing sugar and saturated fats because your on a budget. Trust me, eating healthy pays off in the long run.
