Summer time in Indiana is one of my favorite times of the year because it means an abundance of produce can be found at local farmer’s markets. The number of markets and vendors continues to grow every year and the greater Indianapolis area has a thriving farmer’s market community unmatched by many other cities of its size. The offerings for local and organic produce continues to expand as more and more health seeking individuals support their local growers and farmers.
Over the years, I have developed long-standing relationships with local farmers because they help to provide my family and our patients with some of the most nutrient dense foods around. When vegetables are harvested close to the time of consumption, the nutrient density increases significantly. The phytochemicals can be identified by their distinctive color and aroma. Much of the produce that is found in the supermarket today is trucked in from hundreds to thousands of miles away. It is typically harvested long before the ideal peak of the produce and stored for days to weeks before being consumed. Most of the berries and other fruit are exposed to low-dose radiation to preserve freshness and reduce mold growth. Potatoes are commonly treated with a root inhibitor chemical to prevent them from sprouting. Consumer grade wax is applied to many apples, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers with unknown health consequences. I always recommend growing your own produce first then if that isn't possible, try to purchase local-organic first, local produce second, organic produce third and lastly commercial produce.
My favorite local markets are the Broad Ripple Farmer’s Market and the Binford Farmer’s Market. The Binford market features several unit growers including: Garcia Gardens, Amy Bowater, J and J worm Castings (for your home garden), Grace and Truth Farms and My Dad’s Sweet Corn (non GMO). The Broad Ripple market has many prepared foods, but my favorite produce vendor is Full Hand Farm; Johnnie Raber does a nice job with produce and Schacht Farm for beef, chicken, eggs and pasture raised pork. When buying protein, make sure to always inquire if the animals are raised and finished on grass, this gives the highest nutrient content. Sometimes chickens will be fed grains such as corn and soy as a supplement or to get them to roost at nighttime. I am not as strict about this as I am the other animals, but inquire if they use non-GMO organic feed or not. The Wild Alaska Seafood Company comes to the Broad Ripple market on the second and fourth Saturday of every month and has great options. If you consume dairy products the Swiss Family Connection is out of this world. They feature many raw dairy products including butter, cottage cheese and raw milk. They take preorders and deliver to several locations around the city one day per week.
The Broad Ripple Farmers market and Bindord Market operate 8am-12pm on Saturdays. There are many other farm markets around, including Carmel, Zionsville and Noblesville. I would encourage you to check out your local farmers market and support locally. Question booths on their growing methods, herbicides/pesticide usage, use of GMO or non-GMO grains to feed their animals. Even if they are not certified organic, many of the growers utilize organic and sustainable agriculture methods. Saturday morning is my day to go to the market and I often spend a great deal of time socializing and building connections with these very important people in my life. Have fun!
-Dr. Logan
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