How to shop locally

La shopping at the farmer's, kilometer zero, is an excellent solution for saving money and ensuring a good quality-price ratio for products. But that's not all. It's also a way to concretely support a new agriculture, from below, which is also involving many young people.

But even shopping at the farmer's shop must be done methodically. And important help comes from the website spesadalcontadino.com, Created by Luke Bianchini, which puts online the farmer's market in Italy, region by region, province by province. Welcoming new members to the network, where over a thousand farms are already registered. Another interesting site for finding the farm closest to your home is www.considerovalore.it

Aside from web research, a good shopping the farmer must take into account other factors to avoid disappointment. In general, within the associations that promote the short supply chain (from producer to consumer) certain conditions are guaranteed very high quality standards of the goods on display. And the fact that the products of the earth do not have intermediaries who increase costs, allows for the sale of fruit, vegetables, jams, preserves, bread and traditional foods, at truly competitive prices. Then there are some essential advice to follow.

• Seasonality. Remember that inside the markets they can be sold only foods grown by farmers during the previous days. This allows you to avoid the variety of goods found in the supermarket, but only typical seasonal and local products. This way, you'll be able to eat healthier while respecting nature's cycle. At a farmers' market, you'll hardly find the same products. banane Or Brussels sprouts. Instead, you'll discover an endless array of salad and lettuce varieties that growers will be happy to sell you, along with recipes for bringing them to the table.
• Eco-sustainability. The goods sold in farmers' markets do not travel by road or by plane for miles, they do not use pesticides and illegal chemicals, are supplied in an effort to avoid overproduction. When you're happy with a zero-mile market that meets the advantages outlined here, it's best not to change it.
• Socialization. Within the farmer's market You can find the warmth and familiarity of a greeting, a piece of advice, a recipe, and a story. Don't be stingy in listening, and don't always rush: shopping at the farmer's shop deserves time and attention. Unlike shopping at the supermarket, there are no gloves or gloves here. plastic bags But people who will be happy to serve you, advising you on the type of food to choose depending on the recipe you want to prepare. And if you don't have any ideas for dinner, rest assured that the farmers will be happy to suggest some using their own produce.
• No to disposable items. If you go shopping at farmers' markets, remember to bring a shopping bag, egg cartons, and a few paper grocery bags. You'll make the farmers happy if you give them the opportunity to avoid creating waste.
• The best times. Generally, grocery shopping at the farmer's shop should be done in the early hours of the morning. For two reasons. First, since it's always a fresh products, it's very likely that they'll be sold out by late morning, especially the more unusual ones. Secondly, many farmers, having started their day at the market very early, tend to close earlier than traditional shop opening hours.

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