The advantage of eating vine-ripened fruit and vegetables is that they are the most nutritious. The vast majority of nutrients enter the fruits and vegetables as they ripen in the soil or on the vine/tree. When the produce is picked green and shipped to various locations, then gassed to change to a ripe color, the nutrient content can be much less than optimal.
Fruit and vegetable nutrition is the best source of the thousands of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that help to keep our bodies healthy and fight free-radical damage that occurs from our daily activities. So, whenever we hear “buy local,” it’s probably a good idea for produce whenever possible. This gives us the advantage of getting the fruits and vegetables that have ripened naturally.
June is the beginning for the Farmer’s Markets and they will soon be full of beautiful, healthy choices:
Naperville Farmer’s Market Association
Fifth Avenue Station Parking Lot
Saturdays, June 6 through October 31, 7AM – noon
Farmers Market at St. John’s
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 750 Aurora Avenue
Wednesdays, June 3 through September 16 (closed July 1), 3-7PM
For the more adventurous, our own planting season is upon us. We can grow many vegetable choices in containers and they look beautiful, as well.
Think of planting perennials like oregano, chives and lemon thyme, as well as annuals like dill, parsley and basil. Peppers, tomatoes, berries and even compact varieties of cucumbers and zucchini can be grown in pots.
Sunlight, water and fertilizing are very important for container gardens, as they dry out more quickly, and with more water they need more fertilizer. Whichever way we decide to get our “local” produce, getting that fresh produce onto our tables packs the nutritional punch we need.