Eat Seasonally; Shopping CSA's and Farmer's Markets
EAting Seasonally
Explore the options available to you whether that’s a farmers market or choosing a good CSA that provides you with fresh, local produce while supporting your local farmers.
Eating seasonally refers to consuming foods that are naturally available and harvested during a particular time of the year. Eating seasonal foods offers a variety of benefits for nutrition, including:
Nutrient density: Seasonal produce is harvested at its peak ripeness, which means that it contains the highest levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can be lost during transportation and storage, so consuming locally grown seasonal foods ensures that you are getting the most nutrient-dense foods available.
Improved taste: Seasonal foods are often fresher and have a better flavor than out-of-season produce, which is usually harvested early and transported over long distances. Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables have a superior taste and texture, making them more enjoyable to eat.
Cost-effective: Seasonal foods are often cheaper than out-of-season produce due to the abundance of supply. Farmers can harvest larger quantities of seasonal crops, which reduces their cost and the cost of transporting them. Eating seasonal foods can be a cost-effective way to maintain a healthy diet.
Environmental sustainability: Eating seasonal foods reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting out-of-season produce. When you consume locally grown seasonal foods, you are supporting local farmers, reducing the use of fossil fuels in transportation, and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Promotes diversity: Eating seasonal foods encourages a diverse diet. By consuming different fruits and vegetables that are in season, you are exposed to a wider range of nutrients and flavors, which can help prevent boredom and promote a more balanced diet.
Eating seasonally is a great way to maintain a healthy diet while also supporting local farmers and reducing your environmental impact.
A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is a great way to get fresh, local produce while supporting your local farmers. Here are some tips on how to choose a good CSA:
Research local CSAs: Start by researching local CSAs in your area. You can search online, ask for recommendations from friends and family, or visit your local farmers' market.
Check their farming practices: Look for a CSA that uses sustainable farming practices, such as organic or regenerative agriculture. This ensures that the produce you receive is free from harmful chemicals and is grown in an environmentally friendly manner.
Look at their produce variety: Check the CSA's website or ask for a list of the produce that will be included in your share. Look for a CSA that offers a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the season.
Consider the size of the share: CSAs typically offer different share sizes, ranging from small to large. Consider how much produce you typically consume and choose a share size that suits your needs.
Check their pickup and delivery options: Make sure the pickup or delivery options are convenient for you. Some CSAs offer home delivery, while others require you to pick up your share at a specific location.
Read reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from current or past members of the CSA. This can give you an idea of the quality of the produce and the customer service provided by the CSA.
Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions about the CSA's farming practices, pickup or delivery options, or any other concerns you may have. A good CSA will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Explore the options available to you whether that’s a farmers market or choosing a good CSA that provides you with fresh, local produce while supporting your local farmers.