Besides the obvious and well advertised benefits of eating organic, for those of us on a gluten-free diet, eating organic can also make life much, much easier. Organic produce, meat, poultry, dairy and eggs are not injected with suspect additives, not to mention preservatives. Organic processed food also contains minimal ingredients, few natural additives and generally, no gluten.

As we have stated many times, the best way to eat gluten-free is to eat naturally gluten-free. This means choosing foods that in their natural state do not contain gluten. The list of naturally gluten-free foods is endless, healthy, fresh and delicious.

One of the most fun and environmentally friendly ways to enter the world of gluten-free organic is to visit your local farmer’s market. Many cities across the country have a farmer’s market during the summer months where local farmers bring their produce, hand-made cheeses, free range organic eggs, grass-fed beef, pork and lamb, line caught fish, flowers and hand-made crafts to sell during a festive day in the sun. A farmer’s market is sometimes accompanied by street musicians that add an element of celebration to this ancient form of commerce. And, there is absolutely nothing more beautiful, fresh or good for you than produce direct from the farm.

There is however, a down-side to all this. Once you start buying produce from a farmer’s market, the produce available in grocery stores will pale in comparison. Even organic produce in a grocery store is just not quite the same.

Here are a few recipes that will showcase the vibrant flavors of farm fresh produce:

Broccoli with Carrots & Toasted Garlic
Brussel Sprouts w/Red Grapes
Cabbage Stuffed w/Mozzarella
Green Bean Bundles w/Toasted Almonds
Honey Roasted Onions
Roasted Beets
Roasted Carrots with Thyme & Garlic
Sauteed Chard
Sauteed Spinach w/Shallots
Slow Baked Tomatoes
Sugar Snap Peas with Mint & Limes
Tri-Colored Roasted Potatoes

Cabbage Stuffed w/Mozzarella

Of course, many of the fresh vegetables that we buy at our local farmer’s market never make it home. There is nothing better than raw fresh carrots, green beans, peas, radishes……….
Here’s to a fresh, delicious gluten-free summer everyone!

- Chef Yvonne