Why is it important to buy produce locally?
Local Produce Is Fresher - often when you buy produce that has been picked locally it will have been picked not long ago meaning it is super fresh.
Local Produce Is Tastier - if the fruit and veg you are eating has been freshly picked then it is likely that it will taste better!
Local Produce May Even Be Healthier - over time the vitamins essential for health can deteriorate in fruit and veg. Therefore, the fresher the produce, the healthier it is.
Local Produce Is Good For Reducing Food Miles - of course local food still needs to be transported however, it travels a vastly smaller distance than imports from across the world. HINT: a food mile is 'a mile over which a food item is transported during the journey from producer to consumer, as a unit of measurement of the fuel used to transport it.'
Local Produce Supports Farmers - by buying and using local produce, farmers are supported and skills are kept alive which may be crucial in the future.
Local Produce Supports Our Economy - buying locally ensures money continues to circulate in the local economy which aids local farms and businesses.
Other Benefits - reduced packaging, reduced waste, trying something new, meeting new people, best ingredients and great value!
How To Buy Locally
Buying locally may seem daunting and difficult however it really doesn't need to be! Easy ways to buy locally are to research farm shops near you, pick your own (or even grow your own) and go to farmer's markets. Or keep an eye out in supermarkets for in season fruit and vegetables that are grown in this country.
Ways To Use Local Produce
Some easy ways to use the produce you buy are to cook/bake seasonal dishes. You can use fruits in homemade jams and pies for example, and both fruits and vegetables in chutneys. Also, there are so many meals that include vegetables such as ratatouille, meals with vegetable side dishes, vegetable lasagnas and so on. You could even use fruit in a dessert such as a crumble or pie.
