Local Farmers Markets

Just a quick note, as I was working on a program promoting purchasing in season produce (inspired my previous article), I decided it would be helpful to know information about the local farmers markets. I have complied a short list that some might enjoy reviewing.

Click here for a direct link to the list.

Enjoy shopping!!

Purchasing In Season Produce

Most everyone would agree that they need to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables in their diet.  One of the best ways to actually do that is to have fruits and vegetables readily available at home.  It’s easier to eat healthy when you have healthy options to choose from throughout the day.  So this brings up the question of when to buy to get the most for your money and the best tasting produce.  Purchasing produce in season has many benefits but most importantly are the cost savings and the fresh flavors.  

It makes sense that buying in season would be most cost effective but that’s not always something everyone knows.  As we approach spring, many local farmers markets will be opening back up.  Utilizing local markets is an excellent way to purchase in season produce and help out a local grower.  Purchasing produce when it is in season and in high abundance is a cost savings you can enjoy.  

Not only can you find a wide variety to choose from when you purchase in season, you can also expect to truly enjoy the fresh flavors.  Purchasing local and in season ensures your produce was harvested on time and not early.  Often times when you purchase produce that must be transported long distances to get to you, they must harvest early and refrigerate to avoid rot.  Although they are available, they will not have the same full flavor as something allowed to ripen naturally and harvested on time.  

So not only is it important to have fruits and vegetables readily available at home to eat, it’s also important to purchase them when they have their fullest flavor.  Who wants to increase their amount of fruits and vegetables if they all taste dull?  If you would like more information about what is in season at different times of the year, I have uploaded a helpful chart to http://hunt.agrilife.org/publications/ or you can stop by the Hunt County AgriLife Extension office and pick up a copy.  

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, please feel free to come by the Hunt County AgriLife  Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas, 75401, call (903) 455-9885, or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu.  

(Click here for a direct link to the In Season Produce Guide.)

Getting involved in Hunt County

Do you ever wish you were more involved or were a part of a group that had similar interests? Hunt County Extension offers several activities that might be exactly what you are seeking. I would like to highlight two FCS programs that are always looking for new members, Hunt County Education Extension Association and Hunt County Food Demonstrators.

The Hunt County Education Extension Association (EEA) has three active clubs, Caddo Mills, Campbell, and Variety (Greenville), which meet monthly and help with educational efforts throughout the county, assist in the personal development of the members, and provide skill development opportunities. Clubs are open to all individuals. If you are interested in additional information, you may contact Jo Garlington, Vice Chairman of Membership, Expansion, and Recognition, (903) 527-3664 or the Hunt County Extension office, (903) 455-9885.

If you enjoy experimenting with various recipes, sharing your ideas, and adding to your personal collection, the Hunt County Food Demonstrators may be right up your alley. This organized group of volunteers meet monthly at the Extension office to test, score, and evaluate recipes appropriate for healthy lifestyles. Each month the group focuses on a different food theme. Dates and food themes for upcoming meetings are listed on the Hunt County AgriLife Extension webpage, http://hunt.agrilife.org/.

Both groups are open to everyone and would love to have new members in attendance. Getting involved in Hunt County programs is simple and fun! We welcome inquires, so please do not hesitate to contact the Extension office.

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, please feel free to come by the Hunt County Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas, 75401, call (903) 455-9885, or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu.

Have a Heart Healthy Valentine's Day

Planning the perfect Valentine’s Day for your special someone can be stressful, time consuming, and often filled with unhealthy diet choices. Instead of showering your valentine with chocolates, try showering them with food for a healthy heart. After all, don’t you want to be their Valentine next year?

Along with other healthy lifestyle activities, such as regular exercise, not smoking, and lower stress levels, eating a variety of healthy foods is excellent for your heart health. The American Dietetic Association recommends adding these foods to your regular diet to jump start your journey.

1. Blueberries are packed with the colorful antioxidant, anthocyanin, fiber, vitamin C, and are easy to find year round. Blueberries are great on their own, but they add an amazing flavor to cereal, smoothies, or as a topping. 
2. The American Heart Association recommends including omega-3 rich foods into your diet at least twice a week for a healthy heart. Salmon is loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is easy to cook and has a pleasant flavor. Try grilled or baked salmon paired with a fresh spinach salad or grilled vegetables.
3. For many, oatmeal is a staple in a heart healthy diet. Whole grain oats are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and most importantly, cholesterol-lowering fiber. Oatmeal is tasty on its own or it can be dolled up by adding various fruits and berries. Oatmeal is a great substitute when baking. Replacing one-third of the flour in a pancake, muffin, or cookie recipe with oatmeal will add in fiber without taking away from the taste!
4. The benefits of eating spinach are too long to list. Just remember, Popeye was on to something! Spinach is loaded with vitamins and minerals, notably folate and iron. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant spinach should be a regular on your menu. Fresh spinach is delicious in a salad or blended up in a green smoothie.

Maintaining a healthy heart requires a mixture of activities and any one of them alone is not enough. You must work to have a healthy balance between exercise, diet, and lifestyle. However, picking up one good habit often leads to another. This year make Valentine’s Day the beginning of a new you!

As always, if you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, please feel free to come by the Hunt County Extension office, 2217 Washington Street, Greenville, Texas, 75401, call (903) 455-9885, or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu.