Health Benefits of Farmers Markets

What foods are you advised against buying at the farmer's market?

"In general, it is best to make use of your senses to determine the quality and freshness of the food you purchase from the farmer's market," Cater says. "Avoid all produce with slimy or wet leaves. Be sure to keep in mind things that change hue like the green vegetables, and changing color, like the greens that are turning yellow. Be aware of mold and stay away from products that smell bitter or foul or that are very soft.

"Especially during hot months, buy perishables such as meat, poultry, fish and eggs last and transport them in a separate bag from fresh fruits and veggies to help avoid cross-contamination," Cater says. She recommends using an sealed cooler or bag that's insulated to store dairy products and the items in it cold until you're ready to transfer them to the refrigerator for storage, especially in the case that you're not taking them directly to your home.

"In regard to food prepared, be aware of food vendors. Wearing gloves when working with food items and switch their gloves when handling raw and cooked food items. If you're concerned about whether your food items aren't stored properly or refrigerated, it's best to avoid them."

Risky Foods

Cater claims that these meals can be dangerous, particularly for mothers, infants, or people who have weak immune systems.

Raw sprouts such as Mung beans, alfalfa or radish clover sprouts can be a source of possible food poisoning. They are typically grown in warm and humid conditions that can encourage the development of bacteria. Cater isn't a big fan of purchasing sprouts that are raw at the market since they might not be kept cool while in transit.

Raw milk and cheese should be avoided regardless of whether or not your state allows selling these products. Cater claims that she's seen about the fact that Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics all advise against consumption of raw milk as it may be contaminated with multiple pathogens which could cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and flu-like symptoms.

"Some people advocate that raw milk has health benefits compared to pasteurized milk. But they are typically not supported by evidence and don't justify the possibility of becoming sick," Cater advises.

Storing and Freezing Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

It's likely that you go home with plenty of food items, and you don't want them to go bad. There are many ways to store food items like freezing, drying, and canning. Utilizing these methods is a fantastic way to ensure that healthy vegetables are on your table all year long.

Farmers markets held on Saturdays or Sundays offer the chance to cook your food, Cater notes. "Spending time cleaning and preparing your vegetables and fruits during the weekend can aid in keeping these items available throughout the week, particularly when you're working."

Cater states that every kind of food item is unique in how it is dealt with it. It is therefore important to study the most effective methods to freeze and store the items you buy. Here are some helpful tips to help you make the most of your purchases at the market for farmers.

Preparing leafy greens:

Get rid of the leaves from the stem. Let them soak for 10 mins in cold water and then spin to remove dirt. Dry them in the salad spinner or gently rub each leaf with towels that are clean. Keep the greens away from fruits like bananas, orchards, avocadoes, tomatoes and various fruits that release an organic compound known as ethylene that can cause the salad greens to rot faster.

Asparagus, herbs and other vegetables:

Rinse the tub in cold water, spin. Cover the towel with dry (not wet) towel. Refrigerate. In order to make basil slice the stems and ends , then put them in the water just as you would with flowers. Keep them out of the refrigerator.

Keeping berries fresh:

Rinse them thoroughly and dry them with clean towels. Place them in a fridge-safe container with slats , or in a strainer or colander so that the water doesn't end up trapped at the bottom.

Melons:

Cleanse the exteriors of your kitchen, since this may be a source of germs that can get on your cutting board , or on other surfaces as you cut them.

Freezing vegetables:

Cut the stalks, and remove seeds from peppers, and then slice the huge portions of vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Blanch to get rid of germs, increase color and retain the vitamins. Freeze individual pieces on a baking tray and then put them in a sealed freezer bag. Don't freeze tomatoes.

How to blanch:

Cook water over a saucepan (about 1 gallon to 2 cups vegetables) for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then drain, and put the vegetables in a bowl of frozen water.

Freezing fruits:

Slice and wash orchard fruit However, do not blanch them. Simply place them in the freezer on baking sheets.

Farmers Markets Growing Healthier Families and Communities

There are increasing markets popping up in the urban, suburban, and rural areas, offering fresh, local foods and encouraging healthier living.

A trip to the local market for farmers is an excellent and healthy excursion for the entire family. Cater suggests that taking your children to the market is a great opportunity to get them involved in. "Letting children choose their own food items and meeting food vendors and try different fruits and vegetables can help them get involved in the process of planning meals and encourage them to develop healthy habits."

The same way, individuals and families are able benefit from the market for farmers, as do entire communities. For instance, farmers' markets help communities that may not have access fresh fruits or other fresh products.

"Neighbors with diverse backgrounds and ages can meet and experiment with different foods discover healthy and nutritious foods , and the origins they come from, and also how to cook them in the most efficient way to cook them." Cater says.

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