Thanksgiving brings to mind family, friends, togetherness, partnership, sustenance. It is a time when we gather together to give thanks and, of course, to get a good binge on. It is also a fantastic time to think about the food that you put on your table: where did it come from, how did it get there and how good is it for you?
The simplest definition of organic is fruits and vegetables that are produced without the aid of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. By choosing to eat organic, locally-produced produced foods you and your family can personally benefit in many ways.
Perhaps the most compelling reason for eating organic is flavor. If you have ever tasted a tomato that was grown organically and picked fresh, you know what I am talking about. It seems like the tomatoes in the grocery store have lost that tangy burst when you bite into one. But a tomato that was grown as Mother Nature intended will take you back to the taste that you remember as a child. And many supermarkets are adding and expanding their selection of organic produce every day.
Besides taste, eating organic is good for your health. Conventional, non-organic produce is most often grown by using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These chemicals can leach onto the food. And who wants to pollute their body with unnecessary chemicals?
A great way to find quality organic food is to visit your local farmers market. Most communities now have farmers markets. There is a great one right here at the campus of College of San Mateo every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00AM to 1:00PM, and I like to make it an event whenever I have a chance to go. I can often be found on my lunch break on Wednesdays, with my canvas bag in tow of course, strolling through the many booths, smelling and sampling the variety of luscious, freshly-picked veggies and fruits. Also, farmers markets vendors sell much more than fruits and vegetables. Bread, nuts, spices, flowers, and even some prepared foods are among the many offerings. You can even enjoy a delicious meal while you shop.
A good tip when visiting your farmers market is to talk with the vendors and ask about their farms. While many of these vendors have signs showing that they are certified organic, some smaller, struggling farms find it cost-prohibitive to gain their certified status. They may use sustainable, organic practices even if they cannot technically label their produce organic. But if you ask them about their farming practices, they are generally more than happy to talk with you about them.
Adding to the personal benefits of buying organic and locally produced foods, a decision that benefits the health and well-being of yourself and your family, you will have a tremendously positive impact on the environment for the greater good. Produce that is grown and harvested sustainably keeps dangerous chemicals out of our bodies, as well as out of our soil, water and air. Also, by purchasing locally grown fruits and vegetables, you are helping to lessen the carbon emissions given off to transport the produce to market when compared with those trucked in to your grocery store from all corners of the globe. Not to mention the fact that you are helping to financially support your local, struggling farmers as well as promoting your local economy.
So in preparation for your Thanksgiving meal this year, take a field trip to the farmers market in your community. I promise that you will find the experience to be absolutely delightful. And your family and guests will rave about the fresh, nutritious, delicious meal that you set before them.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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