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

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

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