So I went to the Farmers Market yesterday morning. There is something about the small tables scattered with vegetables so freshly picked that they still have dirt on them that invoke my warm and fuzzies. But what can I say, I am a BIG veggie-aholic!
In the late spring my family plants our vegetable garden, so that in the summer we are blessed with an abundance of tomatoes, carrots, eggplant, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, peppers, herbs, and a variety of leafy greens. Not only are these veggies fresh and at the peak of their nutritional splendor when we eat them, but it certainly cuts down our grocery bill! It’s also so nice not having to drive to the store for these ingredients. I simply just walk outside and *pluck*.
Having a garden or even a community garden is a great way to save money, get delicious and nutritious foods, and connect to mother nature. Gardens take a good amount of work to maintain…from watering, tilling, pulling out weeds, etc., but they are so worth it!
If gardens are too much upkeep for you, I suggest buying locally and stopping by your farmers market, my second best produce source. Which brings me back to the point of this blog post...the benefits of Farmers Markets, because boy are there MANY! Here are five benefits of going to the farmerss market:
Fresh and Nutrition-packed Produce
Buying from a farmer, you are getting fruits and veggies that are picked at the peak of their ripeness, ensuring the best flavor and nutritional benefits that these products have to offer. Generally, when you buy from a supermarket or grocery store, these products are picked before they have fully matured so that they are able to arrive at the stores and sit for a couple of days. This means you lose out on a lot of nutritional benefits and the flavor. From farmer to table, you get to enjoy more of these health benefits (and taste benefits).
Organic Produce
When you go to a farmers market, you are getting a selection of organic foods that are GMO and pesticide free. Eating produce sprayed with chemicals and unnatural products has serious side effects on your organ health, such as cancer. There have been over 260 studies that have linked cancer to agrochemicals. Eating organically, you are choosing to eat safe and reduce your risk of these diseases. Farmers markets contain a variety of farm stands that offer these organic options for your fruits and vegetables.
Help the Environment
Buying from a farmers market, you are also doing good for the planet. The produce from these farm stands comes from local farms, which is a super sustainable option. When buying locally, you are helping to reduce the impact of CO2 emissions that are produced during transportation. Local farms means less travel, and a reduced impact on our environment. There is also a reduce of package waste that goes into farmers markets too. Most farmers display their produce in crates and paper bins, leaving non-biodegradable plastic out of the mix.
Support your Community
When you buy from a farmer, you are helping support their way of life. Giving back to small farms allows this produce to keep coming in, and you are helping strengthen your community by helping them out. Meet new people, chit-chat with the farmers, and build your relationships with them and your community!
Adorable Date Idea
Okay, so this isn’t a “major” benefit, but going to the farmer’s market is such a cute date idea. It’s fun, unique, and there are a lot of things to see. Buy some vegetables with your bae, and go home to cook up a delicious and nutritious meal together!
As you can see, there are some perks to buying your produce from local farms and farmers markets. Support your community, reduce your carbon footprint, and improve your health and go to your next farmers market. You can find where your nearest farmers market is through this helpful database. Enjoy!
Your Holistic Home Helper,
Marissa
