Many communities throughout the Miami area have farmers' markets that feature locally sourced food. You can enjoy foods grown by producers and farmers in your community when you eat locally. From helping the local environment to boosting the economy, there are plenty of benefits of eating locally sourced foods.

Eating Fresher Food

In many supermarkets, the food is shipped from other regions of the country. When you buy local produce, it is incredibly fresh. Often, the produce tastes better than those corporate store's fruits and vegetables. If you have purchased strawberries or tomatoes from a local farmer, you already know they have a fresher taste. Sometimes, the local produce at a farmers' market has been harvested only a day before they head to town. The freshest ingredients will help you create the best-tasting dishes and meals.

Enjoy More Nutrients

When produce sits on the grocery store's shelves, they could lose some of those beneficial nutrients. For example, vitamin C is a water-soluble nutrient that will degrade after being harvested. Locally grown produce does not have to travel far or sit for long periods. In turn, that means these fruits and vegetables will retain their nutrients.

Opportunity To Try New Foods

Large corporate supermarkets will carry popular fruits, vegetables, and other products. With that, you might not have the opportunity to try new items. Locally sourced foods are the perfect way to introduce you to some unique varieties in your area. With that, you can learn about the growing process and even find a new favorite ingredient.

Benefits the Local Environment

You can help boost the environment by supporting local farmers and food producers. Many of these sellers' harvesting methods create less pollution than mass producers or growers. Since the local farmers travel a shorter distance, their transport will generate less carbon emission than food from other areas. Plus, local producers use less plastic. You can bring your reusable bags to carry the items back home instead of shoving them in plastic bags from the supermarket. Additionally, local produce is not wrapped in plastic packaging, which is needed for protection as it travels from one location to another.

Supports Your Regional Economy

When you purchase locally sourced food, all that money is more likely to circulate within the local area. Some researchers have suggested that buying local food creates a "multiplier" effect that can lead to increased income and employment in the community. Local farmers and food producers not only provide jobs for the area, but these owners will cycle that money back into other local institutions and stores.

Locally Sourced Products Provide Many Benefits

By eating locally, you are not just boosting your health. Your purchase benefits the farmers and other food producers in the region. As a result, that can provide many environmental, social, and economic benefits to the community. Local foods often have more nutrients, taste fresher, and use less plastic packaging than supermarket-bought items. When you support local food businesses, it leads to a robust local economy. Stop by Source Market Miami to choose the best local products.

About Source 

Source offers a selection of the highest-quality produce, goods and more sourced local, organic, ethical, sustainable and as regenerative as possible. You can shop online or visit us instore, M-F 10:30am-6pm. We are located at 275 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33143.