The Benefits of Local Produce During Harvest Season Article

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 16:00:19 -0400

By Adam Sachs, Registered Dietitian

During this time of year, late summer and early fall, many of our favorite fruits and vegetables are being harvested and will be available for the next couple months. Local produce is a great addition to anyone’s diet, but also has several other benefits. Take a look around at local grocery stores, farmers markets, and farm stands to take advantage of this season’s best offerings.

What makes them so good?
Fruits and vegetables are a necessary component to anyone’s diet. Unfortunately, most people do not get enough servings of either. A good goal to have is to consume 3-4 servings each of fruits and vegetables. Many different produce options contain essential vitamins and minerals which are used for multiple body functions including the immune system, skin health, digestive processes, and healing. Most fruits and vegetables contain a good deal of fiber which helps to promote digestive health and cardiovascular health. All fruits and vegetables have these benefits, but fresh local produce has the advantage of being picked at peak freshness. These items usually have their highest levels of nutrients at this time. Local produce also ends up being a little cheaper due to the fact that it does not need to be shipped or processed as much prior to being sold.

Why pick local produce?
Besides the health advantages of eating more fruits and veggies, consuming local produce is more beneficial for the environment and your community. Produce grown seasonally usually requires less water, and transportation to reach the consumer. In season and local fruits and veggies are much easier to grow because they are accustomed to each regional climate and geography. If local produce is purchased by local consumers, it does not need to be shipped as far and allows the farmers to pick and sell the produce relatively quickly, reducing the need for excess storage, packaging, and shipping. Purchasing local produce is often cheaper for you, but also is more lucrative for your local farmer.

Where can I find local produce?
The first thing to do is find out which fruits and vegetables are in season during certain months. This link connects to a seasonality chart for Maryland (https://bit.ly/2YdGBBW), but most regions have similar resources available. Once you know what to look for, just pick a place to shop for local produce. Many national grocery store brands such as Giant, Safeway, Harris Teeter, etc. have sections in the produce department designated for local products. The easiest way to find local produce is to go right to the source. Find a local farmers market and take your pick! You will be able to find the most variety of local options and the farmers are very knowledgeable about cooking and storage methods for each item. Do some looking around and find out what your neighborhood has to offer!