I really enjoy walking and wandering around farmer’s markets. There’s something special about getting outside from the traditional grocery store to buy fresh produce straight from the people who put all their effort and heart to grow each vegetable and fruit.
In the Savannah area, we are fortunate enough to have a few farmer’s markets. There’s one on Wilmington Island, in Forsyth Park, on Tybee Island, and in the nearby South Carolina communities of Beaufort and Bluffton. I haven’t had the opportunity to visit them all because I keep going to the most convenient one, but my goal is to go to all of them before spring ends.
One of the special things about shopping at any farmer’s market is that you are going to get local and seasonal produce. But there’s a misconception: a lot of people believe that since they are buying directly from the farmers the products are all organic; unfortunately, this is not true.
Wouldn’t it be great if GMOs didn’t exist? If we didn’t have to pay more to eat what nature has to offer us in its original state? A lot of the stuff we find in these places can be full of pesticides, chemicals and can be GMOs. Don’t be afraid to ask the farmer! As a consumer, you have the right to know where the food you put on your family’s plate comes from, so don’t be intimidated.
As a rule of thumb, try to buy everything you eat with the skin organic. Everything that you have to peel to eat can be conventionally grown. This little trick will help you save money and will let you be more flexible with your choices.
Another great way to know where your produce comes from is by starting your own garden. As I mentioned in my post last month, we love planting tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers in the summer. If you feel you don’t have much room, maybe try some organic herbs in small pots that will bring any regular dish back to life.
Since the temperatures are going up, I want to invite you to do some research and find a farmer’s market near you. Visiting it will be a fun activity that will help support your local community and can be beneficial to your health—and pocket! Just remember to not be afraid and ask all the questions you have. Happy shopping!
