On a recent trip to Southampton, England, I explored food offerings at a local farm store called “Westlea” in the county of Hampshire.

I noticed an abundance of watercress being sold. The store owner informed me that it is grown locally and that residents include it in their soups, salads, sausages and even make a pesto from it. “Farm to table” vegetables offer many nutrients since they are sold quickly after harvest. They don’t lose their nutrients during truck transportation. Watercress can help break down kidney and bladder stones, remove phlegm and improve heart and skin health.

Another popular vegetable at Westlea is asparagus. Asparagus is rich in vitamin B6, folate and chromium which enhance the body’s ability to control blood sugar.
Westlea also offers delicious pies and preserves made from locally grown apples and pears. Apples and pears grow abundantly in East Hampshire providing a multitude of phytonutrients to help joint repair and liver function. English mint tea is consumed regularly in Hampshire since it is grown in the foothills of the Hampshire downs. It can help with digestion, calming the digestive tract.

I was lucky enough to tour Hampshire’s award winning white wine vineyards in the town of Southdowns. Its’ white wine provides the locals with the heart healthy nutrient resveratrol.

Delicious and delightful, the local produce here in Hampshire is both nutritious and restorative.