When we set out to eat more local food, we did so for a few good reasons. Namely, to cut down on our food's transporation footprint, support local businesses, and get away from the consumerism culture surrounding our demand for any type of food, any time you want it.
These are all still great reasons to buy locally, but as the growing season is nearing its end, we have some time to reflect on some of the extra benefits we discovered along the way!
Local food tastes better. We never really stopped to think about why the food we buy in the supermarket fails us so often. In order for most fruit to make it to the grocery store before going rotten, supermarket produce is picked way before it is ripe, and distributors count on it "ripening" on the way. When you buy it, then, it is either under-ripe, or, it is soft like ripened fruit but void of flavor. Fruit that is picked at its peaked ripeness is the sweetest kind. Thanks to some local farmers we will be enjoying some tree-ripened peaches from our freezer all year long, not to mention all of the other amazing fruit we've had this season. We also found out how much sweeter and juicier the tomatoes are when they come from your own garden.
Local food is more informed. Can you imagine going up to your grocery store butcher and asking him what he fed to the chickens? No one knows better than the farmer herself what the farm's practices are concerning pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. Not to mention that it is just good to know what kind of business you are supporting with your food dollars.
Local food is more fun!! This season we learned how to cook with ground lamb, eggplant, and squash just to name a few. Our favorite meals were ones we had to invent with items from the farmer's market that week. We really enjoyed the culinary adventure!
You probably have a bit more time to visit a farmer's market or roadside stand and pick up some local produce. What do YOU love about eating locally?
