Finding and Buying Local Foods
By Molly Watson, About.com Guide to Local Foods
The first step to eating locally is finding and buying local foods. Find out what to look for and where to look for it with these resources.
- What's In Season?
- Seasons by Region
- Shopping Farmers Markets
- CSAs - Community-Supported Agriculture
- Buying Local Tips
What's In Season?
The key to eating locally is knowing what's in season. Use these guides to learn the natural flow of fruits and vegetables throughout the year. Cooking seasonally can be a big adjustment at first, but the deprivation of certain fruits and vegetables for months at a time only makes them taste better when you finally have them, fresh and full of in-season flavor.
- General Guide to Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables
- Spring Fruits & Vegetables
- Summer Fruits & Vegetables
- Fall Fruits & Vegetables
- Winter Fruits & Vegetables
Seasons by Region
The general season guides above are a great start, but once you get a sense of them you'll want to learn more about the specific seasons in your region. You'll then know what to expect when you shop at farmers markets and local co-ops, as well as be able to discern what may (or may definitely not) be local at the supermarket or grocery store.
- Northeast Fruits & Vegetables
- Midwest Fruits & Vegetables
- Upper-Midwest Fruits & Vegetables
- South Fruits & Vegetables
- Southwest Fruits & Vegetables
- Texas Fruits & Vegetables
- California Fruits & Vegetables
- Pacific Northwest Fruits & Vegetables
- Alaska Fruits & Vegetables
- Hawaii Fruits & Vegetables
Shopping Farmers Markets
The first step most people take towards eating more locally grown food is to shop at farmers markets. Each market has its own rules or guidelines. Look for one that asks stands to only sell items they grow or produce--this helps keep the products truly regional. Once you start eating the super-fresh produce available at farmers markets, you may never go back!
- Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets
- Alaska Farmers Markets
- California Farmers Markets
- Hawaii Farmers Markets
- Midwest Farmers Markets
- Mountain State Farmers Markets
- Northeast Farmers Markets
- Pacific Northwest Farmers Markets
- South & Southeast Farmers Markets
- Southwest & Texas Farmers Markets
CSAs - Community-Supported Agriculture
CSAs are a great way to connect to local farms. Joining one will bring a regular supply of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables--even flowers, honey, or eggs--to your kitchen.
Buying Local Tips
Buying locally grown food and eating locally is a big transition for most people and households. It is also one that can be made gradually, with little changes here and there that add up over time. Keeping the big picture in mind--that you're getting better tasting food and supporting local farms and businesses--will make the transition easier if it starts to seem overwhelming.
