That Roadside Amish Food Stand Just Might Have the Best Food You've Ever Had

This is the season for fresh local produce.  So, get out of the supermarkets and start heading for farmers' markets.  They are all over the place in roadside stands, brick and mortar buildings, weekly markets happen all the time in cities, and even sometimes your next door neighbors are growing and selling.

By shopping locally, you'll be sure that the produce you are buying and eating is fresh and in season.  You are also sure that the produce didn't have to be chemically altered in order for it to be transported by a refrigerated truck over thousands of miles.  As a result of all this travel, the food loses its nutrients and isn't nearly as good for you and the local varieties.

Non-local food has become a staple in the modern diet as we have grown accustomed to eating what we want, when we want it.  To some extent, that is OK when the item is something that we cannot grow.  For example, I've yet to see a banana or avocado farm in Pennsylvania.  I don't believe our soil or our climate is suited for such food, but they are good for you and are readily available.  Pennsylvania does grow apples, peaches, plums, blueberries, strawberries, green beans, broccoli, asparagus... you get the idea.  My general rule is that if you can get it locally, then buy it locally.  I don't need to buy apples from Washington state, if I can get them here... unless of course, I live in Washington.

So, take this as my pitch to buy as local as you can.  Your local farmers will thank you and your body will thank you, too.

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