February News
Produce: February is heart health month, and this month we'd like to highlight one superstar food that has amazing benefits for a heart healthy lifestyle: the avocado! Actually considered a fruit rather than a vegetable, the avocado is native to Mexico & Central America and is a fantastic source of mono-unsaturated "good" fats. These fats help lower "bad" cholesterol and also allow your body to absorb more nutrients from other foods - like fat soluble beta-carotene in carrots. Here are the major cardiovascular benefits: Pantothenic acid aids in the formation of red blood cells. Copper helps maintain normal blood pressure. Magnesium works to regulate heart rate. Avocados are very versatile - try our in-house made guacamole, slice up in sandwiches and salads, and even use as a replacement for butter in your favorite baked goods!
- Mark, Produce Manager
Grocery: It’s still cold outside, so Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to warm somebody's heart. For the whole month of February, many of our most popular organic chocolate lines are on sale! Show somebody you care with a gift of chocolate from Dagoba, Equal Exchange, Endangered Species, Theo, or several other great organic chocolates. Also we’re expanding our bulk, in-house made products to include fresh organic Peanut Butter & Almond Butter! We’ve gotten all of the equipment necessary to be able to offer these exciting new items to our guests - find it in our bulk section!
- Michael, Assistant Grocery Manager
Deli/Café: Wellness juice shots and other items in the cafe like salads and some bakery contain ginger, a knubbly little root with more that just flavor. Here are a few known and not so known benefits of ginger. Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the pesky sinuses that tend to flare up from time to time. Feeling airsick or nauseous, perhaps a little "gassy"? Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey. Tummy moaning and groaning under cramps? Munch on ginger. Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil into your bath to help aching muscles and joints. Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming benefits of this tasty tea are even greater!" (Taken from foodmatters.com)
- Kelly, Cafe/Deli Manager
Meat: February is the shortest month, but mighty for meat. It all starts with the Super Bowl, so load up your party with some marinated wings and brats. As the cold days start approaching their end, warm up your sweetheart with a tasty ribeye or tenderloin steak on Valentine's Day. I look forward to seeing you soon.
- Brian, Meat Manager