If you are fortunate enough to have a local farmers market, a farm selling what they’re growing, or a grocery store that sells locally grown produce, shop there. Why is it important to buy locally grown food?
The idea is to; 1) help support your local economy, 2) help reduce energy consumption by eliminating long distance shipping, and 3) help reduce your grocery bill.
What happens when you buy locally is that you are also eating seasonally. Why is that so important? Let’s take a look at the beauty of eating seasonally.
We just got back from a trip to our local farmer’s market, our arms loaded down with a beautiful assortment of squash. Why squash and not sweet peas, tomatoes, or corn? Because it’s Autumn and there are countless varieties of squash available.
Our dinner will include squash tonight because it’s that time of year. You say your kids won’t eat squash? How about eggplant? An eggplant dish with cheese is usually a hit with kids.
Depending on what part of the world you live, there will be an abundance of certain vegetables and fruits at different times of the year. Even in the coldest climates, you will find root crops oftentimes through December and beyond. Your dinner may include rutabaga, carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. A hearty pot roast surrounded by these root crops is always a welcome addition on a chilly Autumn evening.
You’ll always be better off, both nutritionally and economically, if you purchase your produce from the closest location possible. Before mass transportation of food existed, we humans ate what was available to us. I guarantee that if you eat vegetables and fruits that have very recently been picked from the tree or ground, the value you get for your dollar will be much better than produce shipped in from thousands of miles away.
Think about your produce supply before you buy. Not only will you eat healthier, you’ll eat happier.
Enjoy the harvest!
Warm regards,
Susanne – The Hillbilly Housewife
www.HillbillyHousewife.com
p.s. I invite you to stop by HillbillyHousewife.com to see what other frugal, fun tips we have to share. And, while you’re there, be sure to leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.
p.p.s. If you go overboard with your local seasonal produce and have an abundance far beyond your family’s needs right now, do what I do… start canning! If you’ve never attempted canning, or if you haven’t canned for a long time, don’t fret. Canning Made Simple will have you off and canning in no time.
This guide explains the process in easy to understand terms and gets you started with over 40 recipes to preserve the bounty of the season. Click on and buy your copy of Canning Made Simple today and enjoy your abundant season!
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