Alternative Economies Part 3: Eat Local
Well I've gone and done it - visited the Farmers Market for a month of Wednesdays - I guess it's habit now. All the wonderful local bounty captured by Beatrice, the intrepid fruit, plant and vegetable photographer.
So what's the big idea? By eating locally, you help support small farmers and that has exponential benefits. You're supporting smaller crops, greater diversity, local bees and other beneficial insects. By eating locally, you're eating what's in season in your hemisphere, reducing transport and petroleum use.
This post got me thinking about eating seasonally. I find I am able to mark my year with my favorites and their small windows, satsumas to asparagus, cherries to peaches. There's something to be said for waiting a year to enjoy that next bite. It's not just the anticipation that makes it taste sweeter. So find a Farmers Market in a location near you, or look into a Community Supported Agriculture or CSA share. It's easier than you think.
Comments (7)
I love farmer's market. It is the best part of the summer. I used to be a vendor at our market - pre-children. I can't plan the week's menu until I see what is available at market. :) And I so agree with the eating what is in season and making it that much sweeter. When I lived in India Mango season only came around briefly in the hottest part of summer - but oh how sweet. And oh how we longed for those mangos the rest of the year.
Posted by laeroport | June 21, 2007 8:21 AM
Posted on June 21, 2007 08:21
Hooray for eating local!
Posted by Mama Urchin | June 21, 2007 10:00 AM
Posted on June 21, 2007 10:00
Teriffic, thoughtful post, and one of the cutest darn photos ever.
Posted by sulu-design | June 21, 2007 4:03 PM
Posted on June 21, 2007 16:03
picking up my first box of the season on tuesday... although i think the odds are pretty slim i am hoping for a bushel of lemon cucumber.
Posted by stephanie s | June 21, 2007 8:45 PM
Posted on June 21, 2007 20:45
pomegranates, satsumas, pineapple guavas in Alamo Square, lemons in hollywood, garlic scapes, loquats in LA, watermelon, crunchy little green apples, figs, corn on the cob, wild blackberries in buena vista park, basil from my garden, heirloom tomatoes.
mmm...i do love my fruits and veggies. Salt Lake City has an enviable farmer's market, believe it or not. We know how to do outdoor summer festivals here, after a long, cold winter.
Posted by Sara | June 22, 2007 8:20 AM
Posted on June 22, 2007 08:20
Wonderful hubby travels out and about a few days a week, and has begun bring home fruit and veg he finds at local stalls along the way. He brought home the most beautiful (in look and taste) strawberries this week - small and perfect and so not like the tasteless giants you find in the grocery stores. (also brought raspberries that I scarfed down in one sitting)
Posted by Isobel | June 22, 2007 10:35 AM
Posted on June 22, 2007 10:35
Okay, the photos are simply STUNNING... I'm inspired to do the Farmer's Market in Berzerkeley and I keep forgetting about a CSA venture. I promise that I'll do it soon!!!
Posted by Michael Wade | June 22, 2007 2:41 PM
Posted on June 22, 2007 14:41