MARKET SHARE

USE YOUR MELON

Munching on slices of watermelon is a great way to beat the summer heat—just be sure to ask when the melon was harvested. If it’s fresh from the field, consider waiting before slicing into it. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture determined that storing watermelon at room temperature for a few days can bolster lycopene levels by up to 40 percent. A potent antioxidant linked to improvement in blood pressure, lycopene may also help reduce your risk of certain types of cancer.

ORANGE CRUSH MARKET SHARE

BEFORE YOU FILL YOUR BASKET AT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKET, CONSIDER THE NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE THAT CAN HELP YOU UP THE HEALTH ANTE OF YOUR HAUL.

HERB MAGIC

A farmers’ market is the perfect place to load up on inexpensive herbs like parsley, basil and cilantro. Often thought of as mere garnishes, herbs are chock-full of nutritional goodness. Norwegian scientists found oregano to be especially abundant in age-defying antioxidants. Grilled pizza, anyone? Each herb responds to storage methods differently, so ask your grower how to keep your favourites fresh at home. This one-on-one interaction with local growers is a farmers’ market perk worth exploiting.

With a commitment to expanding BY MATTHEW KADEY, RD biodiversity, farmers are stocking their market stands with unique vegetable varieties. Case in point: orange cauliflower. The striking hue of this hybrid veggie comes from the extra shot of naturally occurring beta-carotene in its florets. A Harvard study found that people with extra carotenoids in their blood were more likely to have optimistic attitudes. Surprise your palate and diversify your nutrient BONE UP Scientists in Australia discovered that UV rays can help fortify white mushrooms with significant levels of vitamin D. In fact, just three or four sun-exposed mushrooms can provide an entire day’s dose of the bonestrengthening vitamin. Buy mushrooms from shade-free stands, and when home, lay them in direct sunlight for an hour or two. Sauté your mushrooms in a touch of oil to help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamin D. intake with heritage versions of your favourite vegetables, like THE BIG O purple potatoes, rainbow carrots, scarlet kale and black radish. MIGHTY MICROGREENS Nothing screams summer like a juicy organic tomato. A recent study in the In a recent study, Journal of Agricultural and researchers discovered Food Chemistry found that that organic tomatoes microgreens (immature are more saturated vegetables and herbs, such with lycopene, as red cabbage, cilantro and vitamin C and other green daikon radish) contain healthful antioxidants 40 times more nutrients, than those that are including vitamins C and E, grown conventionally. than mature plants. The baby Pesticides can break veggies are clipped while still down the tomato’s very young, so they’re packed natural defence with the nutrients needed mechanisms against This content is vetted to grow. Microgreens are insects, disease and by medical experts at becoming a market fixture, so even antioxidants. use them to gussy up salads and sandwiches.