By HEIDI HARRABI

If you are like me, eggs are a staple in your diet.

Do you know that the eggs sold in supermarkets are nutritionally inferior to eggs produced by hens raised on pasture?

Eggs from hens raised on pasture contain one-third less cholesterol, one-four less saturated fat, two-third more vitamin A, two times more omega-3 fatty acids, three times more Vitamin E and seven times more beta carotene than eggs from commercially raised hens.

Currently, you will find three vendors who sell pasture raised eggs at the market. Look for Jeff Jaeger, Kim Finnegan or Tessa Davis for your farm fresh eggs. They are not only better for you, they taste better too!

New items at the market this week include rainbow swiss chard, peas, kohlrabi and of course we still have strawberries.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Strawberry Ricotta Pancakes

• 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 3 large eggs

• 3/4 cup milk

• Grated zest of 1 lemon

• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups diced strawberries, plus more for garnish

• 2 teaspoons expeller-pressed canola oil

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, eggs, milk, zest and vanilla. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Stir in strawberries.

Heat oil in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. When hot, drop the batter by 1/3-cup measures onto the skillet, working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan. Cook until the bottoms are browned and bubbles begin to form on the tops, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other sides. Continue cooking until all the batter is used, making about 12 pancakes; add more oil to the pan as necessary to keep pancakes from sticking. Serve pancakes garnished with more berries.

The Market is open Mondays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Mall, Thursdays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. downtown, 1st Street NE, just east of the justice center, and Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Oak Park Mall. All major credit cards and EBT accepted.