The Sweet Taste Of Summer
Written by Chicagohealers.com practitioner by Kristina L
. Sargent ~What are the sweet tastes of summer? Sugary, succulent, red strawberries, tangy raspberries and blueberries; bright green and purple leaf lettuces, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and cucumbers; and dont forget the burst of sweet corn in your mouth as you bite into that first fresh ear of corn this summer. All of my favorite flavors of summer are cool and refreshing on those hot days that we long for all winter. Summer is just around the corner and local, organic produce will be abundant. What should you look for and where do you get it?
Does it have to be certified organic? LocalHarvest.org is an online resource to help people find products from family farms, local sources of sustainably grown food, and encourages them to establish direct contact with small farms in their local area. There are several categories designated, with the intent being to help the small, local farmer, whose growing practices are better for the overall environment.
1. Certified Organic many organization certify produce to be organic; this means produce is being grown in a manner that does not harm the environment and that preserves or improves soil fertility, soil structure, and farm sustainability.
2. Naturally Grown these farms grow everything like organic farms but without the certification
3. Transition these farms are in transition to being organic, assuring the fertility of the soul and sustainability
4. Conventional many small, local farmers use very few chemicals and still farm in ways that are not harmful to the soil and environment.
There are some awesome online resources for where to get local produce. LocalHarvest.org had many pages of farms and green markets per local zip codes. Most have descriptions of what you will find and a link to their website for more information.
1.Local Farms buy direct, over the internet or pick-your-own, depending on how earthy you want to feel.
2.Farmers Markets most communities have these markets one or two morning per week starting in late April through October. They will carry what is locally grown and in season all through the summer. Some even have winter markets for the rest of the year.
3.Local Co-ops whether delivered or a designated pick-up, these farms are a great value and you will be assured of in-season and fresh produce.
4.Grow it yourself If you are feeling ambitious, even a pot of lettuce or one tomato plant can be fun and easy. Most garden shops have them started and you can just transplant them to your own pots.
So, get out of the big-box stores this summer and support your local farmers! First of all its a great learning experience for the kids in your life. They learn that real people grow real food, with dirt still on the leaves. Its fun to get to know the people that grow your food and hear their stories. They are generally more friendly than the check-out person at the grocery store. And its great exposure to a more healthy lifestyle, with wholesome fruits and vegetables, fresh picked and bursting with flavor and nutrients.
Strawberries come into season in the south by mid-May and by the end of May and June around here
Blueberries start in June and come into season throughout the summer
Per Susiess Garden Patch just west of Rockford Typical harvest dates: June: Strawberries; Mid July to Frost: Tomatoes, peppers, egg plant, okra, hot peppers; Mid September October 31: Pumpkins, Fall Squash
Honey Hill Orchard Waterman, IL Report Apple and raspberry picking starting in mid-late August
According to www.PickYourOwn.org: Earlier in the south, later in the north
March April: Asparagus
May-June: strawberries
June- July: cherries
June-August: blueberries, blackberries
July-September: peaches, figs, tomatoes, green beans
July-October: raspberries
August: Figs, Fall raspberries start, early apples
September-October: apples and grapes
October: late apples, Pumpkins
Citrus is in season in the winter, along with all the fall squashes and root vegetables like potatoes and turnips. Always look at where the produce comes from, most will tell country of origin so you know how far it traveled.
Dr Kristina Sargent is a chiropractic physician with 18 years experience. Her mission is to engage, educate and empower people to take control of their health to prevent chronic diseases and lead successful lives through serving people with alternatives to medication. Her toolbox includes personalized diet recommendations, weight loss, exercise, chiropractic care, positive thoughts, prayer and meditation, and massage therapy. Her office, Restor Healing Centre, is located in Wheaton, Il. The website is www.RestorNow.com.
ChicagoHealers.com mission is the education and advocacy of natural medicine and a holistic lifestyle.
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