By: Abbey Susel, Student Nutritionist During the steamy summer months, there is hardly anything more refreshing than fresh produce. Vibrant, juicy, and sweet, summer produce is both a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. But did you know that you can impact more than your diet when choosing what produce to buy and where? Indeed, not all produce is created equal. Locally grown produce, often defined as produce grown within the state, can benefit you, your community, and the Earth at large. Read on to find out more. What is Local Eating?As mentioned prior, ‘locally grown’ produce often implies that the produce was grown within the state or just outside of it, although different brands may have more broad definitions. Since different states have varying climates, soils, and growing seasons, local produce varies by state and season. In other words, locally grown crops typically reflect ‘in season’ produce. In-season summer produce includes: Arugula, Avocados, Beets, Bell Peppers, Berries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Figs, Green Beans, Honeydew, Kiwi, Okra, Peaches, Plums, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon, and more. Why is Eating Local Beneficial?1. Improves Carbon Footprint: Locally grown produce does not need to be shipped across the country--or the world--for consumption. This decrease in transportation reduces the amount of harmful emissions released by trucks, ships, etc., therefore improving our carbon footprint. Further, by supporting local farms, you are advocating for the protection of green space. 2. Supports your Community: When you shop local, you are giving back to the community in which you live. This money is then recycled back into the community, boosting the local economy. Not to mention, you're supporting local farmers and growers living right outside your doors. You can even drive to the farm where your produce was grown to see the facilities yourself! 3. Reduces Nutrient Loss: Heavily transported produce must be picked before peak ripeness so that it has time to ripen during the lengthy transportation process. This practice may reduce the nutrient quality of the produce. In contrast, with less time from harvest-to-table, local produce is some of the most nutritious on the market. 4. Promotes Safer Food Supply: Typical produce enters various facilities, changing hands multiple times before arriving at the grocery store. Including shipping, washing, and packaging facilities, this process offers several more opportunities for contamination compared to locally-grown produce. Where Can You Find Locally Grown Produce?Don't worry, you don't need to forage your local fields for produce. Local produce can be found in a variety of simple ways. In fact, LocalHarvest is a website which does most of the work for you! This site finds farms, farmer's markets, pick-your-own events, and restaurants in your area featuring local produce. It may be even easier than you think to find local produce, as pop-up produce shops appear on many roadsides during the summer months. Produce Cleaning TipsWhether locally grown or not, it is imperative that produce is cleaned properly before consumption. Unwashed produce may be contaminated by pesticides, soil residues, or worker hygiene. Such contaminants are often the cause of food-borne illnesses, and may cause long-term health effects. Follow these tips to ensure safe produce-prep practices. 1. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after cleaning your produce. Remember that you can contaminate the produce just as much as any other stage from farm to table. 2. Rinse produce before peeling it to prevent the spread of bacteria from knife to produce. If working with melons or other vegetables with outer skins, use a vegetable brush to scrub the veggies clean. 3. Remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage, as they have received the most exposure. Cut away any parts of the produce that appear brown, bruised, or broken in. 4. Gently rub the produce while holding it under mild-temperature running water. Running water and rubbing help to nudge stubborn bacteria cells off of produce. 5. Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel after washing. Summer Watermelon-Feta Salad
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