Autumn is my favorite time of the year for it’s colors, scents and tastes. The weather is starting to cool down and the kitchen is calling me. This is a wonderful time to shop local and in season produce, shop from bulk bins, and canned goods.
Let’s review the benefits of buying from local farms and vendors. Locally grown foods (within 100 mile radius) are healthier because they often retain more nutrients since they are allowed to ripen naturally, are picked in season, and get to you sooner since they aren’t traveling from other countries or far away states which means a reduced carbon footprint and support of local small businesses.
For foods that are not available at from your CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) you can often find in your local grocery store bulk bins. The benefit of bulk bins is that you can buy as much or little as is needed for your recipe or grocery week and if you take your own reusable bags or containers you greatly reduce waste.
Another handy option are canned goods, these are often just as nutrient dense as fresh because goods are often canned at their peak, locking in nutrients. Added eco benefit for this is that metal cans are infinitely recyclable. This includes aluminum, tin, steel, and most food cans.
So, to celebrate the season I will post delicious, quick and easy recipes incorporating fresh, local, in season, and canned foods. Feel free to add your own twist and let me know how it worked out for you. Bon Appetit!
“Absorb what is useful, Discard what is not, Add what is uniquely your own.” - Bruce Lee