Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/66336
CONNECT // 7 your + health Lo·ca·vore Noun. A person interested in cooking and eating locally grown food and products. As summer approaches, so does the chance to reap the health benefits of a summer garden. Whether you're interested in buying a "share" of produce from a local community-supported agriculture (CSA) program or you're ready to get your hands dirty, keep reading to have a healthful, delicious summer. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the cornerstone of a balanced diet and, when eaten regularly, can reduce your risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Summer is a great time to fill your plate with in- season, local produce whether you're a budding locavore or gardening expert. Beginner Level: Check Out Your Local Farmers Market or CSA Need some fresh tomatoes for that caprese salad? Or how about some zucchini or a summer squash for a stir-fry? When you're planning meals, consider shopping for fruits and veggies at your farmers market. Talk with the sellers or farmers about the best items to buy and the variety of ingredients through the season. As you expand your knowledge and produce-purchasing skills, consider joining a CSA next year. For one seasonal fee, you will receive a "share" of fresh produce on a weekly or biweekly basis. Each box features what's in season and may vary from week to month. View your CSA box as an exciting opportunity to cook with new ingredients while supporting local farmers. Overwhelmed when you pick up your CSA box? Keep these quick tips in mind: ASK WHAT TO EXPECT. Seasons can vary from region to region. Ask the farmer or vendor you choose for a list of typical ingredients available so you can supplement your pantry and research recipes in advance. Also ask about the pickup policy if you're going to be out of town. ORGANIZE AND PREP INGREDIENTS. Got greens? Consider wilting them now. End up with lots of crunchy veggies, such as carrots or radishes? Wash and cut them up in advance for salads or snacks. Make dedicated spots for washed ingredients so they're easy to grab after a busy day. PLAN YOUR MEALS. Consider what you can make with the ingredients. Overwhelmed with kale? Toss washed and dried pieces of kale with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast until crispy, 11 minutes or so at 450 degrees. Check Internet sites such as Google, Punchfork or Pinterest if you're struggling to cook or incorporate a particular ingredient. PICKLE. Pickling requires a few ingredients you likely have on hand— vinegar, sugar and spices—so combine them to make fresh pickles to be served at your next summer barbecue or picnic. Intermediate Level: Grow Your Own Whether you want to grow a small indoor herb garden or go all out with a variety of vegetables, planning a garden can be challenging and fun. Determine how much sun and shade-appropriate space you can dedicate to your garden, and pick seedlings or small plants that interest you and will grow well in this region. Don't feel limited by space— herbs can be grown in small containers inside or outside. Consider these approaches: SQUARE-FOOT GARDENING. This approach allows you to grow a variety of ingredients in a small space. Using lumber, wood screws and string, you can plant everything from tomatoes and cucumbers to peppers in a one square foot area. VERTICAL HERB GARDENS. Live in a condo or apartment and have no backyard? Take gardening to new heights by planning a vertical herb garden. Reuse a hanging cloth shoe holder. Fill the pockets with soil and seeds and hang on the back of a door or nail to a wall outside and watch your herbs grow. Want a more outdoorsy approach? Pick up a wooden pallet and staple landscape fabric to the back, bottom and sides. Then, fill the rows with soil and seeds. For extra color, consider adding some seasonal flowers and then prop your garden up against a wall outside.