Most produce in the United States has traveled 1500 miles from the farm to your plate and was harvested 4 to 7 days before arriving on supermarket shelves.
There are many reasons to increase the amount of local food you are including in your diet. These reasons include your health, the quality of the food, environmental impact and economic impact.
Buying food from local farmers – from a famer’s market, farm stand, or CSA (community supported agriculture), provides you with higher quality food and a wider variety of produce.
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Some produce does not ship well and can not be trucked from California to Connecticut but it can be transported from a farm in South Windsor to the Farmer’s market in South Windsor and be available to you even if it is a delicate fruit or vegetable – this allows the farmers to offer a much wider variety to the consumers.
When food is transported long distances, it has to be picked prior to fully ripening, and has to ripen along the journey. If you are buying local, such as tomatoes, for example, they are allowed to ripen on the vine – this provides you with maximum flavor and nutrition. Allowing the fruits and vegetables to grow to the maturity prior to harvesting is the best way to ensure quality of flavor and maximize the nutrients available in that food.
Find out what's happening in South Windsorfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Typically when buying from a farmer’s market, the produce you buy has been harvested that morning or the day before. Nothing beats this for freshness. Plus it will last longer in your refrigerator once you get it home – extending the time you have to eat the produce.
Looking for sources for local food? I have included a link on my web-site to local harvest where you can search for local food in your area.
http://mariabmayer.com/buy-local
I am a Certified Holistic Health Coach, if you would like to know more about my approach to health coaching, please visit my website www.mariabmayer.com. You can also call or e-mail me to set up a free consultation. HealthCoach@mariabmayer.com 860-995-7773.
