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Farmers Markets: A great start to Eat Smart
It’s farmers market season! Neighborhood farmers markets bring the freshest local fruits and vegetables available directly to you. A weekly visit to your local farmers market is a great way to Eat Smart. You can pick up enough fresh fruits and vegetables to last through the week. In addition, many farmers markets offer:
• cooking demonstrations
• taste tests
• free recipes
• cooking suggestions and serving tips
Take a trip to your local farmers market this week. Use this chance to try a new fruit or vegetable. Try a star fruit or turnips. Are you unsure of what it is or how to prepare it? Many local farmers are more than happy to provide tips and serving suggestions; just ask.
Remember to stock your bag with fruits and vegetables that represent a full array of colors. Choose 5 A Day The Color Way. Pick something:
Blue/Purple
- Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, purple grapes, raisins, plums
- Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage, purple potatoes, purple endive
- Health Benefits: urinary tract health, memory function and healthy aging lower risk of some cancers,
Red
- Fruits: cherries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates
- Vegetables: beets, red peppers, rhubarb, tomatoes, radishes
- Health Benefits: heart health, memory function, urinary tract function, lower risk of some cancers
Green
- Fruits: avocados, green grapes, kiwifruit, honeydew, green apples
- Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, zucchini, leeks, okra
- Health Benefits: lower risk of some cancers, vision health, strong bones and teeth
Yellow/Orange
- Fruits: mangos, tangerines, papayas, grapefruit, apricots
- Vegetables: butternut squash, sweet potatoes, summer squash
- Health Benefits: healthy immune system, heart health, vision health, lower risk of some cancers
White
- Fruits: bananas, white peaches, white nectarines, brown pears
- Vegetables: cauliflower, white corn, turnips, white potatoes
- Health Benefits: heart health; maintain cholesterol levels, lower risk of some cancers
Find the schedule of a farmers market near you:
www.pugetsoundfresh.org
www.seattlemarkets.org
www.seattlefarmersmarkets.org