CindyA Posted January 28, 2014 Share Posted January 28, 2014 Eat Fresh All Year: A Guide to Seasonal Cooking Buying fresh fruits and vegetables in season at farmers' markets or roadside stands - or growing them yourself - is the first step in making tastier, healthier meals. By Julie Davis Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPH Making Sure It's Locally Grown There are ways to determine if the produce in your farmers' market is in season and grown locally. First, farmers' markets have rules that govern what can be sold. If it is a "producer only" market, vendors must have grown or made the foods they are selling. If "carrying" is allowed, vendors may carry or sell products made elsewhere. To ensure freshness, some markets limit the distance from which a farmer or vendor can travel. Farmers also have to adhere to national, state, and local laws about everything from food handling to labeling. LaBant also suggests that you engage farmers in a conversation. Besides learning about what crops they grow, this gives you the opportunity to develop a good customer-supplier relationship. "To get to know your farmers, strike up a conversation. Ask a question that doesn't have a yes or no answer. How many acres is your farm? Are you all natural and sustainable? What kind of irrigation do you use? Do you weed by hand? If they're passionate about it, farmers will give you long-winded answers, but you can learn a lot," says LaBant. You can read more here: http://ow.ly/t2kZ8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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