Disclosure: In exchange for writing about the Locavore Challenge, I have been compensated with classes at Longview. All opinions are my own.
Today’s challenge from Longview Farm Market is to discuss what is attractive about being a locavore in your region. I have many reasons for enjoying how we eat, but thought a top 3 attractive locavore benefits would round them up the best.
1) We are getting to know our farmers.
When Tomato knows it is a farmers market morning and shouts, “Can we see Farmer Lynn?” I know we are making an impact for her food sense. It is lovely to know our farmers, become friends with them, and have our little one know who is responsible for her food.
2) We are making our carbon footprint smaller.
Less travel time, less gas used to transport goods and having fresher foods are a great benefit of developing a smaller carbon footprint by being a locavore. We feel good getting food at its peak, know it will last a little longer at our own house and have more nutrients than if it has traveled from across the country or from another part of the world.
3) We value seasonal foods in the Philly area.
When we don’t eat asparagus outside of spring, we love the taste of it and the anticipation of it more. Blackberries from the supermarket aren’t nearly as good as those from our backyard, so wait until July we shall. Now that we have some winter options, like those at Longview, local rutabagas and sweet potatoes are even better when roasted and in season. We only have a little bit left of those foods, but we shall be excited for them again in the fall. In the age of instant everything, it’s nice to take a step back and foster patience in our family, especially Tomato.
I could go on and on about this topic, but these three points encapsulate what we do the best. Why do you choose to be a locavore? What do you find most attractive about this eating lifetsyle?
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I need to work on eating in season a bit more. I usually have a stash of organic berries in the freezer because I love them so much!
My favorite local produce by far are our apples. Juicy, crisp, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for putting up applesauce 🙂 I still have ten or so jars from autumn to enjoy 🙂
Thanks for introducing a new word to my vocabulary, too!
Glad to share new word with you, Erin! I definitely need to put up some applesauce this year. Hopefully, I can find some local organic apples to pick at Longview.
That is so awesome your daughter gets excited about seeing a farmer at market! I also think that locally grown produce just tastes so much better than produce trucked in from far away.
I agree on the taste factor, Annie!
That’s so great that you are able to eat fresh fruits and veggies right out of your backyard! How could I get started with that? Are there any resources you would recommend for starting a garden, with tips on when/how/where?
Lindsay, I could always come over for a consult. I did so with some friends last year and we can see where it is best for you to start.
Oooh that would be awesome! I’d love that.
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