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supermarkets vs. farmers’ markets So now that you know how to choose the best produce, what are the best places to shop for them? Supermarkets stock their shelves with fruits and vegetables that are sometimes shipped in from other regions and even other countries.11 Farmers’ markets are usually a collection of outdoor stands where vendors and farmers sell their produce directly to the customers. However, farmers’ markets are not available in all areas. They are usually in areas surrounding farmland, so they are not easily accessible to everyone. There are pros and cons to shopping at supermarkets and farmers’ markets. Here are some of the major differences between the two.
supermarkets
where is the produce from?
Some of their products are from international sources. This allows supermarkets to stock produce that may be out of season in the local region, resulting in a wider variety of produce.12
what effects do international shipping have on the environment?
The further the produce travels by ships, planes, trucks, and trains, the more carbon dioxide emission and pollution are created due to fuel usage. According to the statistics found by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), around 250,000 tons of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are a result of food product imports in California.11
how does international shipping affect prices?
Importing international produce in bulk can drive some prices down. However, since supermarkets carry produce that is not in season locally, prices could be higher off-season than when the produce is locally grown in season.
where is most of the produce from?
Local farmers grow their produce at nearby farms and often participate as vendors at farmer’s markets.
what effects does local transportation have on the environment? Because the distance from farm to market is not as long, there is less waste and harmful emissions associated with the transportation process.
how do you choose what produce to buy?
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Ask your local farmers’ market vendors what’s in season to know when to purchase fruits and vegetables at the freshest and best quality possible. › Some vendors will give discounts if you buy from their stand in bulk.
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conclusion
Buying produce can be tricky, but with this information, it will be easier to choose where to shop for different produce! There are different factors that indicate if fruits or vegetables are ready to eat. These features are identifiable by smell, touch, and color. Use these tips to buy produce at farmers’ markets and supermarkets! t w
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total wellness ▪ spring 2014
References 1. “Ethylene: The Ripening Hormone.” wsu.edu. (2014). 2. “Choosing Fruit That’s Truly Ripe.” finecooking.com. (2014). 3. “Tips for Fresh Produce Safety.” foodsafety.gov. (2014). 4. “Options for Storing Potatoes at Home.” uidaho.com. (2009). 5. “Strawberries: Safe Methods to Store, Preserve, and Enjoy.” ucdavis.edu. (2007). 6. “EWG’s 2014 Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce.” ewg.org. (2014). 7. “All 48 Fruits and Vegetables with Pesticide Residue Data.” ewg.org. (2014). 8. “Organic Agriculture.” usda.gov. (2014). 9. “FAQ’s.” plucodes.com. (2014). 10. “How to Find True Organic Food at a Farmers’ Market.” organicgardening.com. (2014). 11. “Food Miles: How far your food travels has serious consequences for your health and the climate.” food-hub. org. (2007). 12. “Just how old are the ‘fresh’ fruit and vegetables we eat?” theguardian.com. (2003).
farmers’ markets