Eat Fresh and Shop Local!

Dr. Litsey’s 5 Favorite Pantry Staples – All Sourced Locally in Boulder, Colorado

The foundation for good health rests on a high quality and whole foods diet. Eating the way our ancestors ate, with foods our great grandmothers would recognize is the goal. In our highly industrialized modern world, it is essential to stay connected to the basic dietary building blocks. To start, drink clean water, eat natural, organic, and seasonal foods.  Soon, farmer’s markets are starting to open. The market offers delicious and nutritious produce grown by farmers in our local community. Check out the first Boulder Farmers Market of the season this Saturday, April 6th.  The market is located on 13thstreet between Arapahoe and Canyon.

Until then, here are Dr. Jane Litsey’s 5 favorite pantry staples, all locally sourced year-round in our own Boulder community.

1. Eldorado Springs Water

Eldorado Canyon, located in the southern part of Boulder, has been a source of local artesian spring water since 1983. Spring water is free from chemical contaminants that are often found in tap water. In addition, it provides an array of trace minerals coming from the layers of rock the water travels through. Moreover, you can purchase Eldorado Springs water in 5 gallon jugs at both Natural Grocers and Whole Foods. You can also have the company deliver water monthly to your home or office. Check out their offerings: https://www.eldoradosprings.com/

2. Grama Grass Fed Beef

Named after local grasses in the American West, Grama Grass Livestock is raising cattle in harmony with nature. When properly managed, cattle can serve an essential part of the local ecosystem. Furthermore, cattle can not only fertilize the soil on which they graze, but they can also help support the growth of local grasses. High quality grass fed beef is rich in nutrients including iron and other minerals, b vitamins, choline, omega 3 fatty acids and protein. You can purchase Gramma Grass Fed beef on their website and pickup at their local farm in Niwot, just north of Boulder. Additionally, they are offering a summer CSA with monthly meat pickups. Check out their offerings: https://www.gramagrasslivestock.com/

3. Bjorn’s Colorado Honey

Bjorn is a third generation beekeeper from Sweden. They have bee hives scattered throughout the front range helping pollinate plants on local farms. Firstly, honey, along with pollen and propolis, has been used for centuries for their healing properties. Secondly, local honey is a great way to deal with seasonal allergies, is a wonderful addition to a spicy ginger tea to soothe sore throats and can even be applied to a bandaid to help heal wounds. You can find his honey at farmers markets throughout Colorado or on his website. The Boulder Farmers Market opens beginning Saturday, April 6th. Check out their offerings: https://bjornscoloradohoney.com/pages/about-us

4. Redmond Real Salt

Located in Utah, Redmond Real Salt is a resource for unrefined sea salt full of trace minerals and free of contaminants and pollutants. A high quality mineral salt not only makes your food taste delicious, but also helps provide minerals for proper hydration of the body. Low salt and minerals in the diet can lead to an array of symptoms. For example, low blood pressure, fatigue, headaches, constipation and more can occur. You can purchase Redmond Real Salt at your local Natural Grocers or Whole Foods Market.

5. Le Frigo Market

Started in 2017, Le Frigo market offers a variety of European and local pantry staples and is a great resource for high quality olive oils. Olive oil is an essential pantry staple that is not only delicious but provides high quality fats and antioxidants. For example, the mark of a quality olive oil is a slight burn in the back of the throat which indicates high polyphenol (antioxidant) levels. Many olive oils on the market — even ones that say 100% extra virgin olive oil — can have lower quality seeds oils added to them. A great olive oil from Le Frigo Market is L’Estornell Extra Virgin Olive Oil which is sourced directly from a farm in Spain. You can find Le Frigo at 55th and Arapahoe.

Lemon Vinaigrette for Spring Greens and Seasonal Salads

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – about 1/2 large lemon or 1 small lemon
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 small clove freshly minced garlic
1 teaspoon honey
Pinch of salt and pepper
1/2 cup good olive oil
First, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic and salt/pepper. Second, continuously whisk and slowly pour in the olive oil until the vinaigrette is combined and creamy. Lastly, keep in mind that measurements don’t need to be exact. Adjust measurements to taste.