April was a busy month! I’m excited to get back into routine, which includes my Sunday farmers market trips.  And the month of May could not be more enticing…there are tons of new fruit and veggie crops that will brighten market aisles, as well as my dinner plates.  

Here’s this months list of what’s in season!

• Apricots (1st month!)
• Artichokes
• Arugula
• Asparagus
• Avocados
• Basil (1st month!)
• Beets
• Blackberries (1st month!)
• Blueberries (1st month!)
• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Chard
• Cherries (1st month of only 2 months!)
• Collards
• Garlic
• Kale
• Lemons
• Mushrooms
• Nectarines (1st month!)
• Onions
• Oranges
• Peaches (1st month!)
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Raspberries (1st month!)
• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Summer squash (1st month)

Amazing list! Enjoy filling your fridge this month!!!!

So many labels.  How do we make the best purchasing choices at the grocery store when there are 10 different options to choose from?

Love this easy guide for buying the best eggs by Takepart.com; lists what to avoid, what to look for, and where to shop!

• Cage-Free: This label simply means the absence of a cage. It doesn’t mean the absence of fences or enclosures in general. It also doesn’t guarantee that chickens have access to an outside area. Birds that qualify as cage-free can still be packed tightly into an overpopulated and darkened barn.
• Free-Range: When chickens are free-range, they’re required to have access to the outdoors—but that may amount to a narrow patch of dirt. Access to it can be a tiny door cut into the back of the shed, which in an overcrowded barn stuffed with hens, the birds may not ever notice, let alone use.
• Organic: This label dictates that the birds are antibiotic and hormone-free, in addition to being provided with access to the outdoors. Still, some organic farms abuse the system by housing their hens in overcrowded sheds—with a small, unused door. Under certain conditions, some may also make their chickens endure the painful process of beak trimming that’s common in factory farms.
• Certified Humane: According the Humane Society, even this certification allows for farmers to house chickens indoors at all times if they choose, and also allows beak cutting. A similar term, “American Humane Certified” even allows laying hens to be caged.

Instead, look for Pasture Raised chickens.  ”A label used increasingly by smaller, sustainable chicken farms to indicate that they legitimately raise their birds outside, on an actual pasture. Hens also enjoy access to shelter when they choose to take it, and they’re raised without the use of harmful chemicals or painful procedures.”

Where can you find Pasture Raised eggs?

• Whole Foods
• Real Foods
• Your farmers markets!

Read more here: http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/03/28/ethical-eggs?cmpid=tpfood-eml-2013-3-30-eggs

I absolutely loved this meal.   Such a refreshing and light take on a traditional baked salmon dishes, and uses such fresh and beneficial whole ingredients.  Best of all - yeah, it might look like a gourmet dish, but takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.  

Cucumber Mint Wild Salmon

1. Prep wild salmon by rinsing, dressing with a dash of olive oil, pink sea salt and lemon.  Wrap in parchment paper and place in 350 degree oven.  Start your timer. 20 minutes.
2. Dice 1/2 organic cucumber, 1/2 organic red onion, 1 organic garlic clove, and a heaping handful of de-stemmed fresh organic mint leaves.
3. Whisk in 1/2 cup of organic plain Greek yogurt.  I love Wallaby Organic brand, found at Whole Foods.
4. Mix all above ingredients into bowl and flavor with 1/2 organic squeezed lemon and 1/4 teaspoon of cumin.  
5. Check salmon at 20 minute mark and be sure cooked through to your liking.
6. Dress salmon with your mint chutney, and serve with a side of steamed organic broccoli.

Not like I have to sell this anymore, but the dish is 100% gluten-free, VERY low dairy intake due to the Greek yogurt variety, no sugar, low salt, and about a bajillion health benefits on your plate.

You’re are saving the world one grocery shopping trip at a time sporting your reusable bags…but you also could be spreading bacteria and food-borne illnesses!

Read the article and, yes! Toss your bags in the wash this week!

http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/03/08/do-plastic-bag-bans-make-people-sick—and-steal?cmpid=foodinc-fb