S.L.O. Food

The Findlay Market Opening Day parade signals the official start of spring in Cincinnati. It signals the end of the winter doldrums and the kickoff of the upcoming Cincinnati Reds baseball season. The anticipation leading up to both the parade and the Opening Day Reds game can be felt throughout the community, and it's a thrill every year to share the excitement with old and new friends. 

Not only are we excited at Daisy Mae's Market about the start of the Reds' season, but we're also excited about the start of another fresh produce "season" at Findlay Market. We have our core staff ready to spring into action, and we've added a couple new faces that you're sure to enjoy meeting. We've also expanded our specialty inventory, and you'll now find a rearranged space featuring S.L.O. Food...Specialty. Local. Organic. You'll find more ethnic and international foods, local jams and butters, dried fruits and snacks, seasonal and local produce, and, of course, organic produce. We'll be rolling out new items each week so you'll want to follow our Facebook page, Twitter feed, or subscribe to our weekly e-news to stay in the loop. 
Things are always happening at Findlay Market, and we're always trying to stay fresh in our approach. Plan to stop by soon. After all, isn't it time you S.L.O. down? 

12 Weeks of Healthy Food: The Banana

It's our final week of our journey through 12 Weeks of Healthy Food, and we're singing the praises of the banana! Bananas are a great source of energy due to the sugar and fiber content. But don't worry---a medium banana has only about 100 calories (about the same as an apple) so it's still a good choice for a snack.
Bananas are high in potassium which is needed for proper functioning of the heart and nerves. Because bananas are also low in sodium, they're a good choice to help control blood pressure. In addition, bananas aid digestion and help absorb calcium needed to maintain healthy bones.
Researchers have discovered that the tryptophan in bananas may reduce depression. Another research study has shown that when bananas are a regular part of the daily diet, the risk of stroke is reduced by 40%.  Much work needs to be done before these studies are conclusive; however, bananas are undoubtedly one of the least expensive fruits that pack the most nutritional power.
Like banana bread? Here's a recipe for Banana Banana Bread that I'd highly recommend. It's so easy to do and tastes delicious for breakfast or dessert. You'll find loads of additional banana information at www.chiquita.com.
And don't forget that this week (3/20/12-3/23/12) at Daisy Mae's Market at Findlay Market, you'll receive a free bunch of bananas with your $15 purchase. Now isn't that ap-PEEL-ing for all you banana lovers?

Spinach: Not Just for Popeye Anymore

I first met spinach in grade school, and you know what I thought? Spinach stinks. The lunch ladies would cook it to death so that when spinach was on the menu, spinach was all I could smell throughout the whole school. Needless to say, I always packed my lunch to avoid spinach on my plate.
Quite a few years later, I discovered spinach salad. Here was a new way to eat spinach--raw, in a salad, with hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and a warm dressing. I soon started using spinach on sandwiches, in soups, as a side dish, and in quiches and casseroles. Not only did I find out how versatile spinach is, but I also learned it's one of the most nutritious vegetables we can eat.
Spinach is a super good source of Vitamin K that helps bone strength and density, fights cardiovascular disease, and supports a healthy brain. Spinach is also a terrific source of Vitamin A that is important in fighting infections and also promotes skin health. This vegetable is also consider a good anti-inflammatory food, high in antioxidants, and it may help lower blood pressure and prevent cataracts. And we thought all it would do is make Popeye strong...
So for Week 10 of our 12 Weeks of Healthy Food, we're highlighting this wonder-food at Daisy Mae's Market. Try our featured Spinach Supreme recipe or pick up ingredients at Findlay Market for a healthy spinach salad. Better yet, spend at least $15, and we'll toss in 1/2 pound fresh spinach for free...Just tell them Popeye sent you!