Greenmarket Presentation at Coffeehouse

On Monday August 12^th a presentation was given by a Greenmarket representative at Coffeehouse Senior Center.  This was an opportunity for people to learn about Greenmarket, an organization which holds farmers’ markets in New York City, and also for them to watch a demonstration of how to make a raw summer squash salad. 

The presentation started off with information being given about the Greenmarket organization.  Greenmarket holds farmers’ markets in all five boroughs of New York City and conveniently for those at Coffeehouse, a new market is now being held nearby on 42^nd street between 11^th and 12^th avenues.  These farmers’ markets are a great place to pick up fresh and local produce such as fruit, vegetables, bread, and meat.  All the produce sold at these markets comes from within a 200 mile radius of New York City.  This means as well as being fresher than produce found in grocery stores, it helps the local economy and supports small family farms. 

The seniors were then given shopping tips for the markets.  It was explained how the markets always offer produce which is in season, so what is on offer can vary according to the time of year.  People were advised what to buy when, and were given information sheets about this too.  Additionally, they were provided with information about how EBT cards and food stamps can be redeemed at the markets, and were able to ask any questions they had about this.  Providing all this information really encouraged the seniors to use these markets, and to choose healthy options such as fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Lastly they treated to a presentation of how to make a raw summer squash salad, which used the types of produce available at the markets.  Fresh squash, zucchini, scallions, basil, garlic and lemon were used to create a delicious and healthy salad.  Throughout the presentation tips were offered about how to best prepare it, such as whisking the olive oil and lemon dressing, and using a vegetable peeler to thinly slice the squash and zucchini.  Once the salad had been made everyone was invited to try some.

Leon Homsley was one of the people who attended the presentation and really enjoyed it.  When asked if it he would be trying one of the markets he said that he “…most certainly will be.”  He explained how he has been encouraged to eat more healthily by his doctor, and on trying the salad commented how “…it’s delicious, I didn’t think it would taste this good.  I’m glad I came today.” 

Why not try one of these summer salad recipes?  Quick and easy to prepare and so good for you...

BBC Good Food  - Summer Salad Recipes 

Cooking Light - Great Summer Salads

Delish - 9 Summer Salads