Benefits of Eating Seasonally & Locally
While a lot of us get excited about the idea of eating seasonally and locally, going back to roots and hunting for foods isn’t realistic for most of us. So how should we make sure about getting fresh and best-tasting foods for ourselves? One simple way following which we can easily accomplish this is by eating locally and seasonally. Purchasing seasonal and local foods is not only great for your health and community but also your wallet. Let’s look at few benefits of eating seasonally and locally.
More Flavorful & Fresh Foods remain fresh when they don’t require traveling far to finally reach their consumers. As a result, their additional processing is saved that in turn extends their shelf life. Also, foods that are consumed closer from where they are picked tend to have a higher nutritional value. Vegetables and fruits that are at their peak in this season of winter include apples, beets, broccoli, kale, pears, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins.
Less Expensive Farmers markets offer several seasonal and local foods at prices lower as compared to the grocery stores. Fruits and vegetables that are grown in season, when the weather is best suitable for the plants, typically grow well. Hence, farmers usually have a surplus of crops, which they usually sell at lower price. Everyone might not find a farmer’s market close to their home, but even then purchasing seasonal foods in the grocery store is much cheaper as compared to getting foods that are out of season
Support For Local Community When you buy from local farmers, your shopping directly benefits the local economy, as money flows directly from consumers to farmers without the need of any middlemen. Farmers can utilize this money to reinvest in the community by purchasing goods and supplies from local businesses.
Get To Know About Your Food
When you buy fruits and vegetables from the local markets, you get to communicate with the farmers who actually produce it. Speaking with farmers helps you to understand where the food actually came from and in what condition was it grown, which can help you gain a better judgment for your food. Source: http://www.truworthwellness.com/blog/benefits-of-eating-seasonally-locally.html