The Raw Routine

Organic Eats Made Easy

Whole foods snack bar makes eating health food on the go really easy.

The privilege of the farmer's markets

My Meetup group had a simple after work gathering yesterday at Jamba Juice! Nothing fancy, just a few people getting together after work to drink some smoothies and chat about real estate, education and movies. It was great! I've been to parties and meetings where the only things discussed were food and commitment level... "How raw are you?" "What equipment do you have?..." Who do you follow?..." stuff like that, so getting together with my group is a real treat. I met 4 new faces and basked in the glow that only face-to-face interaction can bring.

What's in season? A guide to the harvest

Have you ever wondered where your food is from when you go into the supermarket? How far did it have to travel and if it's in season? Well, I wish I could provide a guide for every state, but if you're in the tri-state area, New York/New Jersey/Connecticut, you're gonna love today's post!  I often have friends that call and ask me what's in season? Since we can't get ALL of our food from the farmer's market we it's helpful to know what's actually in season for when we go to the supermarket.

This month, August, the following vegetables are available:

• Snap beans, Beets, Beet greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Collard Greens, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Herbs, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Onions, Peppers, Potatoes, Radishes, Spinach, Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Turnips, Turnip Greens, Zucchini.

And, these are the seasonal fruits:

• Apples, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupes, Currants, Grapes, Peaches, Pears, Plums and Prunes.

Not bad eh? You betcha. Much to do. Get to rawing, steaming, blanching, whichever meets you where you're at and takes up up a notch. Try to stay away from frying your veggies, it's just not worth it. The closer you can get to a minimal-heated food, the better for you! 

Lastly, if you don't live in the tri-state area (this is the internet, after all) you can usually check with your state produce department and they usually have an online guide. Also, the next time you're at the farmer's market check with the manager's table (where the flyers and brochures are) and they'll usually have a regional harvest guide, or will know where to get one. 

Seize the day!