from the West Plains Area Farmers Market
Paul Chateauvert, president of West Plains Area Farmers Market’s (WPAFM) board of directors, said the market is selling locally-grown organic turnips (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) at the semiweekly markets.
Turnip greens and roots are both edible and are often underappreciated for their impressive health benefits and contributions to culinary dishes. Turnips are known for helping nerves properly send signals and keeping muscles and hearts in good working shape. They are also prominent in defending against high blood pressure, strokes, kidney stones, brittle bones and high blood sugar.
Other benefits include assisting in some cancer preventions, building eye health and limiting macular degeneration and cataracts, and strengthening bones to protect against osteoporosis. Turnips also help to reduce inflammation in the colon and diverticulitis. Aiding in weight loss and digestion are also important with turnips.
One cup (100 g) of turnip consists of approximately: ~ 36 calories, ~ 92 grams water, ~ 1 gram of protein, ~ .13 grams of fat, ~ 8 grams of carbohydrates, ~ 4 grams of sugar, ~ 2 grams of fiber, ~ 39 milligrams (mg) of calcium, ~ 191 mg potassium, ~ .39 mg of iron, ~ 14 mg magnesium, ~ 35 mg phosphorus, ~ 87 mg sodium, ~ .35 mg zinc, ~ 27 mg vitamin C, ~ .13 micrograms (mcg) vitamin K, ~ 19 mcg of folate plus other vitamins and nutrients.
In addition to turnips, WPAFM also offers other fresh locally-grown organic vegetables, non-GMO eggs, fresh homemade preserves, jams, jellies, syrups and specialty butters, local raw unfiltered honey, USDA inspected pasture-fed beef and cured, smoked pork products, a variety of freshly-baked muffins and gluten-free muffins, bakery-styled sweet treats, desserts and artisan breads, and homemade granola.
Non-food items include vibrant-colored hair wand scrunchies, hand-crafted indoor and outdoor weather-resistant signs, washable and durable homemade tote bags, colorful bowl cozies, handcrafted jewelry, creative crochet items, special road trip pillows, scented and unscented Sandi’s Soaps made with goat’s milk, Sandi’s Kitchen Angels, Sandi’s Blankets, Sandi’s Bookmarks, unique and festive holiday items, plus more.
All market products are locally-grown, locally-produced and baked goods are homemade.
The market is held at 1380 Bill Virdon Blvd., West Plains, in the large covered pavilion on the east side parking lot of East Towne Village, with plenty of parking available. The covered pavilion is next door to Wages Brewing Company and Taproom’s building and across the street from Dollar General. The market is open from 9 am to 1 pm every Wed. and Sat.
Following Thanksgiving, the weekly markets will be held every Sat., and will move indoors into the large, comfortable and warm Trillium Trust Community Center room at East Towne Village. Trillium Trust Community Center room is located next to Wages Brewing Company and Taproom. The market will hold Sat. markets all season until moving outdoors for the warm season when the semiweekly markets resume.
To contact the market, call or text 417-259-4325, email wpafarmersmarket@gmail.com or visit WestPlainsAreaFarmersMarket on Facebook.
WPAFM invites new vendors to participate in serving the community. Small local farmers and home gardeners and crafters are always welcome.
Founded in 1982, West Plains Area Farmers Market is a nonprofit organization and is the longest-running and most established farmers market in the area. Located in East Towne Village, West Plains, the market serves customers year-round in both indoor and outdoor facilities.
