Farmer's Market - Part III

This week I bring you 3 items from Phillips Farms based in Milford, NJ and brought straight to the Union Square Farmer's Market. 

The weather has not been so pleasant in New York so I thought I would go get some bright vegetables and greens that are filled with flavor and can add to any dish whether it be a salad or a fish entree. 

Scallions - Also knows as a green onion, its medicinal part is its stem. It works as well as an antipyretic, expectorant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. It is effective against colds, headaches, chills to the stomach, indigestion, and also for insomnia. The white stem contains a lot of glucose and allyl sulfides. Use it is a raw condiment to many foods by finely chopping the fresh white stem.

Radishes – These vegetables are rich in folic acid, Vitamin C and anthocyanins. These nutrients make it a very effective cancer-fighting food. It is said that radish is effective in fighting oral cancer, colon cancer and intestinal cancer as well as kidney and stomach cancers. Radishes contain Vitamin C, zinc, B-complex vitamins and phosphorus. All of these are very effective in treating skin disorders such as rashes and dry skin. Dieters can benefit greatly from radishes, as they are low in calories, cholesterol and fat. They also contain a lot of roughage and contain a lot of water. Because of its high roughage content, it is also very useful in treating both piles and constipation. Radish juice helps to soothe the digestive system and detoxify the body. Radish may also relieve congestion within the respiratory system, making it an excellent food for asthmatics and those who suffer from bronchial infections and sinus problems. It is beneficial for both the gallbladder and liver functions, as it acts as a cleanser. It contains sulphur based chemicals, which regulate the production and flow of bilirubin and bile, enzymes and acids and also help remove excess bilirubin from the blood. This makes it an excellent detoxifying agent for the body. It protects and soothes the gallbladder and liver, while protecting them from infections and so much more. 

Chives - All alliums contain iron, and vitamins and Chives are no different. They have high levels of vitamins K, C and A as well as packed with essential minerals such as potassium, calcium, folic acid. They are reputedly mildly antibiotic. Chives, chopped and sprinkled on food, are said to aid digestion and stimulate appetite.  Since Chives are not generally eaten in large quantities, one serving of chives is considered to be only 1 tablespoon (3 grams). Probably the most prominent vitamin contained in chives is vitamin K (8% of daily recommended amount per serving) followed by vitamins A and C (3% each). Calcium is the most prominent mineral with 2.8 mg.

Now go add these ingredients to a dish and see how much flavor they offer. Need a recipe idea? Try out this Vegetable Salad with Creamy Dressing.

Past Entries:

Farmers Market Part I / Farmers Market Part II