Conley Publishing - Special Sections
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FALL 2018 / HEALTH & WELLNESS DIRECTORY 10 Few things are more satis- fying than biting into a fresh tomato right from the garden or seasoning a meal with herbs picked from a win- dowsill greenhouse. Restau- rants recognize the value of such experiences, and more and more are relying on local- ly sourced products in their kitchens. The National Restaurant Association found that 41 per- cent of consumers surveyed admit that locally sourced ingredients influence their decisions when choosing where to dine. This is not only a trend in local restaurants but home cooked meals as well. The following are some of the key benefits of farm-to- table. • Peak freshness and ripe- ness: Local produce ripens on the plant and can be harvest- ed at the last possible minute before it turns up on a plate. This helps to ensure tastier foods because they are grown and harvested during their optimal growing season. Food that has to travel further is often picked well before it is ready, requiring ripening on the way to stores or other ven- dors. This doesn't produce optimum flavor. • Accessibility to season- al choices: Farm-to-table eat- ing provides a wide variety of in-season foods. This is a good time to try something new, as flavor is usually at it's best. • Supports neighboring farms: Supporting farm-to- table not only benefits local restaurants, but it also direct- ly supports neighboring farms, fisheries and other suppliers. • Learn about the com- munity: A person might live in an area and never know that a local vineyard is in the vicinity or that a producer of straight-from-the-hive honey is nearby. Exploring farm-to- table resources can open peo- ple's eyes to local businesses doing great work in and around their communities. • Better for the environ- ment: Food that needn't trav- el far before reaching diners' plates saves roughly 500 gal- lons of diesel fuel to haul pro- duce a distance of 1,500 miles. This conserves fossil fuels and prevents harmful emis- sions from entering the atmosphere. • Reduces factory farm- ing: According to O.info, the informational resource pow- ered by Overstock.com, farm- to-table and local farming can reduce reliance on large, profit-driven corporations that may focus on maximum production over animal health and welfare. Local farms may be more inclined to treat their animals well and institute sustainable practices. The farm-to-table move- ment is not new, but it has gained momentum as con- sumers become increasingly concerned with natural food choices, true food flavors and environmental impacts on our planet. The various benefits of farm-to-table