A Fresh Start
A guide to Manhattan’s fresh produce:
Where to get it and how to care for it
Where to find fresh produce:
The greater Manhattan area has a plethora of fresh produce all year long- it’s knowing where to look for it! There are numerous mom-and-pop shops in neighborhoods, along Highway 24, and in more rural areas, such as St. George and the Timbercreek homes. A couple of year-round produce stands are located at the Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market is in the Dillard’s parking lot by the mall when the weather is nice, and when it’s cold, they move inside.
- Farms like Britt’s and A & H offer fresh produce seasonally.
- Picallili Farm offers a farm-to-table service that you can sign up for each week.
How to handle fresh produce:
Meals to make with fresh produce:
During the winter, finding hearty meals that still incorporate fresh
produce can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve selected a few recipes
that make the most of seasonal ingredients, and we highly recommend
giving them a try! They aren’t only delicious, but they’re nutritious!
Seasonal recipes to make:
- Grapefruit quinoa salad with herbs and walnuts
https://www.rhubarbarians.com/grapefruit-quinoa-salad-with-herbs-and-walnuts/
- Avocado grapefruit salad with strawberry and manchego
https://www.rhubarbarians.com/avocado-grapefruit-salad-strawberry/
- Kiwi Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
https://www.atastefortravel.ca/13182-kiwi-coconut-milk-chia-pudding/
- Roasted garlic and parsnip soup
https://cupfulofkale.com/roasted-garlic-and-parsnip-soup/
- Baked rutabaga fries with spinach cashew cream
https://itsavegworldafterall.com/baked-rutabaga-fries-with-spinach-cashew-cream/
- Vegan Instant Pot Lentils and Rice with Rutabaga
https://healthyslowcooking.com/vegan-instant-pot-lentils-and-rice-with-rutabaga/
Gardening
It may be winter, but there is never a wrong time to start thinking about gardening! If you live in an area that doesn’t allow you access to fresh produce, gardening is a great way to fix that problem! Not only will you be able to have fresh produce, but you can sell your extras to neighbors, friends, and locals.
Gardening is a great way to get some physical activity, fresh air, and sunshine. Plus, it’s a fun way to connect with nature and destress! It can help you save money on grocery bills and reduce your environmental impact. Some studies have shown that people who garden tend to eat more fruits and vegetables than those who don't garden, likely because gardening makes it easier to access fresh, healthy food!
Here are a few dietitian-approved tips on gardening for beginners:
- Gather Gardening Supplies
- Such as seeds, gardening belt, gloves, watering can, and shovels
- Think of the type of plants you want to grow, the climate you live in, and the amount of space you have
- Consider purchasing seedlings instead of seeds to get an easier start on planting
- Acquire healthy soil before planting
- Good soil should be loose, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. You can improve the quality of soil by adding compost or other organic matter, such as dried leaves, grass clippings, or moss
- Find a good area to start your garden
- Start small and gradually increase the size of your garden as you gain experience
Manhattan Nutrition Clinic Blog
