Posts filed under 'How to Buy Local'
You might find yourself in a decision-making quandary when trying to buy local. Not everything you’re used to can be made in the local area. Does that mean you should forgo, or worse, give up and reach for the Doritos? No! Here are other values that will help you continue to support your local economy and the buying local concept when spending your food dollars.
If not LOCALLY PRODUCED, then—Family Farm. When faced with Kraft or Cabot cheeses, Cabot—a dairy co-op in Vermont—is the better choice. Supporting family farms helps to keep food processing decisions out of the hands of corporate conglomeration.
If not FAMILY FARM, then—Organic. This is one of the most readily available alternatives in the market and making this choice protects the environment and your body from harsh chemicals and hormones.This is one of the most readily available alternatives in the market and making this choice protects the environment and your body from harsh chemicals and hormones.
If not ORGANIC, then—Local business: Basics like coffee and bread make buying local difficult. Try a local coffee shop or bakery to keep your food dollars close to home.
If not a LOCAL BUSINESS, then—Terroir: Not terror…terroir, which means, “Taste of the Earth”. Purchase foods famous for the region they are grown in and support the agriculture that produces your favorite non-local foods such as Brie cheese from Brie, France or Parmesan cheese from Parma, Italy.
July 4th, 2008
1. Take public transportation or be prepared to walk. Unlike the supermarket, it’s difficult to park close since streets are often blocked in and around the market.
2. Take plenty of cash. It makes each transaction faster as the vendors typically aren’t “wired” for credit cards (think carbon copies.) And, it’s an easy way to work backwards against a budget.
3. Get there early for good selection. There is no “back room” that magically restocks the shelves. When these vendors are out of goods, they pack up and head home, especially considering most of them got on the road before dawn to bring their food to your neighborhood.
4. Don’t be surprised if the produce is a little dirty. There aren’t fancy cases that “rain” and “thunder” atop the fruits and veggies. Not to mention organic produce isn’t always pretty. However, there are some vendors with carefully handled, triple-washed produce. It just depends.
5. Talk to the vendors. If you are unsure about a new ingredient or vendor, ask for a recipe or better yet, a sample. Vendors love to give samples and while you may arrive on an empty stomach you can leave full after sampling cheese, berries, fruit, and milk.
6. If you don’t have anything nice to say…Unlike a supermarket where your criticism of the products will likely go unnoticed, at a farmer’s market, you are speaking directly with the person who grew your food. If something doesn’t look so great, bypass it and ask for a recommendation. Growers are proud of their offerings, and they’ll relish the chance to show off their best.
7. Expect a wide array of produce. You’ll be surprised by how a seasonal selection offers many new and unusual foods. And, if you can’t find something, chances are, a few tables down you’ll find what you were looking for as their specialties vary. You should have no trouble picking up two-thirds of your grocery list at a farmer’s market.
8. Try the meat, you won’t be disappointed. Many people think they can’t find meats at a farmer’s market, but usually there are a few meat vendors with all the cuts you’d find at your supermarket and even more. When is the last time you saw spicy goat sausage at Giant?
9. Take your own bag(s). A good sized market bag is a lifesaver for you and the vendors as it cuts down on their overhead and allows you to really stock up. Maybe bring a cooler sack for meats and cheeses and a mesh bag for produce.
10. Hit Starbucks after the farmer’s market. While for many of us, chain establishments are a fact of life, canvassing a farmer’s market with a fast food container or coffee chain drink in your hand doesn’t send the farmer’s a strong message of support.
July 4th, 2008
Hit the farmer’s market before the supermarket. Plan your meal around local ingredients you find at the market, and round out your needs with a quick trip to the supermarket.
Shop on the weekends. Most markets take place on the weekends and give you an opportunity to spend time browsing the fresh selections and chatting with vendors. You can go home and begin preparing your local foods for the week.
Feed the freezer. Imagine fresh fruits and veggies in January?!?! It’s easy. Make lasagna with local tomatoes or a soup packed with fresh veggies and freeze them! You can also make personal size meals for a brown bag lunch.
Branch out. Maybe your usual food repertoire could use some fresh ideas. The farmer’s market provides a perfect chance to try new ingredients when they’re in season, and lets you talk to its grower to find out the best way to prepare your new food.
Go out! Many DC Metro area restaurants emphasize local foods in their dishes. Ask around, you might be surprised how many options you find that serve up local flavor.
July 4th, 2008
Flirt with your food producer! Brush up on your conversational skills and talk about the food you’re purchasing. Buying local is about many things, including building relationships. It’s important not only to support your local economy, but also to understand the food you’re eating. This fresh, local food is good for you, and tastes good. Who knows most about that than the person who grew it?
Whether buying rutabaga at a farmers market or ordering a cut of meat at Whole Foods, you’re interacting with someone and food is what you’ve got in common. Take some time to talk about it.
Listed below are some suggested questions to help you break the ice. Ask away…
- Where does this food come from?
- How did it get here?
- How was it grown?
- What’s in season?
- How can I use it?
- What serving suggestions or recipes might you have?
- Do you sell to any area restaurants?
- How does your price compare to supermarkets?
July 4th, 2008