Articles with the Farmer’s Markets Tag
Hi, y’all!
This is a guest post from my friend, Jeremy Day. I’ve enjoyed his writing for quite some time now and feel very honored that he’s sharing his thoughts on buying local produce with us.
I won’t keep you waiting. Give Jeremy a warm welcome!
Why Buy Local Produce – A Guide To Taking The Plunge
By Jeremy Day
So you’ve been thinking about buying local produce, but haven’t taken the plunge? To be honest, it can be difficult to eat all your food locally, if not downright impossible. But there are many reasons, and many ways to start buying and eating more local produce today.
First, the reasons…
1. When was the last time you ate something freshly picked off the plant? I can still remember the taste of the strawberries we used to grow on my parents property. They were so good and so full of flavor. If anything, this should be your biggest motivation for eating more local produce.
2. Buying local produce saves a lot on transportation costs. By some estimates, food will travel on average up to 1,500 miles before it gets on your plate. Imagine how much less we would really on oil if food didn’t have to travel that far.
3. Local produce has more nutrients in it. The longer it is off the vine, the more nutrients it will lose. The only exception to the rule is produce that is flash frozen. And if it’s frozen it is costing even more to keep it frozen when it is transported.
4. By getting to know the farmers that grow your food you are building a better sense of community. I think we can agree that we all benefit by being more knowledgeable about how food gets onto our plate, and into our bellies.
5. What might be the most important thing about buying local is keeping more dollars in your community. The more money that stays in your community the better off your community will be.
Now for some ways you can buy local…
1. You can buy direct from your farmer. Hopefully you have a farmer close by.
2. You can go through what is called a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. The way these basically work is that you buy “shares” in a farm earlier in the year. As the farmer harvests his crops he will send the first fruits to those who own shares in his farm. You normally will receive a box every week of the freshest produce in your area.
3. If your area is lucky enough to have one you can also visit your local farmer’s market. This is a way to get an even larger variety of produce, and other things people are wanting to sell. Specifically you can get baked goods, honey, and other things you might not get directly from a single farm. And it will all be goods made from local products and as you may know, local honey can be helpful with allergies.
4. Food coops have become pretty popular as well. These are basically a store owned by everyone who has a share in it, and it basically cuts out the middleman. So you get the best local produce and products at a more reasonable cost.
5. Finally there are many delivery services popping up around the nation to have fresh local produce delivered to your door. These may cost a little more, but people sure love the convenience of getting local produce delivered to them.
So there you have it. All the reasons and ways for you to start buying more local produce today. Since summer is almost upon us this is a great time to start looking at all the local produce you have access to.
Just remember when buying local produce that you double check if it is organic or not. While the majority of it tends to be organic, you still have to ask.
In any case, have fun finding the best local produce in your area.
Jeremy writes about local business news at Lokolee.com. If you love supporting local business, then Lokolee is the place to be.
Thank you, Jeremy!
Okay, y’all. What do you think? Do you buy local produce? Chime in and make Jeremy feel welcome!
Photo Credit: Lori L. Stalteri
Copyright 2008 Healing with Juices
Posted Sunday, August 17, 2008
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Many people don’t realize skin problems can come from within. Instead of reaching for the telephone to order the magic chemical cocktail you’ve just watched on the latest infomercial, why not reach for fresh fruit and veggies and make yourself a juice?
I’m a big fan of juice fasting. I love how my skin looks and feels during and after (and I get compliments on my skin all the time), but you don’t have to juice fast for your skin to reap the natural benefits. Simply incorporate fresh juices with your meals.
Pick up an inexpensive juicing machine from your favorite store, flea market, or even a garage sale. If possible, shop your local farmer’s market for the fresh fruits and veggies you’ll be using to create the following delicious drinks.
Not only does the healthy extracted freshness tickle the taste buds, it also purifies your blood (which affects your skin’s appearance) and rejuvenates your complexion.
Here are a few simple recipes to begin with.
If you have a lot of breakouts, you may want to cleanse your blood.
For this, you’ll need:
- 3 sweet apples
- 8 strawberries
To enhance your complexion, you’ll want to use:
- 8 strawberries
- 2 bunches of grapes
And, to improve your skin overall, try mixing:
- 6 carrots
- ½ green bell pepper
You’ll love these sweet juices and your skin will, too!
Beauty Tip:
If you can tolerate doing without food for a couple of days, experiment with a cleansing juice fast. It’s a great way to detox from all the chemicals we come in contact with each day and unearth our natural beauty.
What are your thoughts on reaping beautiful benefits from raw juices? Do you ever think about beauty coming from within? Or do you focus on creams and potions externally only? Share with us in the comments!
Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices – and beauty!
Photo Credit(s): http://www.sxc.hu/
Copyright of Healing with Juices
Posted Sunday, August 2, 2008
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One of the topics I’ve decided to add to this blog is living green. I’m very proud of the things I do to help protect our beautiful environment. See that box of peaches in the photo? Those came from a local farmer’s market. They were grown locally. By buying them, I’ve helped the environment in a variety of ways. How, you ask? Well, for starters a semi truck didn’t have to drive them to the grocery store. Look at all the gas that was saved. Also, it supports the local farmers when we buy from them so they can keep growing food that will keep us healthy. Another good thing when you buy from local farmers, they normally don’t use as many chemicals on the produce as it grows. Sometimes they don’t use any. All these things help the environment.
I adore farmer’s markets. There’s nothing like seeing all those vendors selling nutritious, home grown food! Fruits, veggies, and herbs that are grown organically are the best. The flavors are so fresh and delicious and just think of all the nutrients we’re getting – instead of nasty ole chemicals!
I know you’re thinking I’ve made peach juice or a peach smoothie out of these beauties. I will, but for now I’m enjoying their sweet taste as is. Just look at how beautiful they are!
I’m not sure how expensive peaches are where you’re at, but for this big box it only cost me $7.00 (U.S) - definitely a huge savings there! So, I get to enjoy all these tasty peaches on a frugal budget while living green. How awesome is that?!
Here are a few tips for living green:
- purchase reusable, cloth shopping bags and take them with you when you shop – no more plastic!
- shop local – saves gas on your part and the delivery trucks
- use a quality, natural home made soap as shampoo – eliminate those chemicals and plastic bottles!
- use cloth napkins
- walk rather than drive short distances
- use essential oils instead of chemical fragrances, sprays, or toxic candles to make yourself and/or your home smell fresh
I’ll share more green tips in upcoming posts.
Don’t just buy food from the vendors at farmer’s markets. They also sell soaps, lotions, shampoos, lip balm, clothing, and so much more. Spend some time there and purchase things that will not only help the vendors keep coming back, but help you live as green as possible. Hey, you might even learn to make or grow some things to sell yourself!
Here’s to life, health, and healing with juices!
