This little pear – called “condules” in Greek means “short” – and was delicious. We (Matina, the future cook for livélula reboots and I) went to the local fresh market this past Saturday morning and came home with 5 kilos (~ 11 pounds) of fresh fruits and vegetables for 6 euro (roughly $6.50- $7). No, they weren’t seconds, no, they weren’t overripe, no, there was nothing wrong with them – that’s just how it goes here in Kavala, Greece.
I wish everywhere in the world had this kind of affordability and access to fresh fruits and vegetables (we will call them F/V for the purpose of this blog).
WHY do I wish this?
I will just list a few of the MANY reasons:
#1: There are far too many “food deserts” around the world. A food desert is an urban area that has no accessible fresh foods for its residents. Research has found that food deserts are a likely contributor to obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Not very fair for those who live there.. Wish they had access to the Kavala fresh market!!
#2: Locally grown. When you purchase from a farmers market close to home, you not only
A- boost the local economy,
B- contribute to a healthier environment overall, but also you
C- get an all-around better F/V. The longer the F/V ripens on its original plant, the more Mother Earth has its opportunity to work her magic and give back to us by way of increased vitamins and minerals directly into the F/V. Additionally, the deeper the color of the F/V, the more phytochemicals it has to offer. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds that the body uses to fight against disease.
You may not know this, but in most chain grocery stores, much of the fruit that you purchase was ripened artificially – not on the plant, in the sun and rain, but rather by ethylene or in some countries calcium carbide. Bananas, for example, are green when they are picked – better for transport. But because of this, these ripening agents need to be used at the proper time in order for them to be ready to sell.
On this note.. have you ever had a fresh banana you picked off of a banana tree? MMM MMM mmmm… they are delicious. I would say it’s like having a store bought tomato versus a tomato from your garden you picked and prepared in the same day!!
#3: Fiber – Fiber is not only for old people, those with heart disease or people who need to lower their cholesterol, folks!! Though these are very good reasons to increase your intake of fiber, every one of us has a gut who longs for consistency of fiber intake!! That’s right.
Fiber is so healthy for our intestines and for the rate at which our food passes through our system. It is a natural way to regulate the time it takes to have a good poo! Really, that is true. With a well-balanced diet, which includes fiber, our digestive system is very good at controlling the pace at which our food is turned into waste, making sure our body has a chance to take as much of the food for energy and other important processes in the body.
including…
#4: nutrients needed for our mind. Many have heard that fatty fish, walnuts, and some herbal teas are great for brain health, but did you know? DEEP green leafy vegetables are also fantastic sources of magnesium and other micronutrients that support brain health. Additionally, the antioxidants and flavonoids found in F/V boost memory, brain cell health, cognition, learning ability and even motor skills! Sounds like some pretty powerful food!!
Lastly, (for this blog)
#5: When we eat the foods that are brought to us by nature, we partake of the perfect, peaceful energy the Earth has to offer. When we see growth of a plant that we have put the effort into caring for, we can’t help but feel happy, often even smiling when we see the growth. That is an example of the positive energy they give to you, and believe it or not, YOU give back to them!
BOTTOM LINE! Eat Local when you can, or move to Kavala, Greece!! 🙂 lol.