Why eat seasonally & Locally?
Seasonal eating is eating food that was recently harvested by farmers. Studies show that the fresher the produce is, the healthier it is to eat, since the food was allowed to ripen naturally and retains more vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
Local eating is eating food grown in your surrounding area. This is beneficial not only because your food has to travel less miles to reach you, leading to less food related transportation emissions from trucks, planes, and other vehicles, but also gives you fresher food that has been picked when ripe and spent less time traveling to you.
All of our vendors at Field to Table farmers markets grow/produce their food within 125 miles of the market.
Articles of Interest: The Importance of Eating Seasonally and Locally
Importance of Supporting Local Produce by Field to Table Market Assistant, Sara Suding
“You’re supporting a local farmer, which means you’re supporting the people in your community. And you want them to keep on growing so that you have fresh produce.” – Terry Bell, Owner and operator of Great Valley Farms located in Mount Jackson, VA – 84 miles from Arlington
How Far Does Food Travel to Get to Your Plate? by FoodWise “It is estimated that meals in the United States travel about 1,500 miles to get from farm to plate.”
The Benefits of Seasonal Eating by the University of Maryland Medical System “The easiest way to see what produce is in season now is by shopping at the local farmers market.”
Want to learn more about produce you can find at the market?
Check out our Produce Picks below!
But what to cook?
Check out our seasonal recipes on our “Our Favorite Recipes for Winter” page!
Produce Calendar
Check Food Print’s Seasonal Food Guide resource for pictures of each fruit and vegetable, suggested recipes for each produce item, and an array of insights and tips. You can filter Virginia or a specific fruit/vegetable/or herb, and see what is in season at the beginning and end of each month!
Healthy food options are always in season. Check out our produce calendar to discover the veggies and fruits you can expect to find at our markets – and when.
