By Contributing Author Sharon A. See

I’m often asked about the benefits of raw food diets, of which there are many. But, there are some foods that can actually be more nutritious for us to eat in cooked form.

It really comes down to nutrition science. Some nutrients are very delicate and degrade quickly when exposed to heat. Others, when cooked, can become easier for our digestive systems to absorb. And then there is the more complex nutrition science of combining specific nutrients to enhance absorption. 

The great thing about this time of year is that you can find the best fruits and vegetables for both raw and cooked recipes right at The Monroe Farmers Market. 

Here’s a quick guide to go by when deciding which are best cooked and which are best eaten raw. I’ve also included a tasty recipe which combines just the right ingredients to naturally enhance nutrient absorption. 

By Contributing Author Sharon A. See
​
It’s no secret that I am a farmers’ market fan. For one thing, you just can’t beat the convenience of having all those fresh fruits and veggies all in one place. But, I overdo it sometimes.  I can get carried away and come home with enough food to feed us and the neighbors.

As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. I certainly didn’t invent food storage, but through my own necessity I’ve come up with what I think are some really great strategies for preventing spoilage while promoting healthy eating in our home. 

I’ve been told that concern over how to keep fresh fruits and vegetables from spoiling is a reason why some people don’t shop at farmers markets as often as they’d like. I get that. Tossing away spoiled produce is a real waste of money. 
So, in this blog I’m going to share with you some really quick and simple ways to keep your farmers market produce fresher longer.

​By Contributing Author Sharon A. See
​
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, boysenberries, cherries, cranberries and grapes are just some of the wonderful berries that come into season this time of the year. And there are so many ways to enjoy them. Most are delish on their own and make a wonderfully healthy snack or top with a dollop of whip cream for a light summer dessert.

Berries are naturally low in calories, fat and sugar so they complement any eating style. Adding a few servings of berries into your daily diet is great way to get some added nutrition with very few calories.
 
Not all berries are created equal and each and every berry has their own unique health benefits. But, all berries do share a few common health benefits. They are little power houses of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavonoids and fiber. Let’s take a look and see just how good for you they are.