Saturday, July 28, 2007

Local, farm fresh, natural produce...

...and it's less than a 5 minute drive from our house.

Not having a garden this year meant less work at a time when it would have been impossible to keep with moving, but it also means no fruits to harvest and no fresh picked veggies. Or does it? There is a family farm and garden stand right down the street from our house and they have organic produce. No they aren't a certified organic farm but they use no pesticides or sprays which makes a big difference to me. What they don't grow themselves they get from a community of natural farms in the nearby vicinity. They even offer classes on how to can dill pickles AND they have some pick your own at certain times.

I've been doing a lot of reading lately on why to buy locally instead of foods that have been trucked in from 100's if not 1000's of miles away. Treehugger makes a good argument here andhere about buying locally vs. organically. I like it because it's more fresh if it's picked locally so it tastes better and is more nutritious (if picked tree or vine ripe). I can also feel good about supporting my local economy.

If you are looking for locally grown produce in your area you can visitLocal Harvest where you can find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food even grass fed meats.

The berryaholic is shown above with our bounty! The green beans were in the walk in cooler but were still warm since they were just picked!! YUM!

9 comments:

Linds said...

I am also very conscious of food miles. Most of my friends are too, so it is a global thing I think. We are so lucky to have 2 farms locally where we can go and buy seasonal fruit and veg, and there is of course, the allotment! It is SO exciting to see veg we have grown ourselves! Another favourite pastime here is to go berry picking in the hedgerows along country lanes. Anyone can pick the berries, which is great fun. And free!

Stephanie Appleton said...

mmmm YUM!

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

Oh, looks GREAT! I always feel SO GOOD after getting good fresh local produce!!!

Steph

Anonymous said...

That food looks downright amazing! Gosh, I'm missing out with thie super market food!

Amanda said...

How lovely! I haven't been to the farmer's market this summer, or the nearby farm we like since May. You're inspiring me to get out there and get local again!

Lisa @ Heaven Sent said...

I keep meaning to do this, but always end up at Trader Joes... My town offers a Farmers Market on Saturdays. You've inspired me to try my hardest to make it out there this weekend!

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

P.S. Thank you for wishing my Mom a happy birthday today, too!

Steph

Anonymous said...

A lot of farmers who are really organic, don't get certified because it's so expensive. It's a shame that the government makes it so hard for them. Now that I'm getting all settled, I'm going to start looking for a farmer's market too!!

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