Newsletter 3-20-13

New Farmers and Spring Gardening Workshops

This spring we're welcoming more evening daylight (woo hoo!), warmer temps, and so many new farmers and events. Read on to see what's new! 

New Farmers

Earthworks Community Farm

Earthworks is an urban farm and program of the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps. They are hyper-local to our market, located only a mere 7 miles away in South El Monte. Earthworks grows a variety of produce, and focuses on job training and leadership development for low-income young people in the community. Youth ages 16-24 work as apprentice farmers under the leadership of veteran farmers to grow fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers. A good portion of their produce is even donated to local food banks to support families in need. Come see them this Friday and find out what's in season. 

Gama Farms

Gama Farms from Arvin, CA (near Bakersfield) is family run by Jesus and Maria Elena Gama, operating since 1989. Gama grows potatoes, onions (shallots too!), and garlic year round. They also have over 1,400 chickens that roam freely and lay the best all natural eggs. Pick up a dozen of fresh eggs this Friday.

Greenshower Nursery

Want fresh local Asian veggies? Greenshower Nursery is from Rowland Heights and has yummy greens and more available for you every Friday. Check them out! 

Nuvo Olive Oil

Did you know we have a new certified olive oil farmer at the market? Nuvo Olive Oil is a brand new family run business operated by brothers, Nathan and Joshua Mardigian. Their olive orchard is located up north in Oroville. Their California certified extra-virgen olive oil is so freshly crushed you can taste the wonderful minerals and antioxidants that make olive oil such a rich heart healthy food. And, don't forget to bring your empty bottles because they can filler up for you! Come and welcome this team of brothers and sample real California EVOO.

Gardening Workshops

Interested in getting your hands a little dirty this Spring? Join us in April for a series of gardening workshops at the market to help you get started. Be sure to follow us on Facebook to get the latest updates on Friday evening events at the market. 

4/5 @ 6pm: Perennial Vegetables
4/19 @ 6pm: Succulents 
4/26 @ 6pm: Worm Composting 

Save-the-Date: 4/12

Health & Wellness Day 


See you Friday!
-MPCFM

Newsletter 2-13-13

Heart Healthy Foods & Upcoming Farmers' Market Events

Spread the Love of Health with Heart Healthy Fresh Foods

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, but 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. Fuertes are in season now! Come give them a try. Fresh avocados from Atkins Nursery this Friday. 

Almonds and Walnuts

Almonds and walnuts are known to be the healthy nuts on the block. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which promote 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 too. And remember, walnuts and almonds are packed with healthy fats to keep you feeling full longer. Visit Alex's Fruit & Nuts to pick up your heart healthy snacks. 

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 New Era Farms on Friday for a wide variety of berries to please the heart. 

Starting a Home-Based Food Business

Cottage Food Law Workshop 3/8 @ 5:30pm

California's new Cottage Food Law went into effect this January and we want to help you get started! Join us at the farmers' market on 3/8 for a community workshop led by Mark Anderson, executive director of our farmers' market operating non-profit, Sprouts of Promise Foundation, to learn the steps needed to turn your food venture idea into a tangible business. Please RSVP to montereyparkfm@gmail.com, as space is limited. 

More Upcoming Events at the Farmers' Market 

3/1 5:30pm Cooking Demonstation

3/8 5:30pm Cottage Food Workshop (see above)

3/8 6:30pm Free Zumba Class!

3/15  4-8pm Ask-a-Dietician: Free nutrition advice and healthy recipe samples

3/22 6pm Easter Egg Dyeing with Natural Products. Come also to learn and support our local non-profits (all night)

We're in for a sunny and warm Friday...we'll see you at the market 4-8pm. 

-MPCFM 

Newsletter 1-9-13

Neighborhood Recipe Swap is Coming!

Foodie February 

This February we're inviting out all neighborhood foodies to get the best and freshest ingredients from our farmers and try their hand at participating in our Neighborhood Recipe Swap! If you love to cook, or even if you're just starting to dabble in the kitchen-- we want to know you! We're looking for the best neighborhood recipes featuring fresh seasonal fruits and veggies from our farmers. Please submit your favorite fruit and veggie-focused recipe (remember, it's winter-- so think seasonal) to us at montereyparkfm@gmail.com. We will choose a new favorite recipe to feature every Friday in February and invite the lucky winner to demonstrate their recipe live at 5:30pm for the neighborhood to share. If you have questions on how to participate or if you're already set to go--get in touch with us soon! Don't forget to find us on Facebook for more updates. 

Market Match Returns 

This January we will bring back our Market Match program with the help of our partner, Hunger Action Los Angeles. If you receive EBT or SSI benefits, come see us in the red information tent at the market and we will give you an extra $5 to spend with our farmers when you spend $5. We are excited to help increase the buying power for fresh and healthy foods. Please spread the word to family and friends in the area so we may help increase access to affordable healthy foods to even more local residents in 2013. 

Need help finding out if you qualify for EBT or SSI? Call 626-569-4298 or fill out an application online.

Farmer Spotlight: Atkins Nursery

When's the last time you had a guava? How about a white sapote? Fresh macadamia nut? Ever tried a cherimoya? If you just answered no or never to these questions--oh boy, you are missing out on some of the best tropical winter produce Southern California has to offer! Atkins Nursery from Fallbrook, CA grows amazing seasonal fruit-bearing trees. They've got everything from fresh citrus and aromatic guava, to beautifully ripe Hass and Reed avocados. And just in time for winter cold and flu season, they have the best cara cara and blood oranges (and grapefruit!) to give you the Vitamin C needed to stay healthy. 

Atkins Nursery reliably provides the best local exotic fruits and citrus to you each and every week. Stop in and ask Rafael what's new this Friday. 

Get Your Winter Recipe Fix: Asian Citrus Salad Dressing

Dark leafy greens like spinach are said to have anti-inflammatory benefits to your body. If you're whipping together a quick spinach salad for lunch to take advantage of those nutritional benefits, go ahead and give this yummy new citrus salad dressing a try too! Vitamin C helps boost your immune system. Here's what you'll need from the market: oranges, ginger, and honey. Click here for the recipe. Enjoy. 

See you this Friday 4-8pm at the Library! 

-MPCFM