An increasing number of farmers have been making their way to Philadelphia and the surrounding areas as a part of a nation-wide movement to buy local.
Did you know most of the fresh fruits and vegetables you purchase in your supermarket have already spent as many as 14 days in transit? Once produce is picked, it is still alive but it stops receiving nutrients from the source plant. Produce loses heat and moisture over time through a process called respiration, which is one way nutrients and flavor are lost.
Asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, and spinach have very high respiration rates and lose moisture, flavor and nutrients quicker than apples or onions, which have low respiration rates. Spinach, for example, loses up to 50 to 90 percent of its vitamin C content within 24 hours of being picked.
This is why local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries.
Why Should You Shop Local?
Although, farmers markets may appear to be more expensive than supermarkets, fresh is often more nutritious. In other words, you may be getting more bang for your buck at a local farmers market.Don’t worry about carrying cash: Most farmers’ markets accept debit and credit cards, making it easier than ever to purchase fresh foods. Plus buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community.
Shopping Local is a Fun Family Experience
Buying local can be fun for the whole family. It is a great way for kids to learn more about the fruits and vegetables on their plates. Most farmers are knowledgeable and eager to share information with their customers.To learn more visit www.buylocalpa.org and www.pasafarming.org
Farmers Markets in the Philadelphia Area
The Food Trust Farmers' Markets
43rd and Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104Tel: 215-568-0830
Saturdays, 10 am to 2pm
Clark Park Farmers Market
Cliveden Park Farmers MarketChew Avenue & Johnson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tel: 215-568-0830
Wednesdays, 2 pm to 6 pm
Fairmount Farmers' Market
22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19107Tel: 215-568-0830
Thursdays, 3 pm to 7 pm
Headhouse Farmers' Market
Second and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19147Tel: 215-575-0444
Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm
Overbrook Farms Farmers' Market
Lancaster Avenue at City Avenue, (Overbrook Presbyterian Church), Philadelphia, PA 19103Tel: 215-575-0444
Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm
contact@thefoodtrust.org
http://www.foodtrustmarkets.org/markets.html
Farmers Markets in New Jersey
Collingswood Farmers’ Market
Between Collings and Irvin Avenues, Collingswoodhttp://www.collingswoodmarket.com/
Saturdays, 8 am to Noon
Camden Community Farmers Market
514 Cooper Street, Camdenhttp://www.camden-ahec.org/ahecservices/camdencommunityfarmersmarket.html
Our Lady of Lourdes Community Farmers Market
1600 Haddon AvenueJuly 1 to October 28
Wednesdays, 2 pm to 5 pm
Camden Farmers Market
Walter Rand Transportation Center, BroadwayJune 23 to October 27
Tuesdays, 10 am to 3 pm
Virtua Health Farmers Market
Atlantic & Mt. Ephriam Aves.Thursdays 11 am to 3 pm
June 18 to October 29
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