With summer in full force, it’s natural to consume lots of fresh produce. Chock full of essential vitamins and minerals, fresh fruits and vegetables are tasty, appealing and highly energizing. What’s better than fresh corn, pesticide-free berries or beautiful heirloom tomatoes?Go to your local farmers’ market or neighborhood farm stand and you’ll probably learn that the fruit and veggies you’re buying have just been picked, usually that morning. The fresher the vegetables the more nutrients they contain, not to mention the full-bodied flavor you’re likely to find. Not sure about that? Do a simple taste test: buy a tomato at the grocery store and pick up one at your local farm stand. Which do you think tastes more flavorful?

In contrast, produce shipped to large grocery store chains travels an average of 1500 miles to get there. That can mean a two-week or longer period between harvesting, processing, packaging, transit and the actual appearance of the produce on the store shelves. As a result, these items tend to have decreased nutritional value and less flavor thanks to this lengthy process. Truth be told, there’s simply no way to know how long a tomato, carrot or plum has been sitting in the produce section and its level of freshness.

There are plenty of other reasons why buying locally is helpful. According to the US Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers’ markets in the US increased by 18% between 2004 and 2006. More and more, consumers want high quality produce, grown without pesticides and harmful chemicals where care is taken to protect the environment and land. Buying locally has the added benefit of reducing energy costs since expensive packaging and shipping isn’t necessary. Also, local produce helps supports local economies; when money is spent in the community it tends to stay there for future reinvestment.

In urban environments, low-income residents don’t always have access to fresh produce in their neighborhood markets. Farmers’ markets are a great option and many, like City Seed, in New Haven, CT, accept food stamps that reinforce the notion that everyone should have access to quality, whole foods.

What can you do to increase your volume of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables?

• Do a search for farmers’ markets or nearby family farms in your area
• If you live in Connecticut, check out www.buyctgrown.com for more local resources
• Check your local health food store; most make it a priority to carry locally grown food
• Find restaurants in your area that specifically use locally grown produce
• Grow your own! Whether you’re a city dweller, live in the suburbs or a rural area, anyone can plant a simple garden

Above all, have some fun and increase your health with high quality local produce.

Filed under: Community, Connecticut, Food Shopping, Locally Grown Food, Vitamins and Minerals, Whole Food Nutrition