By Marsha McCormick, SNAP-Ed Program Assistant, OSU Extension, Adams County
Buying fresh produce in season allows you to take advantage of fruits and vegetables at their peak ripeness and optimal flavor. While fruits and vegetables in all forms provide important nutrients, fresh produce offers some unique benefits.
When purchasing fresh foods, you can see, touch, and smell them before buying them. While there is no guarantee how they will taste, their appearance and fragrance can indicate freshness, ripeness, and flavor. You can look for foods that are brightly colored, free of wilting or blemishes, and the size and weight you prefer. In some cases, you may find samples of fresh produce available for tasting which can help you to choose foods you will actually eat at home.
Fresh fruits and vegetables may also offer greater variety and more pleasant textures than canned or frozen ones. For example, I have never seen canned yellow tomatoes at the grocery store, but they are common in local garden plots. Other foods may be available in canned or frozen forms but seem like a completely different food than when consumed fresh. If you are a fan of fresh asparagus, you may be disappointed how the texture and flavor changes when it is canned.
Fresh produce can be affordable when it is in season and may be cheaper than canned and frozen forms when the supply is abundant. Also, unlike some processed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables will not have any added salt or sugar.
Purchasing local fresh fruits and vegetables is also a great way to support local producers. The Adams County Farmer’s Market will open for the season on Saturday, May 8 and will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. through the end of September. Vendors set up on the courthouse square in West Union and offer not only fresh produce but also plants, jams, jellies, baked goods, honey, and meats. All items include locally raised ingredients and availability will change weekly due to what the producers have available. New for the 2021 season, SNAP benefits will be accepted at the Adams County Farmer’s Market.
A good recipe to make after visiting an early season farmer’s market is the Seasonal Salad from CYP at Celebrateyourplate.org. You can use any fresh salad greens available including kale, spinach, or any type of lettuce and fresh or canned fruit. You will likely find kale or spinach and fresh strawberries at an early season visit to a local market. Adding nuts or lean meat can turn this recipe into a meal. You will also find a recipe for a homemade oil and flavored vinegar dressing with a touch of honey on the CYP website.
Contact me at mccormick.3@osu.edu for more information or call the Adams County Extension Office at (937) 544-2339.
