Celebrating the Honey Bee

Where would we be without the honey bee? It's a scary thought, and it's not just the sweet honey we would miss—it would be the more than 100 crops that are pollinated by these busy bees (almonds, apples, broccoli, carrots, citrus, onions....). An estimated 50-80 percent of the world's food supply is affected by bee pollination.

In recent years, the honey bee population has been in decline and scientists point to pesticide use and climate change as contributing factors. Thankfully, environmental organizations and others are working to save the bees. The organizers of National Honey Bee Day are among those raising awareness of the honey bee's struggle and one of their recommendations is to support local bee keepers. Done! That's something we do at our certified farmers' markets, where you'll find bee keepers and purveyors of local honey and its by-products.

More on honey bees, honey and helping save the bees:

National Honey Bee Day (Saturday, August 16, 2014)

Why We Need Bees (NRDC PDF fact sheet)

6 Delicious Health Benefits of Honey (Mind Body Green)

Selecting Plants for Pollinators (Pollinator Partnership)

Honey at our certified farmers' markets:

Energy Bee Farm at our Monterey Park Farmers' Market

Bee Ladies Honey at SOCO Farmers' Market and Newport Beach Farmers' Market

 LSG Honey at  Playa Vista Farmers' Market and Hermosa Beach Farmers' Market

Farmers Market 101: 5 Questions to Ask Your Farmer

Food plays a huge role in health and well-being, so it is important to get the quality you deserve. Frustratingly, it’s often difficult to get questions answered from your local restaurant or grocery store. I know my questions to waiters are often received with a glare of inconvenience. Fortunately, the local farmers’ market is a different story.

Farmers’ market vendors love inquisitive customers so ask away. Don’t know what to ask? We can help. Firstly, remember that no genuine question is a bad question, so don’t be shy!

We like to keep things simple so we stick with the 5 W’s (the good ole’ who, what, where, when & why).

Who is the farmer?
What chemicals, if any, were used?
Where is the farm located?
When was the produce picked?
Why should or shouldn’t I buy organic? 

Bonus Questions – the How:

How do I pick the best one?
How do I prepare this?
How do I store this?

With questions like these, you’ll quickly find the farmers’ market is not just a place to pick up your groceries.  It’s a place to cultivate relationships with your food sources. Next time you are at your local farmers market, spend an extra minute to inquire about your purchase.  We know they will appreciate your curiosity and will likely remember you the next time you come to see them!!

10 Everyday Tips to Keep Our Planet Healthy

We can always use a friendly reminder that the earth is our home, and we should do everything we can to treat it as best we can. Below are 10 simple easy tips that you and your family can follow to help make the earth a healthier place.

1. Conserve Water- This is especially important in areas that are prone to drought. The little things count here – turn the sink off when brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, and forego the carwash.
2. Walk or Bike- Other than these options being a great form of exercise, staying off of the road helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more than you’d think.
3. Recycle- By placing your plastic bottle in the correct container, you are helping to reduce pollution. Recycling goes beyond glass, paper and tinfoil. Don’t forget to properly recycle your used batteries, electronics, and hazardous waste to the appropriate recycling centers near you.
4. Compost- Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of solid waste your household produces each year, therefore taking up less space in landfills and providing great nutrients for your garden.
5. BYOB- Bring your own bag! When shopping at the farmers market, grocery store, or even the mall, it’s best to bring your own bag to reduce the use of plastic bags.
6. Go Paperless- By switching to electronic billing statements, you are reducing the amount of paper being used and savings trees.
7. Donate- Before throwing away clothing, shoes and household items, think if someone else could put it to use. It’s easy to donate these items to charitable organizations.
8. Clean Without Toxins- Swap out toxic, heavy duty cleaning supplies for “green” cleaning products. You can even save money and make your own by using household items like vinegar, lemon and baking soda!
9. Plant A Tree- Trees help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cleans pollution, and provides shade, so get out there and plant a tree. And if you don’t have space for a tree, simply plant smaller flowers!
10. Educate Yourself- Make a commitment to educate yourself about the environment and how you can protect it. Head to your local library, or join a local group. Even small changes help!

Farmers Market 101: What is a GMO?

There is plenty of talk about GMO’s lately, especially in relation to states trying to pass laws requiring labeling of them. Struggling with understanding GMOs? Here is a quick 5-point primer for you.

 1. What does GMO stand for?
Genetically Modified Organism

2. What does Genetically Modified mean?
This means a plant or animal has been genetically engineered using DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals (important to note that these are changes that could not happen in nature, which differentiate GMOs from traditional crossbreeding). For example, GMO scientists inserted DNA from an Artic fish into the DNA of a tomato giving the tomato an improved tolerance to cold temperature.

3. How did GMOs come about?
GMOs came about from chemical companies desire to sell more pesticides/herbicides to farmers by eliminating the fear of killing crops during application. Therefore, they engineered the crops to tolerate the direct application of herbicides and pesticides.

4. Why should I care about GMOs?
Health concerns. More than 60 countries have restricted or banned GMOs due to health concerns. There are no long-term health studies indicating their safety while growing evidence supports the connection between GMOs and health problems such as autoimmune diseases and cancer. The food industry (in the US) says otherwise but keep in mind that our FDA allows our food to be modified based on testing done by the same corporations creating them (huge conflict of interest).

5. How can I avoid GMOs?
It’s very difficult. Chances are when eating out at a restaurant, your plate is filled with GMO ingredients. The most common GMOs in the US are corn, canola, soy, sugar beets and cotton. In the US, GMOs are used in about 70% of conventional processed foods. Since labeling is note required, it makes it very difficult to avoid them. To date, every State ballot initiative to label GMOs has been defeated thanks to the financial backing from corporations benefiting from GMOs.

Practical Takeaways.
Although it may be time consuming, doing research is key. Labels such as Organic and the voluntary “Non-GMO” will let you know its GMO free. Otherwise, it’s best to buy from local farmers’ markets and small local companies. Eating local, organic vegetables and organic, grass-fed meat and poultry will keep you on the right track. We know that things can get expensive, so we always suggest to do the best you can within your means.

If you’re interested in even more reading and joining the Non-GMO Project, click here.

Farmers Market 101: Market Faux-Pas

We’ve already discussed our top tips and tricks to get the most of your farmers’ market experience. Next up is our advice for what not to do at the market! Every market is different and unique, but these tips go for all markets across the board. Being mindful of the following will make each and every farmers’ market that more enjoyable for everyone! Here are our top 5 no-no’s:

1. Don’t over bargain: Bargains are all around the farmers’ market. From free samples, rounding down of transaction totals and the occasional free extra piece of produce, generosity abounds. Be grateful and don’t try to take advantage of the generous and casual nature of your farmers. They work extremely hard to provide the freshest and most nutritious food, and deserve every penny, which represents an investment in your community and local food system.
2. Don’t be in a rush: Life is sometimes crazy, and we understand that we live in a fast paced environment. However, one of the main charms of a farmers’ market is its slow, leisurely place. It’s an outdoor area meant for community gathering and relaxation, so give yourself time to walk around, talk to farmers and neighbors, and pick your perfect produce.
3. Don’t litter: Samples often come with a toothpick or mini cup. Avoid the easy temptation to toss it (or the remains of that strawberry top) on the ground. Be respectful to the market and the earth by placing trash in the bins.
4. Don’t be above market regulations: Market staff loves your pet but we have a duty to make sure the market is compliant with all health and agriculture department regulations. Don’t get upset when we ask you to obey them too. Unfortunately, pets are currently not allowed. Your pet is adorable but if it comes in contact with a vendor’s produce that vendor must toss it out, resulting in a loss of income.

Top 5 Reasons to Shop Local

There are endless benefits to shopping local. Here’s our top 5!

1. Get Fresh: Local food travels less distance (leaving a smaller carbon footprint), and is typically picked within the last 24 hours. That means crisper and fresher than the produce picked three weeks earlier and shipped across the globe. Supermarkets typically select for durability and long shelf life rather than flavor. Eggs and animal protein follow the same rules. You’ll often find eggs at your local farmers’ market hatched that same morning!

2. Tis’ the Season: Years ago, supermarkets were few and far between and people would only eat what they grew. Nowadays, supermarkets carry every fruit and vegetable imaginable even if the season has passed and it’s not natural for that region. There is great fulfillment and a lot of health research on the benefits of eating in tune with the season.

3. Cultivate Relationships: By cutting out the middleman and buying directly from local farmers, you establish a direct relationship with your food source. Knowing where your food comes from is important.

4. Getting Deep: Supermarket produce is shallow. It is selected based on ‘prettiness’. Your local farm favors the often ‘not so pretty’ varieties because they possess superior flavor and pack more nutrients. The farmers’ market is the perfect place to find the produce grown for taste and not for show. Spend your money on flavor not looks.

5. Support Your Neighbors: Shopping local keeps dollars within the community, thereby bolstering the local economy and strengthening your own neighborhood.

Farmers Market 101: What Does "Organic" Mean?

Organic here, organic there, organic everywhere! The Certified Organic label is everywhere you look these days. Did you know it was only first implemented in 2002? Today, you can stroll down any aisle (whether it’s Whole Foods, or a conventional supermarket) and find something that’s organic. Even WalMart is now a huge player in organics. But what does that label really mean? We already know what a GMO is, so here are some main things about the Organic label that you should know.

• Organic standards are developed at the national level (overseen by the USDA).
• The USDA does not perform the certification process itself. Third party certification agencies are used.
• The label is based on farming practices, soil treatment, additives, weed control and pesticides.
• There are 3 breakdowns of the “Organic” label
  • 100% Organic: All ingredients must be certified organic, any processing aids must be organic, and product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.
  • Organic: All agricultural ingredients must be certified organic, non-organic ingredients up to a combined total of 5% are allowed (excluding salt & water), and product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel.
  • “Made With” Organic: At least 70% of the ingredients used to make the product must be certified organic, product labels must state the name of the certifying agent on the information panel, and any remaining agricultural products are not required to be organically grown, however, they must be non-GMO. These products will not have an organic label on the package.

What about alcohol? Good question! In addition to the USDA organic label, all alcoholic beverages must meet the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulations along with sulfite labeling. This means that products with added sulfites can only have a “made with” organic label, not the USDA Organic seal.

We know this may be a lot of information to retain and recall when food shopping, but it is important! And like we always say, it’s easiest (and the least stressful) to shop at a local farmers’ market where you can trust your farmers and ingredients.

Farmer Mark’s Final Thoughts:
A popular misconception is that the Organic label means no “pesticides” have been used, however, that is not the case. There are many non-synthetic pesticides such as need oil, tea tree oil and clove oil that are used in organic growing. Unfortunately, since Organic is a national standard, and big companies mean big lobbying, more and more synthetic chemicals are now being added to the acceptable list.

Organic comes with a premium price, so choose wisely where you spend your money. The EWG publishes an annual list of conventional foods with the most pesticides (Dirty Dozen) and least pesticides (Clean Fifteen). EWG's Dirty Dozen™ list for 2014 included apples, strawberries, grapes, celery, peaches, spinach, sweet bell peppers, imported nectarines, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, imported snap peas and potatoes. EWG's Clean Fifteen™ for 2014 are avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, cabbage, frozen sweet peas, onions, asparagus, mangoes, papayas, kiwis, eggplant, grapefruit, cantaloupe, cauliflower and sweet potatoes.

Why is it that “clean” produce needs a label, while “dirty” produce doesn’t? It’s a shame that an Organic grower needs to get annually inspected, pay an annual fee and comply with extra bookkeeping regulations for the right to put an Organic label in its produce. We think it would make more sense for organically grown food to be called “food,” while food grown with synthetic chemicals be required the label. “Chemical” food sounds like an appropriate label to me!

Farmers Market 101: What is a Farmers' Market?

Many are surprised to hear that my job even exists. They typically aren’t aware there is an organizer behind their local farmers’ market. Perhaps it is because the idea of a small local gathering of producers is ingrained in our society’s evolution. Farmers’ markets date back to ancient times; over 5,000 years ago, when local farmers sold live animals and crops from their farms to the community. Informal “pop-up” markets like these were also prevalent in America with the first settlers. But then they faded away with the onset of urbanization and the rise of the grocery store bringing in the era of food commoditization and corporatization. To the delight of the local foodie, seasonal eater, and civic-minded folk, farmers’ markets have made a comeback – doubling over the last five years in the United States to over 8,000!

It’s a trend to ditch your big business supermarket, and shop small and local. The movement is making such a wave that you’re now seeing the supermarkets try to rebrand themselves as local, farm friendly institutions. Some even go as far as using the term farmers’ markets in their name (e.g., Sprouts Farmers’ Market). This is what I like to call farmwashing. Using marketing tricks to make yourself look like you’re connected to a farm. A bunch of hogwash if you ask me!

Unlike the markets of the old days, which were very informal, today’s markets do carry a greater deal of formality (i.e., regulation) with them. It was only back in the 1970s that California passed its Direct Marketing Regulations to once again allow farmers’ markets to rise. The regulations were spurred on by the need for farmers to find a market for their ‘second quality’ produce (produce that didn’t fit the standards of the supermarket distribution channel). As the supermarket distribution channel became more and more developed, farmers started finding themselves with more and more ‘second quality’ produce going to waste. To be sold at a supermarket, all produce must meet standard packing and labeling requirements. Meaning everything has a label (sticker), is uniform (same size and shape) and of “first quality” (non-blemished). To comply with this system and survive, farmers’ shifted away from heirloom varieties and towards hybrid seed varieties, which via plant breeding result a better yield of uniform produce (I refer to natural selection here not GMOs). Something was sacrificed along the path to greater yield. Unfortunate for the consumer, it was taste and nutrition.

Good news! The resurgence of farmers’ markets has liberated the farmer to refocus on growing for taste and nutrition by providing an outlet for heirloom varieties. At the forefront of this movement was the tasty heirloom tomato.

As an operator of farmers’ markets, I strongly believe in their benefits for farmers, consumers, businesses and the community. In my opinion, here are some of the important ones.

1. More Money For Farmers: Farmers cut out the middleman by selling directly to consumers. This allows them to keep a greater percentage of the fair market price for their produce and also to get paid on the spot (versus waiting 30, 60 or even 90 days or more for their distribution company to pay their invoice). This opportunity keeps smaller farms from otherwise going out of business.
2. Freshness: Do you prefer a tomato picked within the last 24 hours in your home State or one that was picked 3 weeks ago across the globe?
3. Better Taste & Nutrition: Looks don’t matter as much at a farmers’ market. Flavor and nutritional qualities steal the show. After all, our food is meant to nourish our bodies not simply look good on the shelf.
4. Greater Variety: The variety at a farmers’ market will always outplay the supermarket. You have the option to buy organic produce, grass fed meats, and unique heirloom varieties you may have never seen before (except perhaps in Grandma’s garden years ago)!
5. Support Local: Shopping directly from your local farmers and food artisans supports your local businesses.
6. Community Building: Farmers’ markets bring the community together, along with generating traffic to nearby businesses. It gives an area a unique touch unlike any other that encourages visitors to return.

Please note that the term “farmers’ market” is not a legally defined term – anyone can use it in any way they like. Here in California, our Direct Marketing Regulations legally define the term “Certified Farmers’ Market”. This means that all produce sold at the market is grown in California. It also means our farmers abide by strict laws to ensure they are growing and selling their own produce. Farmers are inspected by the Department of Agriculture, and follow specific rules for loading, transportation and storage. To hold the farmer even more accountable, you will now see each farmer’s banner stating, “We Grow What We Sell.” It’s comforting to be able to visit your local market, and trust your growers and produce.

Farmers’ markets will only continue to gain popularity as the health trend grows, and we’re excited to see what’s next. Who doesn’t love combining their community, nature and food? It sounds like a recipe for success to us!

Farmers Market 101: Grass Fed vs Grain Fed

When selecting your preferred cut of beef at the local butcher, have you ever thought about what you are about to eat has eaten? It makes sense that it would matter. After all, it’s ‘garbage in, garbage out’. This philosophy matters all the way down the food chain. Quality inputs result in quality outputs. Unfortunately, we the consumer, aren’t typically informed when the inputs down the food chain are substituted or degrade in quality. We are kept in the dark. Since the health impact of those changes is not immediate, we tend to be slow to respond if we don’t see the direct impact.

Back around the 3rd grade we learned that cows are ruminants (grass eaters). Its eight stomach digestive system converts grasses (including alfalfa, hay, and clovers) into the proper nutrients required for a cow to achieve optimal health. In contrast, our human stomach isn’t designed very well to process grasses directly (which we also might have learned in 3rd grade when we tried eating some of our front lawn). Good news though! We can process it indirectly through the consumption of beef, which our stomach can handle. In doing so, we indirectly get the nutritional benefits of grass via cows. Did you know that most cattle ranchers call themselves dirt farmers? If we keep thinking about quality inputs and look one step further down the food chain we see why. Healthy soil will result in healthy grass. If a rancher promotes a healthy soil, it will result in a cycle of health up the food chain:

Healthy Soil > Healthy Grass > Health Cows > Healthy Humans

Sadly, most Americans do not consume beef from healthy cows. They consume from cows suffering from obesity, disease, infection and illness. To combat these health problems, the cows are pumped full of antibiotics, hormones and steroids. About 80% of all antibiotics sold in the US are used for livestock and poultry. But why are the cows so unhealthy you ask? Their food input was changed. Instead of grass, the overwhelming majority of beef sold in the US now comes from cows fed a diet of corn, soy and grains. Why? Economics.

Less Expensive
Corn, soy and grain are cheaper. From 1997 to 2005, for example, taxpayer-subsidized grain prices saved feedlots and other CAFOs about $35 billion. They are cheaper due to our national Farm Bill subsidies. Most beef prior to 1950 was still grass fed. However, once national subsidies were put in place, ranchers quickly switched over to the cheaper food source. Even after figuring in the additional costs of antibiotics, hormones and steroids, it is still a cheaper alternative for the producer and results in cheaper end product, which makes consumers happy. Unfortunately, not all costs are being considered. If you could factor in the cost of health care and the environmental impact costs, it would be a different picture. However, these indirect costs don’t get the attention they deserve.

Decreased Production Time
Cows ‘fatten up’ quicker on a diet of corn, soy and grain. It takes cows about 4 years to reach slaughter weight when fed grass but only 13 months when fed their new diet. This diet works well with other animals too, like pigs, lamb, chicken and even fish! Yes, underwater species are now fed land dwelling foods. Odds are that tilapia you just bought was fed corn and soy pellets. Makes you think what might happen when humans are primarily fed this type of diet? As you hopefully know by now, that experiment is in already in progress with (obvious) results.

Moving away from grass and head first into grains and soy results in some additional negatives:

Less Nutrients
Significantly less vitamin E, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fewer health-promoting fats, including omega-3 fatty acids and “conjugated linoleic acid”

Increased Toxins
All those nasty antibiotics, steroids and hormones used to keep the unhealthy cows alive gets passed on through the beef on your plate, and is typically stored in the fat.

We could go on forever with this topic, but will wrap it up here for now. We’ll save our thoughts about the inhumane treatment of non-grass fed cows and the environmental degradation from factory farming for another post.

Practical Takeaways:

• Pay the higher cost for quality grass fed meats. If you can’t afford to get the same quantity as you usually would, spend the same amount to take home a bit less. When cooking beef, simply cook less and add more veggies to your plate instead.
• If you can’t avoid the non-grass fed meat, be sure to trim the fat! Lots of toxins in that fat, so stay clear of it.

Back to School: Healthy Farmers Market Snacks

How perfect is the image of an apple on a school desk? They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away—and we love all advice that involves eating fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmers' market. Because it's back to school time (and cold and flu season is right around the corner), we've come up with some healthy snacks using farmers' market ingredients that are perfect for kids (or adults who are kids at heart...).

Fruits and Nuts

It doesn't get easier than spreading apple or pear slices with unsweetened nut butter or topping them with a nuts and honey mixture (Martha Stewart recipe). For a cracker spread, blend unsweetened cocoa powder and honey with a nut butter of your choice.

Vegetables

Kid-friendly vegetable snacks to make include cauliflower tots (Food 4 Tots recipe), kale chips (Eating Well recipe), and zucchini sticks (Delish recipe).

Smoothies and Juices

Who wouldn't love a chocolate avocado smoothie made with unsweetened cocoa powder with avocado and milk and sweetener of your choice (Parenting recipe). For juices, sneak vegetables into a mostly fruit blend—such as beet, apple, and spinach or tomato, carrot, spinach and apple (Inhabitots recipes). Also, consider add-ons. Raw Cane SugarJuice, a vendor at our Manhattan Beach Certified Farmers' Market, uses liquid chlorophyll in its juices for its germ-fighting potential. You can pick up juices or make your own and slip in immunity-boosting ingredients.