There’s no better person to talk to about the produce you’re buying than the very same person who grows them. If that’s not enough for you, here are 10 more amazing reasons to buy your fresh produce at the local farmers market.
1. Fresh Produce
Fruits and vegetables don’t come any fresher than when you buy them from the farmers market. From the field to the market, the short distance and travel time ensures that the flavors are preserved. You get them ripe and ready to eat. It’s freshness you can literally taste.
2. The Right Seasons
Produce are at their best when they are bought during their seasons. Buying from the farmers market makes you more knowledgeable on which fruits and vegetables grow in certain seasons so you get them at their prime and you can plan which ones to buy or preserve.
3. You’re Helping the Environment
Shipping food and produce requires the use of fuel and packaging materials which contribute to pollution. Conventional agriculture requires more resources and the methods tend to pollute the water and the soil. The local market is usually very near the farms so less fuel is needed. The methods of growing also have less impact on the environment.
4. You’re Helping the Local Farmers
These farmers have families to sustain so they need to earn money by selling their goods on the local market. Buying directly from them and not from the supermarket ensures their livelihood and with it, more locally grown food being made available to the public.
5. Safer and More Nutritious
Pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and genetic modification are just some of the unconventional tools and methods used in modern agriculture. They ultimately end up in your body. Local farmers use organic methods to grow their produce, so you are sure that the nutrients are preserved as naturally as possible.
Also read: Clean Eating 101: Simple Rules To Live A Healthy And Clean Lifestyle
6. You Become Part of the Community
Farmers markets are more lively and festive compared to the dull and monotonic ambiance of a supermarket. It’s a place to socialize while talking about food. You get to know the local farmers and which produce they grow best compared to the others.
7. You Save Money
Food from the supermarket has to travel long distances before it can be sold. It also has to go through a few middlemen which jack up the price significantly. When you buy from the local market, you talk directly to the farmer so you get rid of the middleman, and certain additional costs.
Also read: 10 Easy Ways To Eat Organic Food Without Breaking The Bank
8. More Variety
The choice of fruits and vegetables sold in supermarkets are limited to what is in demand by the buying public. Try to visit your local farmers market and you will be surprised with the wide variety of produce available for sale. A cucumber from one farmer may taste and look different from that of another.
9. Learn More About What You Eat
Local farmers are a rich source of information regarding produce and how they are grown. Knowing the growing methods makes you feel more confident about what goes into your system. You might even learn a thing or two about growing your own fruits and vegetables.
10. It’s More Fun
Admit it. You don’t like going to the grocery store or the supermarket because it bores you. The local farmers’ market is more interactive and dynamic. Buying food will be an exciting family activity as you choose the ingredients needed for your next recipe.
Remember organic, locally grown is always best! And if you are not sure where your veggies or fruits come from, make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove dirt, pesticides, and other nasty chemicals. .
Don’t forget to download my FREE Book “Amy’s Home Kitchen”, packed with my family’s favorite healthy, clean and delicious recipes. Or connect with me on Facebook or Google+
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Sources:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/real-food/top-10-reasons-to-visit-the-farmers-market.aspx
http://www.cuesa.org/learn/10-reasons-support-farmers-markets
