Spring Into Local Cuisine

by | Mar 31, 2014 | Nutrition

Spring into Local Cuisine

By Morgan Davis, RD, LDN

 

Tis the season for local eating!   Area farmer’s markets will start to share their bounty this month.  After this especially long winter, the thought of crisp and colorful fruits and vegetables is a welcome one.  Not only does purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables (as well as meats, seafood, cheeses and other edible delights) directly benefit our local economy, but we are also improving our health and well-being by choosing local cuisine.  The benefits of local eating include the following:

Local food is fresh.  And fresh food is flavorful!  These crops are picked at peak freshness (instead of being harvested early so that they can traverse the country before arriving in your kitchen).  Fresh foods eaten within a few days of harvest will supply the very best flavor and nutrient composition.

Local foods promote food safety.  By taking away extra steps between the food’s source and your dinner plate (packaging, shipping, receiving, distribution, etc), you are decreasing the risk for food contamination.  However, be sure to clean locally produced fruits and vegetables just as you would the store-bought ones.

Local food is environmentally friendly.  Less fuel used for travel equals less greenhouse emissions and a decrease in your personal carbon footprint.  By supporting local farms, you are also supporting more farmland and green space in our community.

Local foods promote dietary variety.  Getting bored of the usual sautéed spinach or salad mix?  Choosing foods produced locally can increase your chances of purchasing wildly different fruits and vegetables, depending on what is in season.   Not only can this boost your interest in food and your well-being, but putting a little variety in your diet can ensure you are consuming all needed vitamins and minerals.  This spring, it might be time to try the kohlrabi, pea shoots, chanterelle mushrooms, sorrel, ramps and fava beans you have seen at the market!

 

Need a little help finding these locally-produced foods?  Use the following resources:

 

Food Co-ops/Food Delivery

 

Farmers’ Markets

 

Local Farms

 

Locally-owned Restaurants Sourcing Local Foods

(this list may not include all- be sure to ask your favorite restaurant about their food supply!)

How to Get Started

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