Eat Seasonally!

You wouldn’t wear a swimsuit in the snow, or a winter hat to the beach -- so why eat produce that’s out of season? During this hot Summer season, you can cool down and stay hydrated by eating more fruits such as berries and watermelon.  Apples grow in the Fall, a perfect transition food to help our bodies get rid of excess heat and cool down before Winter.  In the Spring, the abundance of leafy greens helps to alkalize, detoxify, and lose some extra pounds after a long winter of heavier foods.  Embrace your body’s natural rhythm and eat seasonally!

Thanks to modern technology, Americans are used to eating what we want, when we want it. Time, money and availability are a few factors that make only eating food that is in season or locally grown a bit difficult (and be honest, sometimes you just want a banana!).  But with the help of the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market, you can make the conscious decision to eat more seasonal fruits and vegetables. It is easier and less expensive than you think, and it can make a world of difference in your diet!

Here are just a few reasons why it’s worth the effort to shop locally at our Downtown Farmers' Markets on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings:

First, TASTE! The tough, tasteless squash that can be bought at your local grocery store all year round cannot compete with the freshly picked varieties that are available right now at the Downtown Westminster Farmers Market.

Secondly, fruits and vegetables are highest in nutritional value when picked ripe and consumed as close to the harvest date as possible. The producers at the Downtown Westminster Farmers' Market cut out long shipping distances, allowing them to deliver the freshest tasting and most nutrient dense produce. Measures to keep produce fresh such as preservatives and irradiation (use of radiant energy, including gamma rays, electron beams, and x-rays on foods to control spoilage and eliminate food-borne pathogens) are not taken by your local producers -- because they are simply not needed.

Importantly, it’s more affordable than you think to eat locally and seasonally. Food is easier for producers to grow in its proper season, making it more abundant, less time-intensive, and less expensive for consumers. Often there will be specials on seasonal produce, because there is simply too much of it, and it needs to be consumed before spoiling. And by taking the extra step and buying produce from the Downtown Westminster Farmers Market, you know you are keeping your money close to home and supporting our local farming community. So cash in on the seasonal bounty!

If you’re curious about what is in season now, make a trip to the Downtown Westminster Farmers Market this Saturday to find a variety of some amazingly fresh produce! It's the First Saturday, so there will be live music, cooking demonstrations and even a children's activity. We'll see you around downtown!  Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/downtownwestminster).