Here we are folks, summer, and things are in full bloom. With the first week of July behind us, the best is yet to come. Canada has a short but bountiful growing season, and depending on were you are, determines the availability of fruits and vegetables. Supporting local growers is a great idea from a financial and health point of view. Food grown locally tastes better, lasts longer, and to me thats real value!
Choosing fresh and delicious local food helps to create jobs and supports our economic growth in Ontario. It also builds a strong sense of community by supporting Ontario’s farmers and businesses. Every time you buy local, you make a positive impact.
Why is it important to eat food that’s in season?
Seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. Even though we all like to eat strawberries year round, the best time to eat them is when they can be purchased directly from a local grower shortly after harvest. Seasonal fruits and vegetables produced on local farms are often fresher, as they do not require long distances for transport. Also, unlike out of season produce which is harvested early in order to be shipped and distributed to your local retail store, crops picked at their peak of ripeness are also better tasting and full of flavor. What’s more, studies have shown that fruits and vegetables contain more nutrients when allowed to ripen naturally on their parent plant.
Why is eating local food important?
Purchasing locally grown foods helps support local farms and maintains farmland and open space in your community.
Local food supports the local economy. The money you spend on products from local farmers and growers stays in the community and is reinvested with other local businesses. In addition, food grown locally, processed locally and distributed locally (for example, to local restaurants) generates jobs and subsequently helps stimulate local economies.
Local growers can tell you how the food was grown. When you buy directly from farmers, you have the opportunity to ask what practices they use to raise and harvest the crops. When you know where your food comes from and who grew it, you know a lot more about your food.
Buying local in four easy steps
look for the Foodland Ontario logo when shopping at your grocery store, farmers' market, and on-farm market
visit local farms with your family and talk to them about the difference they make when you buy local
serve freshness every day, with delicious recipes featuring local ingredients
ask for local at restaurants and everywhere you buy food
Follow this link to a great little tool to seek out local Ontario Farmers Markets.
Find out what's in season today! Click Here.
Enough with the plug on eating local, how about a recipe? Today, I felt a look at understated staple, the potato.
Quick link here, before the recipe; Real Food Encyclopedia (Potatoes).
RECIPE
Enjoy, and have a great weekend!
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