There are many benefits that will encourage you to buy locally. The first is that they are fresher. Foods that are grown locally do not need the chemicals to preserve the shelf life of fruits that are grown and shipped from overseas. With increased demand for local food, farmers are able to use more land resulting in the reduction of prices and risk of land being auctioned to large businesses. Below are a few tips to help you when buying Missouri Local Produce:
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.
Once you get into the habit of buying home produce, you will never look back. Not only will you be eating better, fresher and more nutritious food you will also be helping and getting to know your home supplier and producers.
Buying regionally also supports your regional community because almost twice as much money stays in your community when you buy from regional vendors. This means that tax dollars stay regional, more of your neighbors are hired to work regionally, and more businesses can stay in business because of your patronage.
Do not get me wrong; I understand that many tourists, will in fact never come close to home eateries, cafes or restaurants, simply because they do not frequent the same places. It is also true that many tourists simply do not want to or are not willing to try home foods subsequently you will find McDonald's being used by many tourists as the 'Safe' option.
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.
Once you get into the habit of buying home produce, you will never look back. Not only will you be eating better, fresher and more nutritious food you will also be helping and getting to know your home supplier and producers.
Buying regionally also supports your regional community because almost twice as much money stays in your community when you buy from regional vendors. This means that tax dollars stay regional, more of your neighbors are hired to work regionally, and more businesses can stay in business because of your patronage.
Do not get me wrong; I understand that many tourists, will in fact never come close to home eateries, cafes or restaurants, simply because they do not frequent the same places. It is also true that many tourists simply do not want to or are not willing to try home foods subsequently you will find McDonald's being used by many tourists as the 'Safe' option.
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.
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