These days, you have more options for supporting local farmers and food producers than just being a loyal customer at the weekend farmer's market. You can invest in upcoming bounty by signing up for a share in a CSA before the growing season gets started. CSA stands for "community supported agriculture, " and it's a growing trend among consumers who like to get their Missouri Local Produce from small-scale local farmers.
Follow the seasons- In the past, people ate whatever food was in a season which made it more natural. By buying locally, you can do the same. Eating seasonally also provides more variety throughout the year rather having the same old foods. Begin gradually- When starting out to buy home food do it gradually assign a certain percentage of your food budget to purchase home produce.
The usual process is that the farmer plants a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables that are ready at different times through the season. Then you can pick up your share every week or every two weeks, and get whatever was ready. Spring might have peas, strawberries or asparagus and then later through the summer might have beans, tomatoes, onions or just about anything else. You get the picture.
Some more elaborate farms may include fresh meat, eggs, milk or other products that they produce as well. They aren't just for veggies anymore. The big benefit for you is that you are set-up for seasonal produce for the entire season with one single purchase. Very convenient, especially if your CSA delivers. The downside is that you are purchasing before anything is even planted, which means you take on some of the risks. A really bad year can mean you don't get that much for your share, though the price remains the same.
We've already discussed why buying regionally gives you the biggest nutritional bang for your buck. The food reaches your table faster than by any other method. The sooner you eat something that has been picked or harvested, the more nutritional benefit you get.
If we take any city around the world the same rule applies to find good, home, well-priced food and the answer is simple, look where the homes eat. Sure, online guides and tourist guides will give you a good idea of listings, but often they are paid advertisements and also target at what the guide thinks tourists would like. I mean, what better guide or information can you get than from a home.
And don't think you're out of luck because you live in a big city. Many farmers who are on the outskirts of major cities will target the downtown dwellers for their wares this way. Health food stores are common drop-off points, so you can still have your share of farmer goodness even when there are no farms to be found for miles.
This is understandable in some respects as many people are fearful of falling ill from home foods. Just use your common sense, busy venues, frequented by many locals are often the cleanest. A quiet restaurant, just for tourists may be reheating food it has been waiting to sell for days.
Follow the seasons- In the past, people ate whatever food was in a season which made it more natural. By buying locally, you can do the same. Eating seasonally also provides more variety throughout the year rather having the same old foods. Begin gradually- When starting out to buy home food do it gradually assign a certain percentage of your food budget to purchase home produce.
The usual process is that the farmer plants a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables that are ready at different times through the season. Then you can pick up your share every week or every two weeks, and get whatever was ready. Spring might have peas, strawberries or asparagus and then later through the summer might have beans, tomatoes, onions or just about anything else. You get the picture.
Some more elaborate farms may include fresh meat, eggs, milk or other products that they produce as well. They aren't just for veggies anymore. The big benefit for you is that you are set-up for seasonal produce for the entire season with one single purchase. Very convenient, especially if your CSA delivers. The downside is that you are purchasing before anything is even planted, which means you take on some of the risks. A really bad year can mean you don't get that much for your share, though the price remains the same.
We've already discussed why buying regionally gives you the biggest nutritional bang for your buck. The food reaches your table faster than by any other method. The sooner you eat something that has been picked or harvested, the more nutritional benefit you get.
If we take any city around the world the same rule applies to find good, home, well-priced food and the answer is simple, look where the homes eat. Sure, online guides and tourist guides will give you a good idea of listings, but often they are paid advertisements and also target at what the guide thinks tourists would like. I mean, what better guide or information can you get than from a home.
And don't think you're out of luck because you live in a big city. Many farmers who are on the outskirts of major cities will target the downtown dwellers for their wares this way. Health food stores are common drop-off points, so you can still have your share of farmer goodness even when there are no farms to be found for miles.
This is understandable in some respects as many people are fearful of falling ill from home foods. Just use your common sense, busy venues, frequented by many locals are often the cleanest. A quiet restaurant, just for tourists may be reheating food it has been waiting to sell for days.
About the Author:
Find a list of the advantages you get when you visit a Missouri local produce market and more information about a great market at http://www.anthonysproduce.com now.
