If you are looking for new ways to add flavorful fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, check out a farmers market. Farmers markets offer locally grown produce at the peak of the growing season when it is at its freshest and tastes the best.

Fruits and vegetables are foundational to a healthy diet. Eating the right amount of these nutritious foods may reduce your risk of developing cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and macular degeneration of the eyes.

In Ohio, summer and early fall are the best times to take advantage of an abundance of freshly harvested produce such as berries, cantaloupe, beans, tomatoes, squash – and much more – at local farmers markets.

You may be surprised at how much better fresh-picked fruits and vegetables taste compared to their canned or frozen counterparts. Plus, fruits and vegetables at farmers markets often have more vitamins and nutrients than produce that has been shipped long distances after being harvested before its peak ripeness.

Farmers markets are usually kid friendly. Bring the kids along and let them select something new, then have them help prepare a meal or choose a snack based on their choice.

Check local listings to find farmers markets near you. Here are a few resources:

Carroll County: Carrollton Farmers Market
Holmes County: Visit Amish Country
Stark County: Farmers Advance
Tuscarawas County: Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Wayne County: Visit Wayne County

Visit our blog post on food safety at the farmers market for more details on considering what to buy and how to take it home.

Sources:
The StayWell Company, LLC
U.S. Department of Agriculture