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Natural Awakenings National

What's Ripe Now: Summer Bounties from Local Farms

Jul 01, 2009 03:00AM ● By Sister Ruth

Shopping at local farmers’ markets and with community supported agriculture suppliers are two simple ways to shorten the distance between ourselves and nutritious foods. When we buy fresh food locally, we eat well, support local farmers, encourage diversity of available foods, preempt polluting long-distance transport (typically up to 1,500 miles or more) and keep money working hard in our own community. It’s fun to see and sample what’s coming into season; we can even buy enough goodies to freeze for later. Plus, it’s a perfect venue to consult with the folks growing our food and to meet up with neighbors.

It’s no wonder that the Department of Agriculture reports that the number of farmers’ markets continues to grow, reaching 4,685 last August. That represents a 56 percent rise since the Agricultural Marketing Service first counted 3,000 farmers’ markets nationwide in 1994.

Local Harvest, a website that maintains a nationwide directory of small farms, farmers’ markets and other local food sources, notes that, while a small farm may not be certified organic, many alternately advertise as pesticide-free or no-spray. Just ask.

Following is a region-by-region guide to tasty picks in July and August.

The Northeast
Blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cucumbers, nectarines, onions, radishes, scallions, snap beans, summer squash and sweet corn.

The South
Arugula, butter beans, cherries, collard, guava, Indian corn, mangos, okra, papaya, tomatoes and Vidalia onions.

The Midwest
Apricots, artichokes, beets, chard, horseradish, kohlrabi, mint, peas,
scallions, snap beans and spinach.

The Southwest
Blackberries, blueberries, figs, garlic, peaches, pears, pumpkin, sweet
potatoes, watermelon and white
tamale corn.

The Northwest
Asparagus, boysenberries, cherries, eggplant, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, rhubarb, strawberries and turnips.

The West
Apricots, artichokes, Asian pears, fava beans, figs, mulberries, passion fruit, purslane and  Valencia oranges.


List source: Vegetarian Times

FIND LOCAL FARM PRODUCE
National Resources Defense Council
Find out what’s ripe now by state and season. www.NRDC.org/health/foodmiles
Local Harvest
Tap into free directories of farmers’ markets and community-supported agriculture sources. www.LocalHarvest.org 
Robyn Van En Center’s Community Supported Agriculture
Locate community-supported agriculture sites. www.CSAcenter.org
Veggie Trader
Register on this free site to swap, share and sell excess garden crops with neighbors. www.VeggieTrader.com
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