Despite the beginning of spring, we still experienced some chilly (even below freezing) temps!
Thankfully a warmer climate seems to be on the way, but with the fluctuating temperatures and the arrival of allergy season, our immune systems may take a hit over the next few weeks! Take a little extra care of your health with wellness recipes using locally grown produce and value-added products from farmers tailgate markets.
Concentrated juices are one of the quickest and easiest ways to receive the health benefits of your local produce purchases this week! This carrot-turmeric shot has some powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties to help you feel your best in the face of springtime allergies and illness. To a high-speed blender, add five to seven roughly chopped carrot stalks, one chopped apple of any variety, three inches of chopped ginger root, two inches of turmeric root, a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, and a cup and a half of water, then blend until smooth. If preferred, you can also add a little bit of raw honey and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Using a fine mesh strainer or layered cheesecloth, place it into a large bowl then pour the liquid into it. Slowly squeeze out of all the juice until just the pulp is left in your straining device. Once you’ve strained all your juice, it can be stored in the fridge for up to seven days, or in the freezer for up to 30 days. Enjoy your wellness shots in small two-ounce serving sizes, once a day. Or, if you prefer to sip, you can always water down the juice! You can find fresh turmeric and ginger for this recipe from Mystic Roots Farm at the River Arts District Farmers Market. Get apples from Creasman Farms at Asheville City Market or McConnell Farms at North Asheville Tailgate Market.
Soup is not just a comfort food! This miso soup with soba noodles, carrots, and bok choy may offer some gut-health benefits as well. To make, bring six cups of vegetable broth to a rolling boil in a large soup pot. Add three cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of freshly grated ginger. Cook for about two minutes. Stir in a cup of sliced mushrooms (any type), two sliced carrots, two heads of chopped bok choy (ends removed), and four ounces of soba noodles. Cook for about five minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, stir in half a block of firm tofu (chopped into cubes), and allow to sit for two minutes. Remove half a cup of the broth from the pot and place into a small bowl. Add two-and-a-half tablespoons of white miso paste to the bowl, then whisk until dissolved. Return the broth and miso mixture into the bigger pot, then stir to combine. Garnish with chopped green onions, and enjoy! You can find bok choy for this recipe from Lee’s One Fortune Farm at Asheville City Market and River Arts District Farmers Market, or Highgate Farm at River Arts District Farmers Market.
Get more immune-boosting benefits from value-added products at farmers markets! Don’t feel like making your own juice at home? No problem! Immortal Juice Company has plenty of delicious, cold-pressed juices. Look for Serotonin Ferments at markets as well for a variety of probiotic-filled goodness, including sauerkrauts, kimchi, pickled veggies, and fermented sauces to incorporate to your cooking this week! You can find these vendors at Asheville City Market and North Asheville Tailgate Market.
At winter markets now you’ll also find beets, radishes, turnips, cabbage, kale, spinach, salad greens, winter squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes and more! Markets are also stocked with a variety of meats, cheese, rice, pasta, pastries, drinks, and prepared foods. Find more details about farms and markets throughout the region, including winter hours, in ASAP’s online Local Food Guide.
Written by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.