We know we need to eat from a rainbow of colors, and I'm not talking about the bright colored cereal pieces in a box of fruity loops. Most produce is best eaten immediately off the vine, tree, bush, or plant. Every hour it sits, it loses a certain number of its nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. You want food that is as fresh as possible. How fresh is that head of lettuce that was harvest in California last week? What about the strawberries picked in Mexico? Yes, this is still better than not eating fresh Missouri Local Produce at all, but if you want to maximize your produce dollar, start by evaluating your produce choices.
Follow the seasons- In the past, people ate whatever food was in a season which made it more natural. By buying locally, you can do the same. Eating seasonally also provides more variety throughout the year rather having the same old foods. Begin gradually- When starting out to buy home food do it gradually assign a certain percentage of your food budget to purchase home produce.
The usual process is that the farmer plants a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables that are ready at different times through the season. Then you can pick up your share every week or every two weeks, and get whatever was ready. Spring might have peas, strawberries or asparagus and then later through the summer might have beans, tomatoes, onions or just about anything else. You get the picture.
Farmers markets- Home farming associations hold markets on a regular basis where home farmers can sell their home produce direct to the public. This is a great way to buy home quality food and meet your home suppliers. Make sure you get there early as these farmers markets are very popular as they say, 'the early bird catches the worm.'
By making your purchase in the spring, you are investing in the farmer and sharing some of his risks. It's a great way to support small farms with this approach, even more so than just being a good customer at a conventional market. You commit to the whole year and pay up front. It's a good deal for him (or her) as well as you.
Buying regionally also supports your regional community because almost twice as much money stays in your community when you buy from regional vendors. This means that tax dollars stay regional, more of your neighbors are hired to work regionally, and more businesses can stay in business because of your patronage.
Do not get me wrong; I understand that many tourists, will in fact never come close to home eateries, cafes or restaurants, simply because they do not frequent the same places. It is also true that many tourists simply do not want to or are not willing to try home foods subsequently you will find McDonald's being used by many tourists as the 'Safe' option.
To act responsibly toward the earth, toward your community, and toward the health of you and your family, find a regional farmer and buy as much food as you can from them. Better yet, look for a CSA, community supported agriculture, and purchase a share. This means that every week you will receive a "share, " a box or bag of freshly harvested regional food that supports the farmer and nourishes your family. By purchasing a share, they know that they have you for a customer week after week, and you know that your family will be healthier for it.
Follow the seasons- In the past, people ate whatever food was in a season which made it more natural. By buying locally, you can do the same. Eating seasonally also provides more variety throughout the year rather having the same old foods. Begin gradually- When starting out to buy home food do it gradually assign a certain percentage of your food budget to purchase home produce.
The usual process is that the farmer plants a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables that are ready at different times through the season. Then you can pick up your share every week or every two weeks, and get whatever was ready. Spring might have peas, strawberries or asparagus and then later through the summer might have beans, tomatoes, onions or just about anything else. You get the picture.
Farmers markets- Home farming associations hold markets on a regular basis where home farmers can sell their home produce direct to the public. This is a great way to buy home quality food and meet your home suppliers. Make sure you get there early as these farmers markets are very popular as they say, 'the early bird catches the worm.'
By making your purchase in the spring, you are investing in the farmer and sharing some of his risks. It's a great way to support small farms with this approach, even more so than just being a good customer at a conventional market. You commit to the whole year and pay up front. It's a good deal for him (or her) as well as you.
Buying regionally also supports your regional community because almost twice as much money stays in your community when you buy from regional vendors. This means that tax dollars stay regional, more of your neighbors are hired to work regionally, and more businesses can stay in business because of your patronage.
Do not get me wrong; I understand that many tourists, will in fact never come close to home eateries, cafes or restaurants, simply because they do not frequent the same places. It is also true that many tourists simply do not want to or are not willing to try home foods subsequently you will find McDonald's being used by many tourists as the 'Safe' option.
To act responsibly toward the earth, toward your community, and toward the health of you and your family, find a regional farmer and buy as much food as you can from them. Better yet, look for a CSA, community supported agriculture, and purchase a share. This means that every week you will receive a "share, " a box or bag of freshly harvested regional food that supports the farmer and nourishes your family. By purchasing a share, they know that they have you for a customer week after week, and you know that your family will be healthier for it.
About the Author:
Find a list of the advantages you get when you visit a Missouri local produce market and more information about a great market at http://www.anthonysproduce.com now.
No comments :
Post a Comment