What’s New At The Farmer’s Market

Available At Goffle Brook Farms

The bounty of the summer season is upon us, and with it comes the arrival of the produce we long for all year: strawberries, peaches, tomatoes, corn and so much more. We all know that eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an essential part of our daily diet. I can still hear Mom saying “eat your fruits and vegetables if you want to grow up big, strong and healthy”. And it’s true and here’s why.

Good for Your Body – Local produce is fresher because it doesn’t have to travel as far before it is consumed and can be picked at its peak ripeness. Once plants are picked, the important nutrients they contain, like Vitamins A, B, C, and E as well as Calcium, Fiber, and Potassium, begin to deteriorate. Furthermore, during transportation produce can also be exposed to air, different temperatures, and artificial lighting, all of which can impact the nutritional value of the plants. This means that local, fresh produce is more nutritious than produce grown in other parts of the country and, therefore, better for your body.

Good for the Environment – Another reason fresh produce is important is that it is good for the environment. Many local farmers grow their food without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, making the environment both cleaner and safer from pollutants. The success of local farms is also important for the environment because they help protect the land they occupy, which is also full of other plants and wildlife. If the farms were failing, the land would most likely be sold to developers who would build on the land, eliminating the natural habitat many species rely on.

Good for the Community – Fresh produce also provides jobs on farms in your local area, which boosts the local economy. The farmers also need to sell their crops at places like farmer’s markets such as ours, which help to support other local businesses as well. Farming fresh, local produce also helps provide food for those in need as farmers often donate some of their produce to local food banks and other organizations feeding the hungry.