How Local Farmers Markets Keep Your Body and Soul Nourished on the Go
Living a nomadic life finds me excited for seeking out local farmers markets. As a nutritionist, there’s something incredibly satisfying about getting to know the farmers and bringing home local nutritious foods, bursting with live enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that you simply can’t find in the grocery store aisles.
As a child, I remember weekend trips to roadside stands. I’ll admit I wasn’t the biggest fan of vegetables back then, but I couldn’t resist a perfectly ripened beefsteak tomato sandwich. These days, finding a grocery store tomato with that same taste and texture is an enigma.
The classic roadside stands have evolved into vibrant farmers markets, a feast for the senses, offering not just fresh fruits and vegetables but also freshly baked goods, local meats, dairy, and more. The produce is picked at the peak of perfection, just waiting to nourish our bodies and help to keep our immune systems strong and ready to fend off the seasonal sniffles.
Many small-scale farmers use organic or low-impact farming methods, reducing our exposure to harmful pesticides and chemicals. This cleaner, more nutrient-dense produce is not only better for your health but also supports a more sustainable food system, contributing to the well-being of both the planet and our bodies. Farmers markets also allow us to eat in harmony with nature’s cycles. Seasonal eating ensures you’re getting the most nutrient-dense foods that are naturally attuned to the time of year, supporting your body’s needs as the seasons change.
Fall is my favorite time of year for farmers markets. The smell of fresh pumpkin and apple pies, bread, and other delectable treats fills the air, along with the colorful array of squash and root vegetables—perfect for hearty stews or chili. I can almost taste a good roasted pumpkin soup as I wander through the stalls filled with fall fresh-cut flowers.
Vibrant orange gourds and sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our skin and mucous membranes, our body’s first line of defense against pathogens. Vitamin A also supports the proper function of your immune cells, making it a key player in fighting off infections. Cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage are rich in sulforaphane and vitamin C, which stimulate the production of white blood cells, essential for fighting off infections.
The end of autumn wouldn’t be complete without cranberries. Those little red gems are packed with antioxidants, particularly gut-bacteria-loving polyphenols and vitamin C, which super-boosts your immune system against invading viruses and bacteria. Did you know that cranberry juice is the number one way to prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary system? I always keep a frozen pack of cranberries for just such emergencies. The recipe is simple: a handful of cranberries in 6 ounces of water, bring to a boil, simmer for an hour, allow to cool, mash the berries, strain, and keep the liquid in the refrigerator. Drink this diluted vibrant fuchsia-colored elixir once daily for a healthy urinary tract. If you need a little sweetness, try adding the powdered supplement D-mannose, a natural sugar that also supports a healthy urinary tract.
Of course, there are the apples—applesauce, apple pie, apple crumble—mmmm. Apples are packed with anti-inflammatory soluble fiber and quercetin, which has been shown to bolster the immune system. One of my favorite go-to snacks is cooked apples. I simply cut up a bunch of apples; mix them with a little lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger; and then add them to a crockpot. They’re so good served hot with a dollop of vanilla ice cream melting around them, creating a velvety mess that’s pure bliss.
Tomatoes reach their peak in the fall, with longer nights and cooler weather bringing out the best flavor and leaving them full of energy-producing B vitamins and heart-healthy lycopene. I grab a freshly baked artisan loaf of bread and can’t resist picking up a few freshly baked cookies bursting with chocolate chips. I can’t wait to slice through the still-warm bread; slather on some mayonnaise; sprinkle it with Celtic sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, and fresh basil picked that morning; and sink my teeth into a little piece of nostalgia. There’s nothing finer than a good farmers market for immune-boosting and tasty treats.
My secret to finding these local treasures? I use Google Maps and search “farmers markets.” I also use the American Farmers Markets app by iNVASIVECODE Inc. and Soko to make sure I do not miss out on a little local favorite. Boost your immune system this fall and support local as you roll.
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Karen Langston is a full-time RVer and holistic orthomolecular nutritionist specializing in functional modalities to tame the belly storm. She loves hitting the road in search of Class A backroads, good food, and quirky adventures. Join her adventure: Planes, Trains and RVing — https://planestrainsandrving.substack.com/ |
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