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Farmers’ Markets and Pick-Your-Own Farms: Better Food for You
March 11, 2008
One of my favorite things to do in the warmer months is to visit farmers’ markets for fresh fruits and vegetables. A lot of the farmers’ markets in my area also sell things like fresh home-baked goods, home-made jams, local maple syrup, and all kinds of yummy stuff that you just don’t get at the grocery store chains.
Another option is to go to the pick-your-own farms to pick fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, etc. It’s not my cup of tea, really, as I’m terrified of hornets and bees and those fruits attract them like crazy! But many people enjoy picking large quantities of fresh fruits and veggies and will brave the heat and the bees for the opportunity to get lots of goodness cheaply.
When you buy fruits and vegetables in the grocery stores, you don’t really know where they are coming from. Buying from local farmers gives you the opportunity to get to know who you are buying from, how the crops are grown, and more importantly, you support the local economy.
How often do you buy produce from farmers’ markets or roadside stalls?
Topics: Products for a Better World |
March 21st, 2008 at 1:28 am
I totally agree with you, we should be supporting our local farmers.
I also shop at farmer’s markets here. The items are fresher, it supports local business, and in many cases it is organic! This has become increasingly popular here. I can get hormone free and antibiotic free meat at many of these markets. It tastes a lot better too! I love organic chicken, especially the roast chickens.
Its a much healthier alternative!
Joanne
March 21st, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Thanks for stopping by, Joanne
Organic is very popular everywhere but you have to be careful of phonies who sell “organic” and it’s really not. That’s why getting to know your local farmers is really a good thing. Learning how things are grown is important to know, and if you have the knack, learn to grow your own stuff. Then you are 100% certain that what you are eating is natural and fresh. Learning to create home made recipes that are pesticides:
eg:
*kill ants, termites,detc., with cinnamon or allspice, or plant mint near your house to prevent them from coming in;
*use ash and water and spray your plants with the ashy water;
*get rid of black spots and powder mildew on roses by using a mixture of 5 ml baking soda, 1 liter of water, and a drop or two of soap or light mineral oil…
there are so many better ways to do things without having to use harsh chemicals. We really have to stop using so many chemicals. I’m down to using only mild anti-bacterial dish soap for all my cleaning needs. I have special cloths that do amazing jobs with just hot water, no soap needed! My windows are washed that way…no windex…just my 2 magic cloths and hot water. Less chemicals..see?
I pay 3 times as much for my toothpaste and mouth wash, because I buy natural ones. Less chemicals.
I’m considering a very tough thing and for a woman who’s a tiny bit vain, it’s rough - and that is that I’m going to stop dyeing my hair. I’m going to try some natural ways to color my hair or I may even just allow nature to take it’s course. I’m on the fence on this one, if the truth be told