How many times have you bought some good-looking produce from the supermarket only to get it home to find out it has little or no flavor and feels lifeless? This has happened to me on too many occasions. So in the summer months I take advantage of our numerous Farmer's Markets.
As we dedicate ourselves to the growth and nourishment of our souls, spirits, and bodies, it makes sense that we should prefer fresh, alive food that is grown locally, with love by dedicated farmers.
Recently, I read an article in Health magazine about a study on fruit and vegetables grown with vs. without pesticides. It was found that organic and sustainably produced crops had up to 50% more antioxidants that those grown using pesticides. (Not to mention the poison chemical aspect of putting chemical pesticides in our bodies.) The reason given by a scientist at UC Davis is that when plants must defend themselves against insects, they naturally produce disease-fighting phytochemicals. When pesticides are used, there is no need for the plants to protect themselves, so they don't make these health-giving substances---resulting in half-dead food.
Another excellent reason to patronize the Farmer's Markets is to support the efforts of the hard-working, local growers who have dedicated themselves to bringing us the highest quality product possible. When we buy their fresh produce we get to meet them face to face, taste samples of their merchandise, and take home nutritious, health-giving fruits and vegetables that were most-likely harvested within the past 24 to 48 hours. One of my best revelations from the Market is being able to get sweet, juicy strawberries that need no added sweetening like some of the oh-so-tart ones I've gotten at a grocery outlet.
The other day I spoke with some organic growers and learned a few interesting things: they are not government subsidized like chemically-based farmers; they are frequently inspected in order to maintain their organic certificate; they must constantly monitor and test soil, water and other factors; they must keep meticulous records about crop rotation, pest infestations and natural controls and file planting blue-prints and more. It is apparent that these people are truly committed to responsible and ethical cultivation and harvesting methods that preserve and assist the environment, making our world a little healthier for their efforts. I applaud their dedication!
Here in the greater Tahoe/Truckee/Reno area, we are blessed with an abundance of Farmer's Markets seven days a week. Not only can we find fresh produce but there are baked goods, hand made products and fine crafts at many of these markets as well. Here's a brief schedule:
Monday-Tahoe Biltmore, Crystal Bay
Tuesday-Truckee Regional Park/American Legion Hall, SLT/Parklane Mall, Reno
Wednesday-Gardnerville/Carson City
Thursday-Commons Beach, Tahoe City/Victorian Square, Sparks
Friday-Kayle Park, SLT/Tamarack Jct, Reno
Saturday-Keystone Village, Reno/Homewood Ski Resort
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