Thursday, March 21, 2013

March 2013 Newsletter

New Farmers and Beekeeper Buzz at PV Elementary

Spring is here and we've got so many fun new things to usher in the warmer temps and longer days. Read on to find out how we're helping kids at Playa Vista Elementary get a true farm-to-fork experience. And, don't forget to read about the newest farmers to join the market this season. We can't wait to see you Saturday! 


What Exactly Does the Queen Bee Do, They Ask?

Beekeeper Lynne Gallagher Talking Bees and Honey
We love helping parents shop farm-to-fork for their families. We also love helping kids get to know their local farmers. With the help of our amazing champion neighborhood moms who support the market, we were able to kick off our farm-to-school efforts at Playa Vista Elementary School.  Playa Vista kids learned why the honeybee is so important to our local food system from beekeeper, Lynne Gallagher, of Bee Ladies Local Honey. Lynne is an expert local beekeeper from Yorba Linda and participates at our Sprouts of Promise farmers' market in Orange County. 

Nurse Bees in Training 
Lynne showed the kids her apiary equipment and they got a chance to play the roles of nurse bees and worker bees to support the almighty queen bee! They even got a chance to smell a huge block of fresh honey wax and learned about all the neat things wax helps produce (Kleenex! Who knew?) Most importantly, kids were able to get a small peek into the life of a beekeeper and learn about why tending to our local honeybees is so important for our ecosystem. Without bees, not only would there be no honey, but largely none of the fruits and vegetables that are pollinated by these special little friends. 

We hope to bring more farmers to the classroom to help kids have fun with local agriculture and encourage healthy eating habits. Want to get involved and help us with this mission? Contact us at playavistafm@gmail.com

NEW!! Gama Farms from Arvin, CA

Gama Farms is from Arvin, CA (near Bakersfield) and started up in 1989 by Jesus and Maria Elena Gama. On nearly 80 acres, the family grows a wide variety of produce seasonally, with a focus on potatoes and onions available year round. They also have over 1,400 hens to produce delicious free-range eggs. And to keep with our beekeeping theme, Gama Farms is our newest farm to bring local honey back to the market. Support the sustainability of those hard working honeybees and come and sample their yummy honey this Saturday. 



NEW!! Wong Farms from North Shore, CA

How do you grow a tasty tomato outside of the summer season? SoCal desert weather combined with hydroponic growing makes for a happy tomato. Meet Deborah of Wong Farms, located near the Salton Sea in North Shore. Wong Farms has a medley of beefsteak tomatoes and this Saturday Deborah will be showcasing their tasty cherry tomatoes. Don't miss your chance to usher the spring season into your weekend meals. 

Easter Fun on 3/30

Want to keep it clean and healthy this Easter with colored eggs you'll actually want to eat later? Skip that "Red No. 3" food coloring and pick up fresh ingredients at the market to do it right. Check out these recipes featuring fruits and veggies. We've got a whole lotta fun for the kids at the market on 3/30. Follow us on Facebook for the latest. 

See you Saturday!
-PVCFM

Thursday, February 14, 2013

February 2013 Newsletter

Heart Healthy Foods & Kids in the Kitchen

Spread the Love of Health with Heart Healthy Fresh Foods

Valentine's Day is this week, why not skip the candy and chocolates in favor of a few farm fresh foods your heart will healthfully pitter patter for. Check out what we've got: 


Avocados

Avocados are in season and it's high time we take them off the "too fat, no thanks" list. Yes, avos are high in fat, but the type of fat really matters. Avos are rich in healthy fats, otherwise known as monounsaturated fats, that promote good cardiovascular health. They can help lower bad cholesterol and give you a boost of good cholesterol. Research has also pointed to their anti-inflammatory benefits which help when the body is sick. Avos are also an excellent fruit rich in fiber to keep your digestive system healthy. Pick up your fresh avos this Saturday from George Bliss Premium Avocados. 

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries--not only are they sweet and fresh, but rich in heart healthy antioxidants. The antioxidants found in berries can help prevent or reduce inflammation in the body, which helps reduce your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Research has shown blueberries in particular can offer added protection to your heart by helping maintain healthy blood pressure. Visit Pudwill Farms on Saturday for a wide variety of berries to please the heart. 

Cooking from the Heart: Kids in the Kitchen this Saturday

Valentine-themed Farm to Table Recipes with Chef Matt Alexander


Join us this Saturday Feb 16th, at 11:30am for another fun recipe-making adventure with local Playa Vista resident, Chef Matt Alexander. Chef Matt will help the kiddos make delicious farm-to-table style recipes with a special Valentine's Day twist. We're honored to help you spread the joy of cooking and eating fresh and local with your children. See you then!

Pudwill Farms

Farmer Spotlight: Pudwill Farms

Fresh berries year round is quite the treat for us SoCal folks. Very few places have the unique microclimate needed to support bountiful berry production, even during the winter months. Enter Pudwill Farms. Pudwill is located approximately 80 miles north of Santa Barbara in the town of Nipomo. Nipomo is famous for its rich agricultural history and as far as we're concerned, famous for delivering delicious berries to us every weekend! Pudwill Farms originally started out as a turkey ranch many years ago, and some may say that's why they have such fertile ground to grow such sweet berries. Pudwill takes great care in tending to their berries, to be sure to deliver only the best quality to customers. Come try a sample!

See you Saturday!
-PVCFM

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

January 2013 Newsletter

Stay Healthy this Winter 

Cold & Flu Season is Here, Fresh Fruits & Veggies to the Rescue! 

It's that time of year again when everywhere you go, someone seems to be coughing and sneezing nearby. The CDC has even put together a weekly map showing how affected each state is. So far, California hasn't been hit as hard as the rest of the country but they say it's on the way. To help keep you healthy this winter (or recover quickly if you've already been knocked out with a bug), we've put together some farmers' market style health tips.  Disclaimer: Always check with your health care professional for guidance to best cater to your individual needs. 


Cara Cara Oranges, Mandarins, Grapefruits--Bring 'Em On!

The age old nutrition tip--get plenty of Vitamin C! Citrus, like different varieties of oranges and grapefruit, are excellent sources of Vitamin C which is essential in helping prevent those winter germs from knocking down your door. Vitamin C also helps your body heal and has been shown to  help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. 

For over 100 years (really!), Arnett Farms has grown beautiful delicious oranges in Fresno, especially for Southern California farmers' markets. Stop in this Saturday to pick up a bag of Navels or try the Cara Cara! Your family will thank you for the immunity boost with fresh squeezed OJ and orange slice snacks on hand. 


Dark Leafy Greens, Ginger, and Garlic--Sounds Like Dinner!

Spinach is an amazing nutritious cool weather California crop you may want to eat more of this season. Spinach, and other dark leafy greens like kale, chard, and mustard greens, are excellent sources of Vitamins K and A. Sometimes Vitamin K doesn't get enough props, but it sure does help us when we need it most. Vitamin K not only promotes bone health (combined with calcium of course), but it also helps you heal from minor cuts and scrapes (which is important during flu season when your immune system is tested). One cup of fresh spinach is about two handfuls and is equal to one veggie serving. Think about how easy it is to toss two handfuls of spinach into the blender with a few berries and OJ for breakfast. Yum! 


Fresh ginger root is often widely available at the farmers' market at prices considerably more reasonable than the grocery store. Ginger helps in digestion and has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and flu, especially stomach flu bugs. 

Garlic has been consumed by humans for over 7,000 years for its exceptional culinary and medicinal uses. Early research has shown garlic to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and support overall heart health. Garlic also has antiviral and antibacterial properties that definitely come in handy during flu season. Who knew something so pungent (and delicious!) packed so much power?! 

Did you know you can pick up leafy greens, ginger, and garlic all from Vang Farms this Saturday at the market? Try tossing them together with a tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce for a quick and easy stir-fry. 



Go Nuts for Almonds & Walnuts


Almonds and walnuts are known to be the healthy nuts on the block. Almonds and walnuts pack in a serious nutritional punch that helps with inflammation in the body and also promotes heart health. Almonds in particular are a good source of Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant known to keep your immune system, hair, and skin healthy. And remember, walnuts and almonds are packed with healthy fats to keep you feeling full longer. Come see MB Farms this Saturday for a bag full of nutritious and delicious nuts! 

We sure do hope we've given you a few tips to stay healthy this winter. We're proud to provide the best California grown fresh foods for you and your family. See you Saturday!

For regular tips and updates, like us on Facebook. 
-PVCFM 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

December 2012 Newsletter

Celebrate the Holidays with the Farmers' Market

Christmas Tree For Rent!

Ever wondered what happens to your Christmas tree come New Year's when all the ornaments have been removed and it's been sent out to rest on the curb? Now you don't have to kick it to the curb and wonder because we've partnered with Scotty Claus of The Living Christmas Company to rent out fresh potted trees. Rather than head over to your nearest corner lot to get a cut tree, you can come to the market and get a locally grown, live potted tree in many varieties such as: spruce, pine, and cypress that will be yours for the holiday season. Living Christmas Company will even come and pick it up after you're done enjoying it and you may even get that same tree back again next year! Each tree is bar-coded, grown and trimmed with care, and will live on to be enjoyed many more years to come. Scotty Claus was featured on ABC's "Shark Tank" for this brilliant eco-friendly business idea. Living Christmas Company also offers eco-friendly gift wrap and fair trade recycled handmade ornaments. You can check out tree rental prices and varieties at Living Christmas Company, but we recommend you come and see for yourself at the farmers' market.

Want Fido on Your Holiday Card?

Come to the market and get a holiday pet portrait with Susan Werner Photography. Susan has a portrait booth complete with all the props, dress up, and a quiet space to stage your pet's portrait against a green screen, with your choice of themed background added later. Susan's many years of experience working with animals will coax a happy face out of any pet, so de-stress this year's card shopping and make your pet the star of the holidays.

Holiday Cooking with Chef Rona 

Join us Saturday Dec 22nd, for a holiday themed cooking demonstration with Chef Rona Lewis. Rona is a celebrity fitness and lifestyle coach, as well as a healthy foods gourmet chef. Rona is also author of Does This Cookbook Make Me Look Fat?, a fun and entertaining cookbook with healthy low-fat and low-card recipes that are actually easy to make! Rona will have her cookbooks available for sale at the market.

And don't forget, we'll also have a kid's craft station for holiday ornament making every Saturday before Christmas and carolers singing for us on 12/22. 

Farmer Spotlight: Ha's Apple Farm

This time of year, the new season's apples are at their crispest and crunchiest, and we're lucky enough to have one of the best apple growers in the state! Ha's Apple Farm, located in Tehachapi, is a well-established orchard of 30 years that features irresistible organic fruits, spreads, vinegars, and syrups. It seems the Fuji apple is the most popular variety in the U.S., and owner David Ha has devoted 35 acres just to supply its demand. They have over 300 acres of fruit trees including apples, pears, and pomegranates. Trees are consistently nurtured and the Ha's Family approach to apple farming guarantees fruit to be delicious! Come say hi and get your apples.

Did you know in some cultures its tradition to gently wrap a fresh piece of fruit to place on the Christmas tree on Christmas eve for a morning yummy surprise? And whoever said apples weren't a wonderfully sweet stocking stuffer too! 


Recipe of the Month: Rona's Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing

Ingredients: 
4 cups finely chopped kale
3 tbsp dried cranberries or cherries 
2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
freshly shaved parmesan to taste

Dressing:
1tsp dijon mustard
1 small lemon, juiced
1 garlic clove, grated (omit if you're not into raw garlic)
1/4 tsp sugar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
pinch of salt and pepper

Directions: 
In a small bowl, add dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic and sugar, whisk together. Slowly add in olive oil and whisk. Season with salt and pepper. Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge. 

Combine kale with a few tablespoons of lemon dressing to taste. Combine well and if time allows, let kale "marinate" in dressing for 10 min to help soften leaves. Stir in dried fruit, pine nuts, and top with shaved parmesan before serving. 


Volunteer Alert!

We're always looking for volunteers to help us on our mission to empower folks to eat healthfully and choose local fresh foods. In return for your superb community service, we love to reward you with freshly-grown goodies. Hit us up on Facebook or send us an email. Better yet, stop by the market on Saturdays and chat with us in the Information Booth.

See you Saturday!
-Playa Vista Certified Farmers' Market

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Newsletter 11-8-12

Community Comes Together This Saturday! 

Nature Walk to Ballona Wetlands

This Saturday we're celebrating Community Day with Loyola Marymount University. LMU students will be out to share the amazing community projects they're working on, and help host our very own celebration of community at the market!

With the expertise of the naturalists at Friends of Ballona Wetlands, we'll head out on a beautiful walk through the Ballona Wetlands. We'll meet at the market and get moving at 9:15am. Don't miss your chance to see amazing wildlife and serene landscapes. 

Bikerowave is Back!

Pedal into the market this Saturday and valet your bike for free with our buddies from Bikerowave! Got a question about fit or want to find a fun new ride through the neighborhood? Stop in to chat with the experts and learn new tricks of trade! And don't forget, Bikerowave offers free bike tune-ups at the market.









Kids in the Kitchen: Thanksgiving Adventure with Chef Matt Alexander on 11/17

Our Kids in Kitchen program is rolling into the holidays with a very special Thanksgiving cooking demonstration with Chef Matt Alexander on 11/17 at 11:30am. Bring the little ones by for  hands-on healthy cooking fun. Parents, what better way to inspire healthy eating habits in your kids than to experience the fresh wonders of the farmers' market? And, couldn't we all use an extra helping hand for Thanksgiving prep (even the little hands)? 

Farmer Spotlight: Vang Family Farms

Food blogger and famers' market friend, Nova Jeen of HauteNosh, recently interviewed Houamoua Vang and her daughter Mai, of Vang Family Farms, based in Fresno. The Vang Family has been farming for 16 years, growing a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, bok choy, kale, and Chinese broccoli. You can read more about the HauteNosh interview with the Vang Family and some practical tips on storing and preparing bok choy here. Come say hi to Mai and her mom this Saturday at the market. Better yet, pick up some bok choy to make a HauteNosh recipe or try something new with Chinese broccoli and the recipe below.

Chinese Broccoli with Garlicky Ginger Miso

Need a quick and healthy side dish but find yourself staring into the fridge with a bewildered look upon your face? Don't fret, we've got you covered with Vang Family Farms. Here's what you'll need from the market: Chinese broccoli, chili peppers, ginger, and garlic. Now take a look at this simple recipe from Steamy Kitchen, whose motto is, "Fast, Fresh, and Simple". YUM!

Did We Say Free Food?

Ah yes, we did! Are you a die-hard farmers' market fan that loves to support your local food system? We'd love to work with you! We're always looking for volunteers to help us on our mission to empower folks to eat healthfully and choose local fresh foods. In return for your superb community service, we love to reward you with freshly-grown goodies. Hit us up on Facebook or send us an email. Better yet, stop by the market on Saturdays and pow-wow with us in the Information Booth.

See you this Saturday!
-Playa Vista Certified Farmers' Market 

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Newsletter 10-04-12


Farmer Spotlight: Bliss Avocados


Fruit of the Gods! Farmer Teddy Bliss exclaimed when I asked about his certified organic avocados.  Ancient legend or not, it's undeniable that his Haas Avocados are absolutely delicious offering a smooth buttery flavor rich with texture and packed with omegas, offering a higher oil content than most avocados. Ripe for the picking year around, Teddy will be offering an array of avocados brought direct to you from his family farm in Carpinteria, a 120 acre farm just three miles off the California Central Coast. As Teddy explains, the farm is uniquely located, being just off the coast and in a valley where his avocados have the good fortune to never get too hot nor too cold, simply it’s a perfect micro climate. What does that mean for us farmer market patrons? It means, we get beautiful certified organic avocados year around, perfecto! To learn more about Bliss Avocados, check out their facebook page, Bliss Avocados.


Also, to learn more on the health benefits and why nutritionists have been known to call the Avocado the "world's most perfect food," check out this article which showcases this leathery pear for providing nearly 20 essential nutrients, being high in fiber, cholesterol-free and lauds this fruit as the secret to having a healthy heart, a brilliant brain, and if that's not enough - eagle eyes! Avocados - Health Benefits

Farmer Spotlight: Tenerelli Farms


Summer may be coming to a close but its sweetness is still near – come check out Tenerelli Farms, recently back to your farmers' market with a full crop pears, peaches, nectarines, and more. Ricardo will be on-hand to walk you through the various tastes and thrills of their farms' stone fruit. Notably, Tenerelli offers one of the oldest peach varieties – O’Henry which offers you the traditional peach experience.  Also too, for a newer, slightly sweeter variety, try their Sangre del Toro variety.  More still, if your taste buds are seeking a more tangy delight, check out their Zee Glow Yellow Nectarine. Also, the White Fire Pearl Nectarine for its crunchiness and stay tuned, in Autumn Tenerelli will be rolling out their much beloved Lady Peach. Delicious! Swing on by this Saturday, lots of samples will be about and check out this link, video footage from our farm tour at Tenerelli Orchards, Farm Tour - Tenerelli Orchards.

'Kids In The Kitchen' Program Rolls On!


The fun is back. Chef Matt Alexander will be on-site later this month with a Kids in the Kitchen cooking demo. All ages welcome. Bring an appetite – lots of samples will be about and be ready to participate, especially if you are a little one. Kids in the Kitchen is a program sponsored by Sprouts of Promise (our non-profit that sponsors the farmers’ market in furthering its mission to teach healthy eating habits and that begins in the kitchen and with your little ones).  Chef Matt, will be showcasing a range of farm-to-table fruits and vegetables in simple recipes that adults and children alike can share in the good fun of cooking hands-on and all fresh from your farmers’ market.  Pictured here, is from the last Kids in the Kitchen demo, little helpers learned how to make a healthy fajita wrap chock full with a delicious range of veg and grass-fed beef.  For more information, please visit our Facebook Page or email us at playavistaFM@gmail.com.

Peach & Avocado Salad

With new farmer, Teddy Bliss, starting this Saturday with his organic Haas Avocados, and Tenerelli offering a whole medley of peach varieties not to mention Massis with his MB Farms Almonds and your micro greens from Scarborough Farms along with Olive Press' range of Balsamics – check out this simple recipe showcasing the freshest of the above mentioned ingredients in a simple salad great for a lunch time snack or to serve with dinner.  Here’s a link to the recipe, along with options to print out in recipe card format, Fresh Peach & Avocado Salad Recipe. Enjoy!



Will Work for Food? Volunteers Wanted.

Spend the day volunteering at our farmers' stand for the day. You’ll be getting to know our farmers, learning about their produce, and helping them share their produce with your fellow shoppers. We will give you a bag of fresh fruits & veggies as our way of saying thank you. Email us at playavistaFM@gmail.com to schedule a time.




Upcoming Events

Stay tuned as Fall and the holidays near, your farmers’ market will be hosting activities for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  A great way to keep up with market news is following us on Facebook. We’ll send you a newsletter in October with more details but please feel free to stop by the info booth on-site to speak with us directly, provide suggestions, and otherwise just to say hello. Catch you at the market!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Newsletter 07-26-12

SUMMER IS IN FULL BLOOM
Come out and enjoy the summer fun at your farmers' market. We'll be hosting lots of family fun activities, cooking demos, guided nature walks, free bike tune ups for those that ride their bike to the farmers' market. Highlights below:


August 4   - Kids in the Kitchen Cooking Demo & Family Day 
                  - Free bike tune ups courtesy of Bikerowave
August 25 - Guided Nature Walk & Eco Day


KIDS IN THE KITCHEN - August 4th
'Kids in the Kitchen' cooking demo. A hands-on demo for your little ones that will showcase fresh quick summertime snacks and salads. Don't forget to bike to the market that day, Bikerowave will provide free bike tune ups.  Also, Smart Space will be setting up a couple community tables for all day art crafts for kids, all ages welcome. For more information, please visit our Facebook page or email us at playavistaFM @gmail.com. See you at the market!

NATURE WALK – August 25th
Congrats to Friends of the Ballona Wetlands and Santa Monica Bay Restoration - last month's nature walk was a huge success. Next nature walk is scheduled, for August 25th, for more information, including a map of the nature walk, please email us directly at playavistaFM@gmail.com.





FARMER SPOTLIGHT - Summer Harvest
Summer is here and that means lots of stone fruit and heirloom tomatoes!  Husband and wife team, Debbie and John Hurley, offer a full range of organic sweet stone fruits and beautiful heirloom tomatoes grown in Fresno County. All certified organic and not to be missed. The Snow Queen peach in particular for its rich and buttery flavor bringing a whole other level to what it means to bite into a sweet peach. And, as delectable as Summer Harvest's stone fruits are, so too are their heirloom tomatoes - each variety offering unique qualities sure to dress up salads, pasta dishes or just to have as a quick snack with a dash of baslamic and drizzle of olive oil. Check out their pineapple golds for their sweetness, brandy wines for their savoriness, and green zebras for their texture and full flavor.  And guess what? Farmer Debbie (pictured above) will be on-hand with her grandson, Kyle, offering samples - so come on out and talk with Farmer Debbie while enjoying tasty samples and gathering inspiration ideas for best pairings. 


Quick & Easy Recipe - Peach Gelato
(Gary Friedman / LAT)
Now that you know Summer Harvest has amazing organic peaches, here is a quick and easy summer time treat to really enjoy them. Just three ingredients and no need for an ice cream maker. Check out the recipe on the LA Times online Food Section by clicking here. Yummy!








Coming Soon - Grass Fed Beef
Novy Ranches Grass Fed Beef will join the market August 4th. The ranch is a family operation based in the Shasta Valley area of Northern California since 1976. Grass fed beef offers an array of health, environmental, social and economic benefits. To learn more check out their very information website and stop by on Aug 4th to meet Jerry who can tell you firsthand all about the product and humane practices at the ranch.