Everyone wants to enjoy the freshest food possible. Sierra Club Green Home recommends fresh produce that is grown locally and bought in-season. Many local farms have Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs where people can buy shares in the farm and receive part of the harvest. (Photo by Safari11, Stock.Xchng)
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By Mike Brandolino
Everyone wants to enjoy the freshest food possible. Sierra Club Green Home recommends fresh produce that is grown locally and bought in-season. Many local farms have Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs where people can buy shares in the farm and receive part of the harvest.
The way it works is each shareholder receives a portion of the harvest on an agreed schedule, often weekly. You can also buy shares as a group to divide the bounty. The products and amounts you receive are dependent on factors such as growing conditions for local crops, time relative to harvest, amount produced, weather conditions, and seasons.
The global agricultural markets have the technology to provide consumers with almost any farm product, any time of year. These products are grown in far-away places, and usually have been in long-term storage since they were harvested. While these foods can taste great, they can be expensive due to storage and transportation costs and limited supply. Not to mention the carbon footprint left by shipping food long distances.
A good alternative is to online slots eat with the seasons. Small-to-medium-sized regional farms will have the freshest produce you can buy. Roadside farm stands also have amazingly fresh and delicious produce. Eating with the seasons is better for you and the planet. Those who eat locally are sometimes called “locavores,” and there is even a smartphone app to help locavores find locally-grown food.
It’s fun finding out the distinct food selection of your region. Each part of the United States produces its own famous local crops. For example, New Jersey summer farm tomatoes are a local luxury, peaches are synonymous with Georgia, and pineapples are strictly Hawaiian. These products are transported to many places, but if you have local access to them, you can enjoy them at the peak of their flavor.
Community Supported Agriculture is one of the best ways to help your local farmers. Local Harvest can help you find a CSA farm near you.
© 2012 SCGH, LLC.
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