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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Farmer’s Markets
Submitted by Marilyn Gordon Ed.D., RD CSSD LDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Farmer’s Markets in the U.S. have grown and are projected to rise further. The USDA Economic Research Service Food Environment Atlas shows that there has been a 15% increase in Farmer’s Markets per capita here in South Florida from 2009-2012. The urban areas of the East and West coasts of the U.S. have seen the largest increases.
We are fortunate to have our own NSU Farmer’s Market on Main Campus every Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. The items offered tend to vary from week to week but you can always find fresh produce. This week available items were pineapple, tomatoes, oranges, carrots, melons, mango, eggplant, and peppers. Other nutritious items were nuts, trail mix, olives, and hummus. For those with a sweet tooth you can find local honey, fruit pops, and baked goods. Sometimes you will discover natural dog treats, homemade soaps made with essential oils, and flowering plants.
The Florida Department of Agriculture provides a reminder of what is in season now. http://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/16797/269938/05May.pdf Buying locally grown and in-season fruits and vegetables ensures freshness and high nutrient retention. You are also supporting your local farmers and reducing the carbon footprint created by transporting food over large distances.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers tips for keeping our food safe. First, we should always wash our hands with soap under running water prior to preparing food or eating. At the Farmer’s Market, it might be tempting to bite right into that apple or taste the tempting strawberries right out of the basket but all produce needs to be washed under running water to remove dirt, bugs, and agricultural residues (especially if conventionally grown and not organic). Refrigerate all cut fruits and vegetables within 2 hours. If you are shopping with your NSU Wellness Day reusable cloth bag, be sure to wash it thoroughly between visits.
Although raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products have become popular, all of these items carry a health risk unless they are pasteurized so ask if it is not stated on the label. Raw milk can harbor Salmonella, E.Coli, and Listeria bacteria. These bacteria are very harmful to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with a weak immune system.