Guest Blogger Susan Kalish, R.D.
“Farm Fresh” food has a whole new meaning when you actually go to the farm to pick out the food yourself! At farmer’s markets across the country, there are fresh foods available for your choosing. Buying locally grown products is a wonderful way to enjoy some inexpensive family fun while supporting the local economy. Let’s look at some of the many reasons to support farmer’s markets.
1) An Opportunity to Try New Things. As a loyal farm stand shopper I must admit that nothing can compare with sweet fresh locally grown corn. However, my advice is to keep an open mind when selecting some of the more unusual varieties of produce. There are interesting fruit hybrids such as pluots, (which are plum/apricot combinations). Try delicious variations on more traditional fare such as juicy donut peaches. These tasty fruits are not fused with donuts, they just take on the cute shape. There are so many types of fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs to choose from that it makes most “foodies” want to experience new and exciting farm fresh offerings. Experimenting with new foods adds excitement to the entire fresh market experience. The friendly farmers are more than happy to advise you on how to use their products. There is also a strong feeling of community support when you purchase locally grown products.
2) Fresh, Seasonal Nutrition. If you believe as I do that we need to work with nature and support our environment, than shop locally and eat seasonally. Seasonal fruits, vegetables and hybrids will be the main source of food available at your local farmers market. Start treating yourself to foods which were meant to be grown, harvested and eaten at a particular time of year. Enjoy vitamin rich foods the way nature intended us to eat them.
3) Economical Shopping. In these tough economic times, many people are looking for ways to save money. What better way to support your local economy and community than to put your money towards local farmers fare. Another way you will save money is by cutting out middlemen services. This food comes straight from the farmer to the consumer. Consider purchasing gorgeous fresh flowers at the market or homemade preserves with the money you saved by cutting out the unnecessary transportation services.
4) Pick your Own. Selecting your own fruits and vegetables is a fun, inexpensive day out. Blueberries and peaches are ripe for the picking. Shopping with your kids can teach them about healthy food choices and provide some much needed outdoor family fun.
5) Wineries. Although, not exactly a farmer’s market, locally grown grapes make delicious and affordable wines, some of which may even be available at your local farmers market. Check your local listings during the summer as many wineries even offer live music on the weekends. Try some local, heart-healthy red wines (in moderation of course). So next time you’re considering bringing a bottle of wine to a friends house for dinner, remember your local grape growers!
The produce in grocery stores can look and smell appealing, (and is still very nutritious), but it often takes weeks to get foods from farms to the supermarket shelves. Between international shipping and storage, our “fresh” food may actually be quite dated. Not only is the produce we purchase at supermarkets not as fresh as it could be, but it may also lose several nutrients and sometimes flavor with age while being transported. The best time to take advantage of your locally grown farmer’s markets is now when the options are endless. You may be pleasantly surprised at how many varieties of your favorite foods are grown nearby. Don’t despair city dwellers; many cities have farmer’s come in to local parks or churches on the weekend – just look for the signs! Keep an eye out for local listings for farmer’s markets, or wineries in your region or search online for pick-your-own options in your community at: http://www.pickyourown.org/. To truly get the farm fresh flavor and full benefit of your favorite fruits and veggies, stop by and support your local farmers markets.
I love going to the farmers market to get fresh produce. It’s such a great way to get new things that you wouldn’t otherwise try. It’s also wonderful to bring kids to teach them where food comes from and introduce them to new foods!
Thank you Jessica! A trip to the farmers market can be a delicious and educational experience. Glad you enjoyed the blog.