The Market Across the Spectrum

Our farmers market and look like there’s not much to offer, but it’s undeniably beautiful. The colors are constantly changing. Orange is the predominant color in the fall. Green is the main color in winter and spring. Summer will bring plenty of pinks and reds. However, no matter what color is taking the stage, the farmers market is always boasting all colors of the rainbow.

Different colors are thought to affect a person’s mood. Some colors encourage high energy or anger, while others promote serenity and tranquility. I’ve paired up foods with their respective color to help you decide what to make or eat, depending on your current state of mind.

In the mood for love? Strawberries are the thing to consume. Want to increase your energy? Reach for the . Find your favorite color or search for your particular mood and check out the dish ideas below to keep your mind, body, spirit and appetite in sync.

RED. The color red often reflects intense emotions, such as anger, excitement and love. It is also thought to increase your circulation.

Strawberries: Filled with love? Buy some strawberries and fill them up with your favorite liqueur and then . We guarantee you’ll feel the love.

Tomatoes: used to be thrown on stage by upset audiences when someone’s performance was not up to par. Buy some cherry tomatoes and throw them in a hot pan with some EVOO and crushed garlic. Let them cook until they become so angry that their skin “pops” open. Serve on top of pasta with some parmesan cheese.

Red bell peppers: Sauté up some bell peppers with some cayenne for your fajitas or steak to get your blood circulating.

Radishes: Add some excitement to your salads and toss in sliced radishes. Add them on top of your sandwiches for an added crunch. Grate them in creamy soups. The flavor boost is pleasing for anyone.

ORANGE. Orange is the color for excitement and enthusiasm. It’s been known to increase your energy level.

Oranges: Aptly named, this famous citrus can be zested onto chicken, pasta, salads or fish. The tart bite of the zest can turn bland food into an exciting dish.

Tangerines: In an afternoon slump? Grab a tangerine, the perfect-sized snack. The sweet and tart flavor, along with some serious vitamin C, will get you going.

Tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes with an orange hue have an acidic bite that makes the tomato taste spicy. Use these colorful tomatoes on your burger for an aesthetic change.

YELLOW. Yellow is the attention getter. It can be cheery or extremely frustrating. Yellow is said to increase your metabolism.

Lemons: Add some sliced lemons to your water supply. It can help aid in your digestion and stimulate your liver. Many detoxes include lemon water. You can also add a centerpiece of lemons to your table for an added cheerful tone.

Oro Blancos: Frustrated with sour fruit? Buy some of these grapefruits and you won’t have to worry about adding any sugar—they’re that sweet!

GREEN. The color of nature and the most common color seen at the market. Green is associated with things like tranquility, good luck, health and jealousy.

Herbs: The market offers a variety of —dill, arugula, lavender, parsley, rosemary. Use these herbs as aromatics in your home or on your food. Fresh lavender is extremely calming and the smell of rosemary on cooked chicken is enough to make anyone forget about their horrible, no good, very bad day.

Greens: has an array of greens to choose from. Sauté spinach, tatsoi or , which represent good luck and money when cooked for the New Year.

Avocados: Make your out-of-town guests jealous with some guacamole made from our . Or make your co-workers green with envy and bring a sandwich into work with sliced avocado on top.

Broccoli: Nothing says health like a side of hearty, green vegetables. Steam some broccoli, which is high in fiber and vitamin C, for your kids, like local Navy wife does. Or throw it into soup or use for dipping in fondue, so you feel a little less guilty about eating cheese.

Asparagus: Tranquility is all about keeping your stress levels down. Eating asparagus can help you out because of its high levels of vitamin A and C, which contain antioxidants as well as cortisol-managing properties. Eat asparagus, become more serene.

BLUE. Blue can evoke calmness and serenity, but it can also be associated with sadness. Being in the presence of the color blue is thought to help lower your pulse rate.

Irises: There aren’t many naturally blue foods, but our market carries some strikingly beautiful blue irises. Set these gorgeous guys out on the table or near your computer to keep your blood pressure down during your most stressful moments.

PURPLE. The color of royalty and wealth, purple also coincides with wisdom and spirituality. Purple can be seen as exotic.

Beets: Make an exotic looking and tasting slaw with this underrated root vegetable. Chef suggests grating the beets with shredded carrots and apples. If you’d rather have them cooked, Gilchriest says to roast them with carrots for a colorful and hearty side dish.

Kohlrabi: Never heard of this purple vegetable? Their sugar content is high, so sauté this rare vegetable for a truly spiritual food experience.

Red Cabbage: Wise up and try out red cabbage instead of the more common green cabbage. It has more antioxidants and phytonutrients than its green counterpart.