Spring at The Market

What once was white, let’s now turn green! After the harsh and long winters, we inevitably get excited for the season change. Spring brings warmer air, budding trees, longer days, and of course, a new harvest! So, what fruit and vegetables can we see coming into spring harvest? Below, we list 5 of our favorite foods that are more plentiful in spring and their nutritional factors:

Arugula

Arugula is rich in nutrients and low in sugar, calories, carbohydrates, and fat. It’s high in several vital nutrients including: Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, cell growth, overall eye health, and night vision. It also helps maintain heart, lung and kidney function.

Like most tender greens, arugula is perishable and needs to be used within a few days of purchase. Our tip is to look for crips leaves with no moisture

Mushrooms

Feeling sick? Eat a mushroom. Throughout history, civilizations have treasured mushrooms as a source of strength and healing. The average American eats nearly three pounds of mushrooms a year, according to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. Mushrooms contain health-boosting vitamins and minerals, along with protein and fiber. For example, one cup of cremini mushrooms has only 15 calories, but 2 grams of protein and nearly 1 gram of fiber.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb has more benefits than being in a pie (though we can all agree it might be the best way to have it). Rhubarb is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins (which give it its red color) and proanthocyanidins. These antioxidants have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, which help protect you from many health-related issues such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes

Sprouts

These tiny morsels provide BIG nutrition. Sprouts are rich in a number of important nutrients. While the specific ratio of nutrients varies depending on the type of sprout, they generally contain high levels of folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin K. In fact, they have higher amounts of these nutrients than fully-grown versions of the same plants.

Turnips

Ahh, the turnip, the potatoes’ cousin. Turnips are a fantastic alternative for potatoes and are a good source of vitamin B6, folate, calcium, potassium, and copper. A very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and manganese. The turnip greens are a super food and packed with nutrients.

Seeing Green at The Market

If you do not like green eggs and ham (Dr. Seuss reference for those of you who don’t remember), but you still want to embrace the luck of the Irish this year, The Market has all you need for Saint Patrick’s Day! Here’s our list of a few favorite in-green-dients (😉) and how to use them to get in the St. Patty’s Day spirit!

Leafy Greens
An obvious choice, but with options aplenty! Grab a few bunches of kale, lettuce, and spinach from The Market near you for a leafy green salad, and get extra festive with a Green Goddess or Avocado dressing!

Apples
Crunchy, fresh, and more tart than their red and yellow counterparts, green apples are a great choice for a snack or side.

Green Peppers
Add a little crunch to your celebration with fresh green peppers! A fun holiday tip: Pick ones with four columns and cut them horizontally to look like four-leaf clovers!

Broccoli
Love it or hate it, you can’t argue that it’s appropriately colored for March 17th! Roast it, toss it in the air fryer, or serve it raw with veggie ranch dip.

Avocados
Calling all millennials! Use the day the world turns green as an excuse to buy–and eat–all the avocados for avocado toast that your heart desires.

Kiwi
Get a little tropical with these cute and fuzzy fruits. Grab a mini cookie cutter and make them look like clovers to really get in the spirit!

Limes
We hear these pair well with beer–or really anything, for that matter.

These are just a few of the green things you can grab at The Market, but the options are truly endless! Start your list and find the location nearest you here (we promise it’s easier than finding the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow): mymarketstores.com/store-locator

Valentine’s Day Inspiration (That Isn’t Chocolate)

Halloween trick or treating, Christmas treats, New Year’s truffles… anyone else feeling like chocolate has run its course? If you’re trying to do something a little different for your Valentine (or they’re really sticking to their resolutions this year), there are lots of options to get for your special someone that aren’t of the cacao variety. Here are a few you can find right a The Market near you!

Heart-Shaped Sugar Cookies

Still sweet, but then again so is your Valentine. Grab some from the refrigerated aisle to pop right in the oven or get all the ingredients you need to make, cut, and bake your own. Bonus points if you write a sweet message on top with icing!

Make-Your-Own Pizza

Pizza night, but make it romantic. Whether you take the easy road and rearrange the pepperonis on your favorite frozen ‘za or stock up on all the things you need for a homemade version, it will be love at first bite.

Flower Arrangements

Tried and true, some fresh stems from the floral section will make anyone feel loved and special. The best part? Your sweetheart can’t eat them so they’ll be able to enjoy them much longer than any edible items (and if they do, well… to each their own, we guess.)

A Bouquet of Pink and Red Fruit

Slice strawberries to look like hearts, take a cookie cutter to fresh watermelon, and toss with some berries and cherries for a festive fruit bowl. Level up by serving it to your Valentine for breakfast in bed!

Cupcakes

Our bakery sections are always available to help you celebrate! Call ahead at select locations for custom cupcakes, full cakes, or cookies. The effort and planning ahead make it extra special.

No matter how you choose to express your love this year, shopping for something special at The Market is sure to be the perfect way to show your appreciation! Take this post to your nearest location and get something on our list that’s perfect for your Valentine (or ALL of it if you really love them). Find your store here.

The Top 5 Types of Snacks to Pack on Your Next Road Trip

Planning a family road trip this summer? Whether it is just a day trip or a weeklong one, you don’t
need very much to have a killer road trip. In fact, all you really need is a destination, good music
 and snacks!

Before you head out on the road, make sure you stop in The Market and grab our
top 5 snacks to pack on your next road trip.

  1. Something crunchy: Chips, popcorn, and crackers.
  2. Something salty: Popcorn, pretzels, and sunflower seeds.
  3. Something healthy: easy-to-eat fruits and veggies like apples, orange, celery, and cherry
    tomatoes.
  4. Something savory: beef jerky, peanuts, and trail mix.
  5. Something sweet: candy and chocolate are no-brainers for road trips, so we know you won’t
    forget these necessities.

Find The Market nearest you to stop in and stock up.

Back To School Lunch Ideas at The Market

It’s that time of year again!

The kids are going back to school, schedules are getting full, and families are again tasked with prepping lunches before the day starts. If your kiddos are getting tired of the same old PB&J every day, here are a few healthy, unique (but easy!) ideas for their lunch boxes. 

Write down your favorites and stock up on all you need to make them happen at The Market nearest you!

MAIN:

DIY Lunchables (Meat + Cheese + Whole Wheat Crackers)

Turkey + Cheese Roll-ups

Cheese Quesadilla

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Whole Wheat Pasta Salad

Meat + Cheese “Kabobs” (Use a toothpick!)

Pita Chips + Guacamole

Veggie + Hummus Wrap

FRUITS + VEGGIES:

Oranges

Apples

Strawberries

Grapes

Peaches

Blueberries

Raspberries

Melon

Baby Carrots

Cucumbers

Grape Tomatoes

SIDES and SNACKS:

Pretzels

Granola Bars

String Cheese

Yogurt

Trail Mix

Fruit Leather

Fruit Cup

The Officially Unofficial Way To Pick a Perfect Avocado

Avo-ca-don’t you love a good avocado?

Considered a “superfood” by many, avocados are loaded with healthy fats and are creamy and tasty, as well as highly versatile. They are also high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. 

However, we know it can be tricky to know which ones are ripe when you’re browsing the produce aisles at The Market. So, we thought we’d share a quick and easy guide for you all to keep in mind next time you’re doing your grocery shopping.

  1. Look at the Color

Is the skin of the avocado green? Dark green to nearly black? Most ripe avocados will have a skin color that is dark green to nearly black, but be sure to know which variety you are buying as colors may vary based on the strain of avocado.

  1. Do the “Press Test’

Press down on the avocado lightly (about the same amount of pressure you’d use to click a mouse) on the top by the stem. If it gives easily but retains its shape, the avocado is ready to eat. If it won’t budge, it’s not yet ripe, and if your finger leaves a dent, the avocado is likely overripe and could be brown inside.

  1. Check the Stem

Lightly flick the small stem off the fruit, to see if it comes off easily. If it does and you can see green underneath, the avocado is ripe. If it does not come off easily or you see brown underneath, the avocado is not yet ripe, or it’s overripe.

So, there you have it. It’s as easy as one-two-three with these few simple reminders. Guacamole, here we come. 

P.S. Because we really like you, here’s our go-to guac recipe:

Ingredients

2 avocados 

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 ripe tomato, chopped

1 lime, juiced

salt and pepper to taste

Peel and mash avocados in a medium serving bowl. 

Stir in onion, garlic, tomato, lime juice, salt and pepper. 

Season with remaining lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. 

Chill for half an hour to blend flavors.

Empower Your Family’s Health With Fresh Produce

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” 

Chances are you’ve heard this phrase multiple times throughout your life, but have you ever thought to stop and consider why an apple might be beneficial enough to your health to “keep the doctor away”? 

Fresh produce is full of vitamins, calories, and other nutritious benefits that will help you support your immune system, sustain your energy and metabolism and accomplish the things you pursue in life. 

Here are a few of the most common produce items you can find at The Market and what they do for your body:

1. Apples

Apples are very filling and make the perfect snack if you find yourself hungry between meals as they are high in fiber. They also boast high levels of vitamin C and numerous antioxidants. 

2. Avocados

Avocados are loaded with healthy fats instead of carbs, are creamy and tasty, and high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.

3. Bananas

Bananas are high in vitamin B6 and fiber and one of the best sources of potassium.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are not only delicious but also among the most powerful sources of antioxidants in the world.

5. Oranges

Oranges are well known for their vitamin C content, but did you know that they’re also high in fiber and antioxidants?

6. Strawberries

Strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and manganese and are arguably among the most delicious foods in existence.

7. Asparagus

Low in both carbs and calories, asparagus is also loaded with vitamin K.

8. Bell peppers

Crunchy and sweet bell peppers are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C.

9. Broccoli

Broccoli is an excellent source of fiber and vitamins C and K and contains a decent amount of protein compared with other vegetables.

10. Carrots

Carrots are loaded with nutrients like fiber and vitamin K. They are also very high in carotene antioxidants, which have numerous benefits (including increased eye health!).

11. Cucumber

Cucumbers are low in both carbs and calories, consisting mostly of water, but they contain a number of nutrients like vitamin K.

12. Garlic

Garlic may not be great for your breath, but it’s incredibly healthy for you. It is full of bioactive organosulfur compounds that have powerful biological effects, including improved immune function).

13. Kale

Kale has become increasingly popular because it’s incredibly high in fiber, vitamins C and K, and a number of other nutrients.

14. Onions

Onions, like garlic, contain a number of bioactive compounds believed to have health benefits.

15. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are usually categorized as a vegetable, although they are technically a fruit. They are tasty and loaded with nutrients like potassium and vitamin C.