The Importance of Fresh Produce
To ring in the warmest season, we want to highlight the importance of fresh, clean produce, especially as summer is around the corner which means amazing seasonal variety. Throughout the supply chain process, origins, pesticides used, and contaminants can become present as it convolutes our understanding of where our food comes from. From imported fruits to out-of-season vegetables grown with harmful pesticides like glyphosate, the supermarket is chock-full of delicious-looking produce that hides harmful secrets.
Luckily, eating cleaner is much easier than it seems. Local farmer’s markets are the prime place to shop for locally grown organic, and non-GMO foods. And as they emphasize whole foods, it’s much easier to avoid ultra-processed packaged foods that abound the grocery store. In the summer months in Ohio, farmer’s markets shine as they display the best of what nature around us has to offer — produce that tastes better and benefits your body!
Why Shop at Farmer’s Markets?
Honesty and transparency are major reasons to visit your local farmer’s markets. Farmers grow our foods and maintain the quality of their soil, essential for avoiding things like heavy metal contaminants.
When you visit your local farmer’s market, you have the opportunity to speak with the very people who grow your food. They’re some of the most knowledgeable people around when it comes to learning about fresh food quality and how to prepare delicious summer produce to highlight all its exceptional nutritional benefits and create tasty, hearty meals.
Shopping Smarter
The next time you’re at a farmer’s market, ask your suppliers about how they grow their foods. What breeds and lineages of seeds do they use? Do they test their soil? What organic pesticides do they use? Farmers are more than willing to share what highlights their harvest from the rest of the (clamshell) pack!
Purchasing ingredients can seem tricky when you’re used to eating hyperpalatable, ready-to-eat meals. Recommendations are always something to ask about! Let those summer tomatoes shine in pasta sauces, soups, and halved in salads. Maybe the tartness of non-GMO berries is a bit much for you: farmers are well aware of how to make delicious jams and spreads. If you’re at a dead end, the unique produce at the farmer’s market can be the burst of inspiration you need.
Many farmer’s markets offer various pickling styles that make for a savory treat, and preserving is how humanity has made it into the modern world. Try heirloom grain breads, and establish relationships with vendors to learn more about how you can simplify your shopping routine. Many farms offer delivery and pick-up services outside of regular market hours!
Explore and Expand Your Horizons
Maybe you don’t feel inspired by endless summer sweet corn. It’s no worry: you can always travel throughout the state and county to check out different farmer’s markets. Terroir differs with soil, and our beautiful state is home to diverse natural resources that allow for various kinds of produce to be grown. Heirloom varietals are best preserved at farmer’s markets, so going a little out of your way is recommended: think of it like foraging for farm-fresh produce!
If you want to stay closer to home, here are a few Columbus-based markets that we love and trust:
- North Market, which is right by MediZen Institute
- Smith Farm Market
- HTH Farm Market
Bypassing the Culture of Convenience
It may seem difficult to start cooking from scratch — but it doesn’t have to be. The beauty of farmer’s markets is that the produce is so fresh and gorgeous that it doesn’t have the issues with taste, texture, and blandness that so much ultra-waxed and air-chilled supermarket produce has. Enjoy simple sautés, raw vegetables, and play with saving pickle juice to make delicious sauces and dressings. You can also find a wider variety of meats and eggs at many farmer’s markets to take your culinary talents to the next level. Try cooking healthful, ligament-heavy cuts of meat low and slow with a bunch of root vegetables, greens, and top with fresh herbs.
Another benefit of going to the farmer’s market? You’ll soak up the summer sun and enjoy time outdoors. It’s a welcome break from the fluorescent lighting and repetitive pop music of the grocery store. Give your mind and body the rest and relaxation you need by reconnecting with our roots at your local farmer’s market!