That's Forkin' Amazing
May/2012
"If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time."
~ Unknown
Breaking News!
Are you a member of the Des Moines Raw Food Meet Up Group? Benefits include early notice of classes (both live and online) and events, with nearly 600 members, it's a vibrant health-minded group!
Navigating the Farmer's Market
May marks the beginning of summer farmer's markets throughout the United States. While the market is a lot of fun, navigating streets and sidewalks filled with produce can be overwhelming if you're new or unprepared. Here are a few pointers to help you enjoy your inaugural market experience and get most for your time and money this season.  
  • Look ahead. Keep in mind how much produce you will eat throughout the week, plan a menu, make a list and stick to it. It's easy to want it all when you are surrounded by such beautiful, bright produce! To avoid overbuying, take a few moments and count how many meals youll actually prepare at home the next several days.
  • Prioritize and budget. Decide how much you can spend at the market and stick to it. Designate a portion of your budget to buy organic. The highest pesticide residue is found on conventionally grown apples, celery, berries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, bell peppers, potatoes and lettuce.  
  • Waste not. Don't throw about-to-go-bad food away! If later in the week your fruits or vegetables look like they wont get eaten in time, dehydrate them thoroughly and store in an airtight container. Dried fruits can be used in trail mix, while your dehydrated vegetables can garnish a salad. 

Other Market Tips  

  • Bring your own reusable bag. In addition to being "green," it keeps expenses down for vendors. 
  • Bring cash. Farmers run out of small bills quickly and are always happy when they are paid in exact change. 
  • Be an early bird. The vendors are also the most popular and they often sell out. Arrive early for the best selection.

 

While browsing the market, know the language. Learn these terms and soon you'll be chatting like a pro! 

 

CERTIFIED ORGANICFarmers can sell and label their products as United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic.
HEIRLOOMProduce is developed through years of cultivation and seed saving. These varieties are usually genetically diverse.
ORGANICFarmers must follow approved methods of production. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, irradiation and genetic engineering is not used in organic farming.
TRANSITIONALFarmers need to maintain organic methods for three years before their products can be certified.

 

To everything there is a season. Stock up on fresh produce it's at its peak. The chart below will help you know what to look for. (Depending on where you live, not all produced listed is available locally.)

 

PRODUCEPRIME SEASONWHAT TO LOOK FOR
BeetsMay-OctoberSmooth, deep-red color
Greens should be vibrant and not withered
Bell PeppersAugust-SeptemberBrightly colored
Smooth exterior
Stems should be vibrant green color
Blueberries and BlackberriesJuly-AugustBright, indigo color
Taut exterior
Uniform size
Shiny and plump
CantalopeAugust-SeptemberSniff your 'lope for a sweet aroma
Slight oval shape
Beware of soft spots
CherriesMay-AugustSlightly heart-shaped, unblemished and shiny fruits
FigsJuly-SeptemberPlump with deeply rich color
Soft, but not mushy
Avoid those with bruises or a sour odor
GrapesAugust-SeptemberWrinkle-free and firmly attached to the stems
Watch for browning at the stem
Green BeansJuly-SeptemberA smooth surface
Snap when bent and appear moist inside
PeachesJune-SeptemberYellow and cream colored fruit
Smell for a fruity aroma
Not consuming right away? Opt for a firmer fruit
PineappleMarch-JulySmell the green leaves for a sweet aroma
Vibrant golden-yellow colored 
RaspberriesMay-NovemberUniform color and shape 
If you see hulls, the berries are underripe and overly tart
SpinachMarch-MayCrisp, vibrant greens
StrawberriesJune-AugustRed color should extend all the way to the stem
Should have fruity aroma
A smaller berry usually has more flavor
TomatoesMay-AugustRich, red color
Smooth exterior
WatermelonMay-AugustCreamy yellow underside where the ripening took place 
Smooth exterior
A knock on the exterior should sound hollow
ZucchiniJune-AugustHeavy, unblemished dark green skins 
Smaller zucchini are sweeter and more flavorful
   
Calendar
We are continually adding new classes, workshops and events to the schedule. Go to our website calendar for the latest additions and more details. A gift certificate to a Fork in the Road class or a paid, personalized program is a thoughtful gift!

 

MAY 

 

Juices + Smoothies 
Friday, May 11, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
R Studio, 3988 NW Urbandale Drive, Des Moines 

 

A great way to add more raw and living foods to your diet is by juicing or making yummy smoothies. Learn about the difference between juices and smoothies, buying the right equipment for your needs and more.

 

To Register: meetup.com/RawFoodDSM/ $15 

 

THE RAW TRUTH: How to Eat for Better Health 

Wednesday, May 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m. 

YMCA Healthy Living Center 12493 University Avenue in Clive, Iowa 

 

The newest food "trend" is so retro it's practically prehistoric: fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds-all untarnished by processing, preservatives or heat that exceeds 105°F. Join health coach and raw foods advocate Sheree Clark to learn more about this back-to-basics cuisine and health-promoting lifestyle. The Mercy Cancer Center in conjunction with The YMCA Healthy Living Center and the Lance Armstrong Foundation has developed a specialized cancer education program specifically designed for cancer patients and survivors. This presentation is a part of that series. 

 

Cost: Free of charge 

For more information: 

(515) 643-8930 - Mercy Cancer Center www.mercydesmoines.org/cancercenter 

(515) 645-3350 - Healthy Living Center www.healthydm.com 

Fork in the Road www.fork-road.com


 

Yoga Nature Retreat

Friday, May 18 - Sunday, May 20, 2012

Honey Creek Resort, 12633 Resort Drive, Moravia, Iowa  

 

Space is limited: Please register early

Retreat Cost: $50 

Questions: Call (877) 677-3344   

 

Please join us for what promises to be a fabulous weekend of yoga and educational presentations. Sheree will be doing a talk on Saturday.


Unplug & Recharge: A 10 day detox program (Orientation) 

Wednesday, May 30, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

Smokey Row Café 1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines 

 

Time to feel like a whole new you. Join us for a revitalizing and refreshing body and mind detox. Actual program begins June 1. 

 

To Register: meetup.com/RawFoodDSM/ $10 

 

JUNE    

FOOD IN THE GARDENS: Smashing Sugarless Sweets 

Thursday, June 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Reiman Gardens, Ames, Iowa 

 

Learn to prepare desserts and treats that don't include refined sugar, flour or dairy products. Tastings are included! 

 

To Register: (515) 294-2710 or reimangardens@iastate.edu 


FOOD IN THE GARDENS: An Intro to Raw Food 

Thursday, June 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 

Reiman Gardens, Ames, Iowa 

 

Whether you are already "raw," or are simply interested in incorporating additional healthy and beautiful foods into your lifestyle, this event will get you thinking differently about what's on the end of your fork. Tastings are included! 

 

To Register: (515) 294-2710 or reimangardens@iastate.edu

RECIPE
BERRY CRUMBLE 
Yield: 4 servings
Equipment: Food processor

INGREDIENTS
3 cups mixed berries
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1/2 cup raw pecans
1/4 cup raw walnuts
1/2 cup dates, pitted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch unrefined salt

In a small bowl, toss berries with maple syrup. Pulse pecans, walnuts, dates and cinnamon in food processor until coarsely ground. Spoon nut mixture over berries and serve.



Sheree ClarkSheree Clark is a holistic health and nutrition counselor. Through her private practice called Fork in the Road, Sheree helps empower individuals, families and corporate groups to get the most out of life by improving their health. She offers lectures, classes, hands-on workshops, coaching and consultations in Iowa and nationwide. She is a graduate of Living Light Culinary Institute and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. An inspiring author, presenter, teacher, motivator and raw vegan chef, Sheree has written and presented on topics ranging from raw food 101 to overcoming career burnout.

Find Sheree online

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