Shop at farmers market for a healthier new year
CONCORD, CA—Your health should be of utmost concern – especially now.
Fueling your body with healthy, nutritious foods that improve your immune system and give you more energy and stamina will help you feel better and ward off illness.
Fresh local produce from the Concord farmers market will provide the fuel your body needs to work in your garden, handle your errands, work a full day at your job and take care of the kids without wilting.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein offer vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber and energy throughout the day. And the farmers market is a great choice because you know the source of your food.
Good food, good mood
Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of fuel. Carbs like whole-grain pastas and breads, oats, fresh fruits and vegetables and local honey will give you energy. They also raise serotonin levels, keeping your mood even.
The body absorbs whole grains and beans slowly because they are full of healthy fiber, stabilizing blood sugar and energy levels and giving you sustainable energy.
Your immune system benefits from a variety of whole fresh foods like antioxidant-rich berries, dark leafy greens, garlic, onions, oranges, root vegetables and beans. Yogurt helps your digestive tract and salmon has the much-touted omega-3 fatty acids.
It is also a good idea to drink plenty of water, because a body doesn’t work as well when it is dehydrated.
Farm fresh ingredients
You’ll find all the ingredients you need to keep you healthy and energized throughout the day – and through the year – at the Concord farmers market. Diaz Farms from Fowler and J&J Ramos Farms of Hughson have sweet, juicy citrus like oranges and mandarins to boost your immune system. Delicious leafy greens, Brussels sprouts and loads of root vegetables can be found from Esquivel Farms, growing in Watsonville, and Halog Farms hailing from Merced.
Great Valley Poultry of Manteca has farm-fresh eggs for an inexpensive source of protein. Winters Fruit Tree grows a nice assortment of almonds, walnuts and pistachios for protein and healthy fats.
These farmers bring the best they can grow and harvest their produce just before bringing it to market to ensure everything has the highest nutrient content and best flavor. To keep your interest in eating fresh and wholesome produce throughout the year, the farmers market offers a wide selection of produce – with unique varieties you won’t find anywhere else. You’re also helping small family farms keep on farming.
Thank you for supporting your local farmers and farmers markets this past year.
Celery and Orange Salad
- 2-3 oranges of different varieties, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 3 full slices of red onion, 1/8-inch thick
- 1 full celery stalk, plus all stalks with leaves from the celery center, sliced
- 1/2 c. walnuts, chopped and toasted
- Salt and pepper
- 1 T grapefruit juice
- 1 T extra-virgin olive oil
Place the oranges, onions, celery and walnuts in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix together grapefruit juice and olive oil, then toss and serve.
More recipes can be found at pcfma.org/eat. The Concord Farmers Market is open year-round, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays in Todos Santos Plaza. Parking available in nearby parking structures and on the street.