Page 41 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2020

Fresh Air, Fresh Produce &
Slowing Down
By Kelly Smith
These times are challenging to say the least. As we watch the spread of
COVID-19 around the world, as well as here in our own backyard, it’s time
to take stock of what is essential in our lives. By working together the farmers markets were able to get the seal of approval to continue serving our communities by California Health Department and California Department of Food and Agriculture, recognized as an essential food source.
Unfortunately, it’s at a time when we are practicing social distancing. The farmers’ markets are a great place to breath fresh air and we often have enough space to allow for 6 ft space between shoppers and vendors.
* INFO: ilovefarmersmarkets.org ** YEAR-ROUND SATURDAY:
Healdsburg Farmers’ Market ~ 8:30a - 12p starting Apr 18. West parking lot btwn North & Vine, Healdsburg. 707-824-8717, healdsburgfarmersmarket.org
Oakmont Certified Farmers’ Market ~ 9a – 12p, at the Wells Fargo parking lot corner of White Oak and Oakmont Dr. 707-538-7023**
Santa Rosa Community Farmers’ Market at the Vets Bldg ~ 8:30a-1p Veteran’s Bldg, 1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa 415-999-5635 * & **
Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers’ Market ~ 8:30a - 1p. Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. thesantarosafarmersmarket.com 707-522-8629**
SUNDAY:
Sebastopol Farmers’ Market ~ 10a -1:30p Sebastopol Plaza, Downtown Across from Whole Foods Market sebastopolfarmmarket.org **
The Springs - 10a-2p, through Dec. 15th on the Plaza at Boyes Blvd. and Hwy 12 next to the Post Office, CalFresh. *
TUESDAY:
Petaluma East Side Farmers’ Market ~ 10a -1:30p, Year Round, Lucchesi Park, 320 N McDowell Blvd, Pet. communityfarmersmarkets.com; 415-999-5635 info@ communityfarmersmarkets.com**
WEDNESDAY:
Santa Rosa Community Farmers’ Market - NEW LOCATION:
Farmers Lane Plaza, 1501 Farmers Ln, Santa Rosa ~ 9a - 1p, 415-999-5635 * & **
Santa Rosa Original Farmers’ Market ~ 8:30a - 1p. Luther Burbank Ctr, 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa. thesantarosafarmersmarket.com 707-522-8629 **
FRIDAY:
Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers’ Market ~ 9a - 12:30p, Arnold Field, 241 First St West (across from the Depot Hotel.), Sonoma 707-538-7023, svcfm.org**
Check with your local farmers’ market to see if they are offering curbside service or other options to help minimize contact and encourage social distancing.
Together we can all “flatten the curve.”
STAY TUNED for more markets opening in MAY!
It is important to find ways to support our health as well as our community. I have compiled a list of items you can find at your local farmers’ market to support lung health and immunity in order to stay healthy.
Fatty Fish is rich in omega 3s fatty acids and are linked to healthy lungs. You can find a fish monger at most farmers’ markets in Sonoma county.
Apples may not be in season but they are often available this time of year
if your local farmer has cold storage available. Some apple farmers convert apples to jarred and bottled products that you can find at the markets. Researchers have linked good lung function with high intakes of Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene, all which are present in apples. Apples come packed with antioxidants that keep your lungs healthy.
Walnuts are in abundance this time of year and are one of my favorite
go to for omega 3s. Eat a handful of them to help fight asthma and other respiratory conditions. Omega 3s are considered to be an anti-inflammatory with protective effects in inflammatory ailments.
Berries are coming into the market after a nice warm winter. I have seen hot house blueberries at some of the bigger markets. Blueberries are considered a super food because of they are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants. They can also help fight cell damaging free radicals.
Broccoli is coming in strong at the markets right now. It is filled with Vitamin C, carotenoids, folate and phytochemicals that fight damaging elements in the lungs. Broccoli is said to have an active constituent called
L-sulforphane, which tricks the cells to switch on the anti- inflammatory genes that further avoids respiratory conditions.
Carrots are a great vegetable to have on hand for everyone to enjoy as a quick snack. These vibrant root vegetables are filled
with Vitamin A, C and lycopene which are all antioxidants
that support lung health and lower the chances of lung disease. Researchers found that drinking carrot juice may help
a type of damage that leads to lung cancer in smokers.
Oranges are everywhere at the farmers’ markets this time of year. Citrus is jammed packed with Vitamin C & B6.
These help the lungs transfer oxygen. Oranges are full of lung-friendly antioxidants and can help with fighting
infection and inflammation. It’s been found that Vitamin C is essential in reducing exercise-induced asthma and
can do so up to 52%. Exercise-induced asthma refers to the narrowing of the airways in your lungs that’s
brought on by strenuous exercise. Symptoms include wheezing and coughing.
Eating healthy fresh fruits and vegetables is essential to all of our vitality especially those individuals that are high risk. If
you know someone who is at risk, please consider shopping for them.
Kelly Smith • Agricultural Community Events Farmers Markets, North Bay Farmers’ Markets • communityfarmersmarkets.com 501(c)5 Nonprofit PO Box 113 , Kenwood
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