Shopping Local: An Essay on Farmer Markets
I started going to a farmers market since I was six months old. Every Saturday morning, me and my Dad, and later my sister, all walked down the street to our local farmers market to get produce for the week. I stopped going in my teens when my riding lesson interfered, but now that I’ve moved out and am making food in my own home, I really miss going in person. My wonderful father still gets me my produce from there and I look forward to the day I can afford the time to go with him again.
What’s more hobbit-like than picking out fresh fruits and veggies to cook up into a hearty meal or two? Most markets also have things like honey, eggs, bread, cheese and other dairy and meat. It’s a great way to get fresh produce, support local business and help support the treatment of animals and keeping the environment clean. You can talk to the farmers about how the crops were grown and the animals raised and your money is going straight into their pocket and not a grocery chain.
Shopping at a farmers market also helps you get in tune with what is seasonal in your area and might force you to try some new recipes with whatever is available. You can also freeze seasonal fruits and veggies to use in the months they aren’t around. We’ve talked about food being a key to comfort and bringing people together so having a connection with the food you use and you put into your body can make you both happier and healthier.
For me, farmers markets are all about supporting local farmers and causes like animal cruelty and environmental preservation. Plus I find produce I get there genuinely better. If you don’t have the time or a father to shop for you, there are now delivery services for produce from local farmers so I suggest checking them out.
If you want to protect the planet, but are worried about spending too much, below I listed the twelve foods you would definitely buy organic and then fifteen that you can get away with not.
The Dirty Dozen (to get organic if possibly)
Strawberries
Spinach
Kale
Nectarines
Apples
Grapes
Peaches
Cherries
Pears
Tomatoes
Celery
Potatoes
The Clean Fifteen (safe to buy non-organic)
Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Frozen sweet peas
Onions
Papayas
Eggplants
Asparagus
Kiwis
Cabbages
Cauliflower
Cantaloupes
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Honeydew melons
Also remember to use reusable produce bags and grocery bags when shopping. Becoming a conscious consumer takes time and every little effort helps. I’m still working on leaving less of a foot print and it is hard and often expensive, but in the end, I feel it’ll be worth it. If you want more posts on it or the steps and changes I am taking, let me know.
I leave you with this quote from our favorite hobbit, Bilbo Baggins; “But, where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good tilled earth.”
Hope you all enjoyed this hygge series and try to bring more peace and coziness into your life. That is truly the best self-care we can do for ourselves.