INCLUDE FRUITS, VEGGIES INTO A HEALTHY DIET
These days, more and more people are looking to Mother Nature for ways to live a better life, from needed nutrients to natural remedies and alternatives.
And because of this, businesses in the health and wellness sector are booming. Joseph’s Farm Market, a local family owned and operated produce store, has been a part of this trend. Since opening in the community in 1994, it has expanded to include three locations – one each in the city’s west end, east end and in south Windsor.
“We have always been inspired to deliver good quality produce at a great value for the people of Windsor and Essex County,” says Brad Joseph, co-owner and CEO of the business along with his brother, Ken, and father, Wayne.
With the growing demand for fresh produce, the Joseph family says there’s also been a lot of interest in exactly what fruits and vegetables are healthiest overall. And with today’s fast-paced and instant-gratification culture, there’s a need to get those essential nutrients quickly and efficiently.
Ken says this is why juicing and making smoothies have become so popular.
“People need to be more health-conscious these days ,” says Ken. “With stressful jobs, polluted environments, and this fast-paced world we live in, people need to counteract this by excising, and eating well. Juicing and making smoothies are a great way to get all those daily amounts of vitamins and minerals that we need to stay healthy and positive. People want to feel well and when you juice over a period of time you feel great and energized – even during these dull winter months.”
Brad says a family favourite and something they recommend to customers is a blend of carrot, apple and ginger.
“This is an action-packed juice that has the essential balance that you need to have a great day,” explains Brad. “It detoxifies, heals, energizes and it’s full of vitamins A, C, zinc, beta carotene. This juice delivers what you need on a daily basis.”
The specific carrot, apple, ginger blend also alleviates inflammation, is a cure for the common cold, is good for anti ag ing, weight loss, and the list goes on and on, Ken adds.
“And the great thing about this one is that you can use this juice recipe as a base juice, and then the sky’s the limit from there,” says Brad. “You can add any other fruits and vegetables that you may have in your fridge and it only adds more value.”
Along with the mainstream produce that you’ll see in every grocery store, Brad says they try to offer the community unique fruits and vegetables as well.
“We carry things like fresh turmeric or wheat grass in stock every day, and these things are loaded with goodness and are considered superfoods,” says Ken. “Or there are things like the Indian bitter melon that we carry, which is a strange looking veggie but is excellent if you have stomach ulcers or poor digestion.”
Another recent health trend is ‘Meatless Mondays,’ which the Joseph family agrees is a great idea.
“I believe that any reason to eat fruits and veggies is a great idea,” says Brad. “And why not make that a challenge for yourself ? For my family, we always try to fill our plates with a lot of green and smaller portions of meat.”
It’s about creating a “balanced plate,” says Brad.
“I have to say, it can be very challenging at times when you’re working all day to provide your family with a good meal,” he adds. “I always try to tell myself that we all need to eat at least one type of fruit or veggie at every meal of the day.”
Brothers Ken and Brad have roots in the fresh produce industry and took their father’s lead when they decided to open Joseph’s Farm Market. Wayne, their father, had produce markets in Windsor when he was young. Before starting the business, they sold fresh fruit on street corners.
“We’ve been in the fresh produce business our whole lives, and so we know it very well,” says Brad.
And since Windsor-Essex is so agriculturally rich, Joseph’s Farm Market always tries to support local farmers and offer fresh local produce whenever possible, says Ken.
While there’s a misconception and stigma that fresh fruits and veggies are expensive, they say that isn’t always the case. They hope to provide the community an affordable and accessible way to live a healthier lifestyle.
“Our business motto is ‘Eat better, shop smarter,’” says Brad. “With the wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables that we carry, there is always a great deal waiting for everyone.”