Mingle in the 'Hood

Apparently, eating locally, or obtaining your food from local farmers and growers, carries health and environmental advantages but actually going to the markets and shopping and connecting with the growers and farmers is in a class of intangible benefits as well.  For saps like myself, going to the farmers' market is sort of, well, an event. I like the energy there and the relaxed atmosphere.  I love the fact it is outdoors and there is usually a band of some kind. I enjoy seeing what is in season that week and learning why the farmers chose to grow what they do and how to best prepare it.  I go to the regular stores as well during the week, but I do like to patronize the locals where I can.  Somehow, the experience at the farmers market is just nicer than stacking items on a conveyer belt and deciding between paper or plastic.

Why You Should Make a Habit of Going to Your Local Farmers' Market

Besides that big "feel good" benefit, there are plenty of other reasons to consider heading over to your local market or even buying from a community grower:

It supports those beautiful open farmlands and pastures.  We all appreciate gazing at those in our area, don't we?  If the local farms are financially successful, they do not sell out to commercial development.

The food is fresher and riper and much, much tastier.  That is because it is fresher and riper.  The produce is often picked the morning of the market.

More nutrients are present in the fresher and riper foods.  There are higher levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients in just picked foods ripened naturally.

The food is seasonal and sometimes much cheaper.  Strawberries in seasonal June are much cheaper than strawberries at your supermarket in off-seasonal January.    

Samples!  That grower may provide samples of those odd looking vegetables you have never tried before.  You may just find a new one to lengthen your list of likes.  

Variety.  The types of seasonal foods and meats can be abundant. You can find items there not available in the regular stores.

Stunning flower arrangements.  The most beautiful wild flower selections can be found.  

Home-baked goods.  Often there is a great selection of homey baked goods and all types of healthful breads are available to bring home. The jams and types of local honey are delicious, too.  

Dinner ideas!  Don't have a clue what to make for dinner?  No problem.  Just wander through the market and you will get inspired.  Talk to the growers as they will tell you the simplest and most delicious ways to prepare their produce and why they are so good for you.

You are helping grow a small business.  No middleman is involved, which leaves a higher profit margin for the farmers and growers, which keeps them coming back to the market in the first place.

Questions for Organics

Get to know your growers.  If seeking organic produce especially, there are some pointed questions to ask to ensure you are getting what you are seeking.  Here are a few to consider:

• Is this produce certified organic?
• If not, why did you not get certified?
• How did you grow your food and with what chemicals?
• Do you have any other certifications?

And, click here for a more in depth coverage of this type of inquiry.

Expand Your Choices

New markets are frequently opening up all over the country.  I have posted this link before, but it is applicable here as well.  Go here to find a list of markets and growers in your area.

Items to Bring Along to Your Local Farmers' Market

Here are some things to grab before you go:

• Bags or a tote to store your purchases
• Cash
• Open mind.  You never know what strange or even ugly looking vegetable or fruit you may see that could develop into a seasonal favorite.  You may even make a friend along the way at the market as well.

So, what about you?  What kind of experiences have you had at local markets?  Or have you found other ways to eat locally.  Let us know!

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_t_in_dc/3648490691/">Mr. T in DC</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">cc</a>