Putting My Oxygen Mask on First – Farmers’ Market

Now, that we have finally had a few nice days, it’s time to enjoy one of the best things about summer – the Farmers’ Market.

1. FRESH – Remember when your food had a scent and was flavorful and colorful? Food from the farmers’ market will remind you of the food from your childhood. Most food at the farmers’ market was ripened in the field and brought directly to you. As a result, it tastes better and is more nutritious. It also looks and smells more appealing.
2. EAT WITH THE SEASONS – In Chinese medicine, we believe it is important to live in synch with the seasons which includes eating for the seasons. If you eat food that grows locally in season, you are eating foods that keep you in harmony with your environment and supports your health. Selecting food at the farmers’ market will also give you access to a greater variety of colors and flavors than at the grocery store – today at the farmers’ market, I saw purple cauliflower and three different types of cherries grown locally.
3. ENVIRONMENT – Purchasing your food at the farmers’ market is better for the environment. Our food travels an average of over 1,000 miles to get to us. Have you noticed that even cucumbers and peppers are wrapped in plastic at the grocery store? Purchasing locally cuts down on fuel usage and packaging.
4. SMALL FARMERS – Support local farmers by purchasing food directly from them. It is difficult for small farmers to compete with the factory farms. Selling their produce locally helps them get a better return on their produce.