Saturday Market

I didn't get my usual produce box this week because I was in Washington. We have more fresh fruit and veggies at our Saturday market than we've had before. It is still only 4-5 vendors but that is better than it used to be. I can contact these people during the week and get produce too. This is one more reason I've decided to throw the towel in on the vegetable gardening.

Everything here will be eaten as-is. Of course, I'll cook the beets and corn, but we love to have fresh fruit and veggies all week.

Oregon is one of the top 5 berry producers in the USA and I can NEVER get enough of them!

On my way back from Washington I stopped and purchased huckleberries at a road side stand. They are labor intensive to pick so are a bit expensive, but oh, they are worth it! I've been adding them to fresh field greens. It is a great way to savor them.

What's in season where you live?

Here are some interesting health facts about huckleberries:

 Health Benefits of Eating Huckleberries 

 •One serving of wild huckleberries has more antioxidant power than any other fruit or vegetable, thus helping a person to fight against aging, cancer and health diseases.
•Huckleberries aid pancreas in digesting sugars and starches.
•Since the berries are high in iron, they help in building blood.
•Huckleberries are used in preparing packs for relieving running sores, eczema and skin disorders.
•They are associated with lowering cholesterol; protecting against heart disease, muscular degeneration, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and peptic ulcers; and healthier elimination.
•Being a good source of vitamin B, huckleberry supports and speeds up the metabolism rate, keeps skin and muscle tone healthy. It improves immune system function, promotes cell growth and division and helps in preventing pancreatic cancer.
•Since it is high in vitamin C, the berry protects body against immune deficiencies, cardiovascular diseases, prenatal health problems, and eye diseases.
•It also helps in protecting the cells against the damaging effects of free radicals and prevents premature skin wrinkling.
•The tea made from dried huckleberry leaves proves helpful in case of poor starch digestion.
•The berry ensures proper functioning of nerve and muscle tissues, such as the heart and skeletal muscles, due to its high content of potassium.
•The potassium in huckleberry regulates water balances and eliminates wastes.
•Clinical studies show that huckleberry promotes eye health, especially in case of diabetic patients.
•It fights infections, promotes insulin production and treats urinary tract infections.
•It acts as a laxative and treats diarrhea naturally