✔ Local tastes better-picked at the peak of ripeness the produce is incredibly fresh-usually only hours from the field-so you get top quality, perfectly ripe flavor.

✔ Organic Produce - this avoids synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Most fruits and vegetables absorb the pesticides even if you wash them. It’s good for your body and for the environment to go organic. Make sure you ask the vendor when shopping at the market if

they practice organic farming. As its not a given that every vendor is organic just because they are at a farmers market.

✔ Seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritiously dense then food out of season. Produce that is destined to be shipped over long distances may not be harvested at peak ripeness, which affects both flavor and the nutrient content. The time it takes for fruits and vegetables to get from farm to your plate also affects the nutritional value of produce, as the vitamins and minerals deteriorate over time.

✔ Potential to inspire you to try some new produce - it can be easy returning to the same few staples. In season farmers market bounty always encourages me to try new nutritious foods to add into my rotation which helps support my health in a variety of ways.

✔ Better for the environment - eating locally saves vast amounts of packaging waste and energy used to ship the food around the globe-no long distant shopping, no sitting for weeks in storage, no gassing to stimulate the ripening process. The food is as real as it gets - fresh

from the farm.

So, what in season produce should you keep an eye out for as we settle into the summer months?

Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries are in season during the summer, as are peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries, basil, corn, cucumbers, green beans, arugula, scallions, summer squash, tomatoes, zucchini and eggplant. Bell peppers tend to ripen later in the

summer and are a great source of vitamin C. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the farmer which produce is in season.

A few spots I frequent are ramseyfarmersmarket, Piermont Farmers Market, Bloominghillfarm check out more local spots here . If you take the trip to Blooming Hill Farm be sure to book yourself a reservation at the restaurant for the full experience!

Lastly, if you don’t have the time to go to a local farmers market consider joining a CSA, a Community Supported Agriculture or crop sharing is a system that allows you to support local agriculture and buy fresh and affordable produce. With upfront purchases you are guaranteeing the production and sale of food which helps to eliminate waste and support the sustainability of your hard working small farmers.

Bone-In Food is a CSA that offers share options for veggies and meats. Their commitment to offering animals and vegetables conditions to thrive without the need for antibiotics, hormones, herbicides, or pesticides makes them truly stand out from all the rest. They provide only sustainable, nutrient dense provisions, produce & prepared foods directly to your door & sourced only from their local farm partners.