Reasons to Visit Your Local Farmer’s Market

Summer is in full swing, and that means that there are many seasonal crops ready for harvest. We all know that it is important to include fresh fruits and vegetables into our diet, and there is no more delicious way to do that than to eat these foods in peak season. As you plan your meals this month, try to incorporate some of these seasonal foods:

• Beets, which are rich in cancer-fighting phytonutrients
• Radishes, which have loads of vitamin C
• Peas, which are packed with protein and fiber
• Apricots, which are full of vitamin C and potassium
• Peaches, which are loaded with fiber and potassium
• Blueberries, which are full of free-radical fighting antioxidants

While these foods may appear in grocery stores year-round, they are best enjoyed in the summer when grown by a local farm. There are several reasons to buy locally:

1. Local food is healthier and safer. Local food travels less time and endures less storage and processing to reach your table. This means that there is less chance of contamination, and there is less time for nutrients to be lost in travel.
2. Local food tastes better. When you buy fresh produce at a farmer’s market, those plants were picked at the peak of ripeness and delivered straight to you. There was no packaging or time sitting in a warehouse.
3. Local food benefits the local economy. As you purchase food from local farms, you are helping a local business that employs workers and contributes to the community.
4. Local food producers can educate you about their practices. When you visit a farmer’s market, you can often speak directly with the farmer, who can give you information about the farming practices used. You can find out about the types of seeds, any sprays or pesticides used, and how to best store and prepare your produce.

While many grocery stores make efforts to buy locally, the best place to get a hold of the freshest produce is your local farmer’s market where you can see, taste, touch, and smell the latest offerings. To find a farmer’s market near you, go to localharvest.org. If you don’t have time or easy access to a farmer’s market, consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group that will deliver fresh, healthy produce from a farm to your door or pickup location. Support local farmers and treat yourself to delicious food!