Eating Local
By Kasia Broussalian
In this photo, a woman picks through a pile of ramps at the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City. The term, “locavore“, or a person who eats primarily locally grown foods, has entered many people’s lexicon, and represents a realistic way that individuals can minimize their carbon footprint and become environmentalists in their own right. The Union Square market has become one of the most popular in Manhattan, if not the country (followed closely by the one in Des Moines), and supports many local growers. This particular farm, Berried Treasures, trucks its produce to Union Square every Wednesday and Friday from Cooks Falls, New York for the past 25 years.
The Union Square Greenmarket, which opened with only a few farmers in 1976, has now grown to over 140 farmers, fishermen, and bakers who sell their goods every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Many, if not most, commute from areas surrounding the city, making the Greenmarket hyper-local. Living nearby in the East Village, I usually wander through the Greenmarket a few times a week, and, depending on the season, get most of my fruits and vegetables there. Though some critics are lately questioning the true benefits (as far as carbon emissions are concerned) of eating local foods, I still believe that choosing to buy an apple grown upstate over a piece of exotic fruit from Chile makes some environmental difference. Tell us your about local farmers’ market and what you buy there.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Locally grown fruits and veggies are often fresher and vine ripened (rather than in the back of a truck), so they taste a lot better
I agree with Ambrosia – produce DOES taste better locally grown. At first I didn’t think I would really notice a difference, but since I recently moved to a location right next to a small weekly farmer’s market, I have started eating vegetables on their own – without any dressings or fixings! I love the taste of a fresh cucumber or a plain cooked sweet potato from the market!
I don’t often get to the farmer’s market, but sometimes my supermarket posts a sign identifying produce as “locally grown”. Talking with your store’s produce manager might encourage him or her to bring in a bigger variety of local offerings.
Buying local is also difficult for those on limited budgets. No one has bothered to mention that local farmers, unable to sell in bulk, almost always charge more for their product.
For some reason local produce signs attracts more people to buy. It as almost makes them believe all the produce is fresh and was grown somewhere not far from city. But most of the time its far from that. Still quality is in local foods. Good post mate. Good Day!
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