Are you shopping at your local farmer’s market? You should be, and here are 10 reasons why:
Freshness and Flavor – Fruits and vegetables at the market are fresh from the tree, shrub or soil, not shipped from out of state in a refrigerated truck from thousands of miles away. There’s a good chance that the owner of the market stand picked it this morning, so you know it’s fresh.
Organic – Farmers that participate in local farmers markets are known for producing organic and non-GMO products. You can interact face-to-face with the person who grew and harvested your food and be certain you are purchasing chemical free products.
Seasonal Choices – Eating produce in season makes sense, it tastes better and costs less. Lighter fruits and vegetables like melons, citrus and berries are available in the Spring and Summer, while winter vegetables like squash, cabbage and spinach and provide heartier fare for the cooler Autumn and Winter.
Ripeness – Produce at the farmer’s market is picked at the peak of ripeness. Ripe produce tastes better while providing the best nutritional value. Cook with farmer’s market produce and you’ll be amazed at the improvement in flavor and texture and color.
Nutritional Value – When compared to produce from the grocery store, fresh produce from the farmers market contain more chemical-free nutritional value including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as evidenced by their bright, vivid colors.
Cheaper – Your neighborhood grocery store charges a premium price for organic fruits and vegetables. At the farmer’s market these same products are often not more expensive than commercially grown produce. The health benefits you receive only add to the value.<
More Variety – The farmer’s market offers a dizzying array of fruits and vegetables. Industrial farms tend to grow only a few varieties of popular vegetables. Small local farms, on the other hand, tend to favor variety, offering fruits and vegetables you just won’t be able to find in the produce section of your local supermarket.
Supports Local Farmers – Farmer’s market produce is locally grown, usually within 50 miles of the market. Local farms provide local jobs and spend what money they make on produce in your local economy. Shopping for fruits and vegetables from your local farmer’s market supports local family farms, helping them to operate and provide a healthy, organic alternative to mass-produced foods.
Conserves Natural Resources – Most chain supermarkets receive their fruits and vegetables from hundreds, possibly thousands of miles away. This demands use of fossil fuels for shipping on massive fuel guzzling refrigerated trucks and rail cars. Famer’s market produce arrives in the back of the farmer’s truck, van or family wagon, significantly fuel consumption. As a bonus, farmer’s markets often operate in an open air setting and do not require electricity.
Earth Friendly – Small local family farms not only conserve fuel, but also produce less environmental waste including carbon monoxide, pesticide pollution, and chemical fertilizers.
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