Author: Jodie Fitz

Growing up with six sisters, it’s no wonder that Sarah Avery took an interest in women’s health. In addition to being a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a focus in Women’s Health and Medical Therapeutic Yoga, Avery is also a vendor at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. Her business, Moon Cycle Seed Company, is a seed cycling subscription service to help women rebalance their hormones and establish healthy body cycles.

This might be your first time hearing about the concept of seed cycling – it is for many people. That’s why Avery loves to explain to customers how it works. “It made sense to come to the farmers’ market with this product; being at the market makes it much easier for me to answer customers’ questions in person. Those connections are invaluable.”

Avery’s first experience with seed cycling came forth out of her own struggles with women’s health issues including worsening PMS symptoms after discontinuing hormonal birth control. “A friend of mine told me about the practice of seed cycling which is an easy and natural way to get nutrients in the body to help women rebalance their hormones,” says Avery. Seed cycling helps balance estrogen and progesterone by supplying the nutrients of four seeds (pumpkin, flax, sunflower, and sesame) in a specific combination daily. The blend correlates with the phases of the menstrual cycle, follicular and luteal.

Avery’s symptoms were markedly alleviated by seed cycling, and she started sharing her practice with other women in her life. Because seed cycling involves grinding the seeds to help the body’s absorption of nutrients, some of her friends were hesitant to put in the effort. “I figured that I could make it easier for everyone, and so Moon Cycle Seed Company was born,” says Avery.

The subscription service offers eco-friendly packages of pre-ground seeds for the two different parts of the cycle. All you have to do to reap the benefits is sprinkle the seed blends in dishes such as smoothies, yogurt bowls, salads, and soups. In the future, Avery hopes to venture into ready-to-eat seed squares and possibly hormone-balancing herbal teas. 

At the farmers’ market, we know all about how a healthy, varied diet can benefit your health. Besides your purchase at Moon Cycle Seed Company, many of the natural, whole foods at the farmers’ market may contribute to a healthy hormone balance, such as leafy greens, fatty fish, and sweet potatoes – all currently in season at the farmers’ market.

The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh.

Farmers lived sustainable lives long before climate change became a pressing issue. Members of multi-generation farm families tell stories of how nothing went to waste. Bones from a roast chicken became broth; food scraps from meals were turned into compost; old storage bins were repurposed to create walking paths or signposts.

Sustainability is gaining a new meaning in 2020 for farmers, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, and all of us. Beginning March 1, a statewide ban on the distribution of single-use plastic bags at retail outlets takes effect. Farmers and other vendors at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market will no longer be able to offer such bags as a convenience to market shoppers, though certain items such as bags for storing meats and produce are exempt. 

The market has been preparing for several months with information tables and market tote bags available for a nominal fee. Vendors have been reducing their supplies of plastic bags, replacing them with those made of paper or other materials. 

We invite you to help us make the market more sustainable. Here are a few ideas:

• Bring your own bags. Washable mesh or net bags made of recycled plastic offer an easy-to-carry means of storing such items as leeks and greens. 

• Forgo bags altogether, if you can. This might not be possible for fragile items such as pea shoots or salad greens. But it’s do-able for carrots, turnips, cabbage, apples, and other items that are featured in the market’s winter months. Foods such as fish and fresh pasta also can be placed upon purchase in storage containers you bring from home.

• Return such items as egg cartons or glass jars to vendors for reuse. Vendors who sell eggs, cheeses, pickles, jams, corn, milk, yogurt, and other foods appreciate such returns as it helps reduce the costs incurred in obtaining these items.

• If you eat at the market, consider bringing your own plate, bowl and silverware.

• Finally, shop the market for crafts items that can further make your lives more sustainable. Many crafts vendors offer coffee mugs, reusable egg crates, bowls, and boxes.

The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays at the Wilton Mall. Find us between the DMV and Bath & Bodyworks tomorrow, and in our new location in the food court starting Jan. 11. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.