5 reasons to visit the farmer's market

I’ve started a garden!!  Yes, my sister and I got a plot at the Prairie Commons Library Community Garden.  It’s been fun deciding what to grow, planting our seedlings and seeds, and now watching nature do its thing.  I’m over at the garden checking things out about every other day just because I am so fascinated by the process.   It’s one thing to know how growth happens, it’s another thing to see it happening based on my labor.  I figured since I talk about eating fresh food all the time, I should try my hand in gardening.

We are optimistic for a nice harvest.  So far, I’ve been able to eat some of the baby lettuce — delish!  Very soon we’ll have green onions, kale, spinach, beets, carrots, swiss chard, kohlrabi, and more.

Even if you don’t have a garden, you can still have access to local fresh veggies — your local farmer’s market.  Now, one of my very favorite things about spring is the opening of my local farmer’s market.   I’ll be visiting at least a couple times per month and my goal this year is to try a couple different ones.

Why it’s important to visit a farmer’s market:

1) Local fresh produce.  You have to ask, but most farmer’s are located within 100 miles of the market area.  The time between harvesting of the food and being in your mouth is key to getting the most  nutrition AND flavor.  You can taste the difference and your body loves it too.

2) Cost savings on higher quality produce.  Buying food directly from the farmer takes the middle man out of it, so apples to apples, you’ll usually find fresh organic produce for less than organic food at the grocery store.

3) Organic produce.  Speaking of organic, many farmer’s don’t use chemicals or sprays and rotate crops, which is essentially organic.   Being certified organic is really expensive.  You have to ask though.   Some of the larger markets feature food that isn’t organic and are actually sold by a middle man.   I stick with the smaller markets.

4) Foster a sense of community.  It’s great to get to know the people who grow your food.  You can ask questions and get advice for how to prepare items.  Most markets these days do more than sell produce, there are many other activities going on and can really be a fun outing.

5) Seasonal eating.  Eating what’s in season supports your immune system.  What your body needs to stay health and strong now is exactly what’s in season now.   Did you know that artichokes, in season now, are great for cleansing your liver which is necessary after a liver clogging winter?

Not sure where the markets are near you?  Check out this link for a guide to all of St. Louis and Illinois markets by the St. Louis Post Dispatch.  

I’ll be at the Ferguson Farmer’s Market this Saturday morning doing some shopping.  If you see me there, please say “hey!”

Elaine King is a Holistic Health Coach.  She works with women who want to make their health a priority.  They understand that being healthy is about more than what they eat.  The connection to their thoughts and inner spirit is of importance as well.  Elaine does individual and group coaching, leads wellness workshops, and speaks for various organizations.  Dowload a free copy of her e-Guide: Six Steps to a Simply Healthy Jumpstart here. 

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