Locavores are people who buy only locally grown food. Usually, locavores have a radius from which the food must come, such as within a 25 mile radius of their home.
All food is perishable, and food loses its nutrient content as it ages. Fruits and vegetables in sold in season and only transported for short distances are healthier due to a higher nutrient content. By the time fruits and veggies get to you from another country, they have hardly any nutrient value at all.
Food shipped for long distances starts to decompose. Even if it isn't readily visible on the outside, the breakdown may harbor toxins that can be dangerous to your health.
Very simply, fresher food tastes better. Have you ever bitten into a veggie or fruit and thought it tasted like cardboard? That's because it was either stored for a long period or shipped for a long disstance.
Farming is not very profitable, and shipping crops to market eats into the already meager profits. By eating locally, farmers make more and you get a better product.
Local farmer's markets, produce stands, and meat and fish markets are an important part of your community. Eat and buy where you live, and your community will thrive and grow.
No matter where you live, there is a way you can buy food that is grown and processed close to home. Check with your local agricultural extension service to find more local food sources.
Mmmmm...locavore... I love shopping the local farmer's markets. I buy my milk from a local dairy farm year round.
Thanks, Bossypants. I love the term! I try to buy locally as much as possible, within my budgetary restraints of course.
I had not heard the term locavore and I love it! I'm all for supporting local businesses, including local farmers. Great list with compelling reasons to be a (wait for it --- ) locavore!
select one here...