Wednesday, November 22, 2017

The Health And Economic Benefits Of Consuming Fresh Missouri Local Produce

By Donna Wagner


Local fresh produce is becoming more prevalent and sought after the world over; not only by chefs but also by home cooks. As they discover the benefits of buying fresh, home-grown produce over supermarket food, more farmers' markets are appearing, and home-grown suppliers are opening their doors wider to the public. All, in all, the health, economic and environmental benefits of consuming freshly harvested Missouri local Produce are numerous and diverse.

How fresh is that head of lettuce that was harvest in Missouri last week? What about the strawberries picked in Mexico? Yes, this is still better than not eating fresh yields at all, but if you want to maximize your dollar, start by evaluating your choices. Some supermarkets recognize how important this is to customers and they are beginning to look for native alternatives to long-distance shipping.

Its Fresher- Supermarkets go to huge lengths to pile food high and sell it cheap. Sometimes when the word "fresh" appears on a label, the food may not be that fresh. What do we think of when we think of the word "fresh"? Taking tomatoes as an example, the mass produced ones are usually picked green. It can take up to two weeks for them to arrive at the store, and if they're not ripe, they are exposed to ethylene to force ripening. This is what supermarkets mean by "fresh".

Mass produced potatoes are often stored for several weeks before shipping. By contrast, fruit and veg from a home-grown farm or market are sold within one or two days of picking. The same is true of some meat and fish yield. Many restaurants, for example, source fish, shellfish, lobster and langoustine from home-grown fishermen who can land the catch and deliver it the same day. This, of course, affects the all-important taste.

In the current age of convenience, the quality of meals is often overlooked. Consequently many developed nations are now grappling with the increased burden of funding health care services. Return to eating delicious, nutritious meals from home-grown yield seems to be one solution that shows signs of working, and is calculated to reduce carbon emissions, and so directly benefits the environment.

Buying natively also supports your native community because, almost twice as much money stays in your community when you buy from native vendors. This means that tax dollars stay native, more of your neighbors are hired to work natively, and more businesses can stay in business because of your patronage. This ultimately impacts positively on your economy.

Sustaining the Home-grown Economy- Smaller suppliers face a constant battle competing with supermarkets. By supporting home-grown suppliers, the money stays home-grown and creates and sustains jobs, while ensuring the bright future of food that tastes better and is healthier. By keeping money home-grown, the area becomes more confident, communities more tight-knit, happier and healthier in body and mind, and creates a healthy, flourishing society.

To act responsibly toward your community, toward the earth, and toward the health of you and your family, find a native farmer and buy as much produce as you can from them. Better yet, look for community supported agriculture (CSA, ) and purchase a share. This means that every week you will receive a "share", a box or bag of freshly harvested native yields that supports the farmer and nourishes your family. By purchasing a share, they know that they have you for a customer week after week, and you know that your family will be healthier for it.




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