Farmers Markets : Caroline Wright 21 February 2009 (From Worcester News)

Farmers Markets : Caroline Wright 21 February 2009

10:54am Monday 23rd February 2009 in Farmers' Markets By Roni Skye

WE are in the middle of National Heart Month, when the British Heart Foundation tries to raise awareness of its aims – the prime focus of which is, of course, for us all to live longer and not die prematurely of heart disease.

Heart disease, by itself, is the UK’s biggest killer and the most common cause of premature death in the UK.

One in five men and one in seven women die from it in the UK.

Coming from a family where heart disease has struck down several members, I can certainly vouch for the importance of taking care of your heart. There are many ways to do this but one of the most important is through your diet. And that is where Worcestershire Farmers’ Markets can help.

Yes, cooking and eating delicious, in-season, locally-grown veggies is a fantastic way to look after your heart.

But it is also essential that you cook your veggies in the right way to retain the flavour and freshness and not leave them bland, limp or, even worse, covered in saturated fats.

There is not much point in buying quality veg from your farmers’ market stallholder and then going home and deep frying them.

There are lots of books and websites offering heart-healthy recipes so why not make an extra effort one weekend and walk or cycle to your nearest farmers’ market and pick up some fantastic ingredients and get cooking. You will notice the difference in taste straight away and maybe a difference in your health too.

Try this recipe for heart-healthy Jerusalem artichoke soup, which is delicious served with some freshlybaked wholemeal bread (also from your farmers’ market).

INGREDIENTS

1 large onion, chopped 600g
Jerusalem artichokes, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
4 sprigs thyme
1 bay leaf
1 litre hot vegetable stock
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Put the onion, artichockes and oil into a pan and add the thyme and bay leaf.

Cover and cook over a low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the stock and vinegar, season well and bring up to the boil.

Simmer for 10 minutes and remove the bay leaf before serving.

Head to Abbey Road, Malvern, today from 9am until 2pm and pick up some Jerusalem artichokes.

Next week’s farmers’ market is at St Peter’s Garden Centre, Norton, near Worcester, from 9.30am until 2pm. For more information about Worcestershire Farmers’ Markets, log on to wfmg.co.uk.