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

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 

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!

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 4^th

'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.

Newsletter 05-23-12

Cherry Season - Don't blink! (It is a short season.)

Erickson Farms Cherries

Cherries are now in full season and Erickson Farms is bringing us the goods!  Fresh cherries are picked daily from their orchards in Fresno. Cherry season is short so be sure to get to the market to get your fill. There are several varieties of cherries that speckle the California landscape (including Brooks, Rainer, Burlat, Tulare, Sequoia). If you want some additional background on these varieties be sure to check out David Karp's recent LA Times Article on the subject.

Ideas on what to do with all those cherries once you've snacked enough? Try canning. You can look forward to a little bit of summertime in a jar come this winter! 

More Stone Fruit - The best sign that Summer is near!

The first peaches, apricots and nectarines have been trickling in over the past couple weeks. Check out the early season production from MB Farms, Arnett Farms and Summer Harvest (returning to the market June 2nd). Come taste summer!

Eco Celebration - Event Recap

Wild Animal Presentation (Star Eco Station)

Free Bike Tune-Ups!

On April 28th, we hosted a green themed eco celebration at the farmers' market in support of national Earth Day.  Playa Vista Mom's helped with the day's festivities bringing their Tree Swallow Birdhouses along with Friends of the Ballona Wetlands and Santa Monica Bay Restoration hosting a guided nature walk of the adjacent wetlands. Kids and parents alike also enjoyed interactive showcase of wild animals presented by local Star Eco Station. Bikerowave was also busier than ever providing free bike tune-ups to those who rode their bikes to the special day. 

Nature Walk - Coming June 23rd 

Sign up now to join in.  Friends of the Ballona Wetlands along with Santa Monica Bay Restoration will be hosting a guided nature walk, June 23rd, leaving the farmers market at 9:30 a.m.  All ages welcome. For more information, email us at playavistaFM@gmail.com and/or sign up at the info booth on-site at the farmers' market for additional information as well as a map of the upcoming nature walk.

Kids in the Kitchen - Coming June 30th

Playa Resident & Chef Matt Alexander

Come on out and participant. Chef Matt will be on-site to kick off our second Kids in the Kitchen cooking demo.  Also, we will be hosting a number of kids themed activities. Stay tuned for additional information and Like Us on Facebook for announcements of upcoming participants.

Hey Parents, Want to Teach Your Kids About Local Farms & Good Food?

Bring your children to the market and encourage them to use all their senses to learn about all the wonderful fresh fruits and veggies our farmers grow. Smell some cilantro from Castellano Farms. Or how about tasting a daikon from Vang Farms? 

Encourage your kids to talk to our farmers and find out where their delicious food comes from and how it's grown. Check out this Farm 2 Table Adventure Guide, created by the Network for a Healthy California--Children's Power Play! Campaign, for more fun ways kids can take the lead at the market. 

See you Saturday!

Newsletter 04-06-12

Spring has arrived and we are putting together a lot of new and exciting things for the market.

Peakaboo I see New!

Brett & Tanya Wyatt
(urban farmers)

B&T Farms

Our first urban farm joins the market. Come meet Brett & Tanya Wyatt - a husband-wife farming duo from Hacienda Heights. They are growing a great array of herbs, sprouts, Asian veggies and oyster mushrooms right in their backyard. See pic of them "at the backyard farm" preparing mushroom substrate. They grow oyster mushrooms. Their first mushroom production should be ready within the next couple weeks for sale. In the meantime, they are selling DIY mushroom bags that you can grow at home. So cool!  

HomeGirl Cafe

SMASH IT UP! SALAD

Homegirl Café, a division of Homeboy Industries, started by Father Boyle, is a social enterprise assisting at-risk and formerly gang-involved young women become contributing members of our community through training in restaurant service and culinary arts. Homegirl Café offers a one year training program within the food and service industry, empowering young people to redirect their lives and providing them with hope for their futures. They currently bring their signature Homegirl SMASH IT UP! salads, Angela's Green Potion (a refreshing juice combination of spinach, limeade and mint), as well as some tasty soups and sandwiches. Try the Potion....it is refreshing and recharging!

Kids In The Kitchen - A Success

Chef Matt & Kids

Great success earlier this month with the market's first day of our Kids In The Kitchen program. Special thanks to Chef and Playa Vista resident, Matt Alexander, for leading the event. Kids of all ages got a chance to work with Chef Matt in developing hands-on skills working with fresh fruits and vegetables. They prepared a simple spring salad and a fruit spread - all from farmers' market ingredients. Other kid friendly activities that day included a scavenger hunt, kid's crafts and a live sing along with a local kid's choir group. Stay tuned, another Kids in the Kitchen special day will be coming soon!

Earth Day Celebration - Coming April 28th

Come on out and participate! Your farmers' market will be hosting a number of Earth Day inspired activities April 28th at the market, including a guided nature walk through the Ballona Wetlands, painting of Tree Swallow birdhouses in benefit of Playa Vista Elementary School and an interactive wildlife showcase for kids from Star's Eco Station. Bikerowave will also be on-site offering FREE bike tune-ups. For up to date info on any of the activities, follow us on Facebook or email us at playavistaFM@gmail.com with any questions.

Guess That Veggie!

It is Asparagus! Come visit Suncoast Farms from Lompoc for some tasty springtime asparagus. 

See you at the market!

Farmer Mark