Each of the Seacoast Eat Local Winter Farmers’ Markets
highlights a different local food. For the November 23rd market at Wentworth Greenhouses in Rollinsford, glorious winter squash will be the featured food of the day. Pick up a recipe card with your squash, or check out our collection of delicious ways to prepare them on Pinterest. Holistic Health Coach Andrea Hood gives us four more reasons to love them:
Winter squashes are some of my favorite vegetables. Not only are they really good for you, they taste delicious and are super versatile, which is why I make sure to stock up on them when I visit the winter markets. Here are 4 main reasons why you should pick up a winter squash at the Winter Farmers’ Market:
Local squashes = better squashes
Our locally grown squashes are far better than the store bought variety. For starters, they taste SO much better. Sweeter, juicier, and full of flavor. Plus, they are picked and sold right here in the Seacoast area and not shipped across country. Lastly, your purchase of a local squash helps support our Seacoast economy. There’s no middle man making a profit in the equation. Your hard earned money goes straight to the hard working farmer.
Winter squash keeps you grounded and healthy
With the holiday craziness that comes this time of year, it’s important to take care of your body and stay grounded so you don’t get over stressed. Root vegetables, like winter squashes, are perfect for doing just that. Too much on your to-do list and feeling anxious? Eating winter squash will help keep your body grounded and your mind calm, which in turn helps you stay healthy. {Trust me, it works!}
Winter squash helps keep your immune system in tip-top shape
With all the running around and holiday gatherings comes germs. If you want to keep your immune system strong and healthy, eat some winter squash. Winter squashes are loaded with vitamins and nutrients like vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, as well as iron, fiber, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, and they even help you naturally regulate your blood sugar. Plus, they are high in fiber and low in fat.
Winter squash helps you kick your sugar cravings
Have a sweet tooth? I certainly do – especially in the cold dark months. Eating sugar is not good for the body because it spikes your blood sugar (hello holiday weight gain!) and causes inflammation in the body, which in turn causes sickness and disease. To curb your cravings for sweets, eat some of nature’s candy – winter squash. Two of my personal favorites are butternut squash and acorn squash. There are so many different ways to prepare them, you’ll never get bored! Mix it up and have some fun in the kitchen.
— Andrea Hood, Holistic Health Coach