Buying local food is more popular than ever. No longer solely the domain of aging hippies, the idea of being conscious of the source of what’s on the dinner plate has permeated much of the American market. Top chefs do it. Moms do it. Even Wal-Mart does it.
The reasons can vary from taste and freshness—in the case of the former—to saving on shipping costs—in the case of the latter—but the idea remains the same. With favorable growing conditions and abundant farmland, Northwest residents are blessed with a variety of options for connecting with their food sources during the summer and fall. Although warm-weather products, such as avocados and oranges, will strictly remain the realm of Washington importers, this region’s growing season provides ample opportunity to feast locally.
Farmers Markets Nothing beats strolling through a farmers market looking for fresh ingredients to include in the evening’s gourmet meal. Leave your watch at home and come prepared to chat with local farmers as you check out the assortment of colorful, fresh produce, cheeses, jams, honey, baked goods and more. Besides the food, it’s a great opportunity to socialize and listen to the assortment of musicians who typically play at farmers markets.
Cherie Valley, Bellevue Club nutritionist and personal trainer, recommends frequenting farmers markets as much as possible. “Buying local supports our farmers in the area and gives you fresher produce overall. The quality of fruits and vegetables decrease as they sit around, causing nutrient degeneration,” she says. “In order to reap the researched health benefits, make sure you purchase fully organic and pesticide-free fruits and vegetables.” Nearly every community in the Seattle area has a farmers market. The Bellevue Farmers Market features a
number of booths from small family farms throughout the region, and provides a direct connection for consumers in a festive atmosphere. They also feature organic meats, cheeses and fresh seafood. “The Bellevue Market has excellent clams and mussels when in season,” says Cherie. The market runs every Thursday and Saturday through Oct. 15, and Saturdays only through Nov. 21.
Community Supported Agriculture Farmers markets aren’t the only way to get regular produce fresh from a local farm. Over the past 20 years, the idea of community supported agriculture (CSA) has gained momentum in the United States. Introduced in Europe in the 1960s as a way for consumers to reconnect with the land and as a stable income source for farmers, community members typically buy an upfront “share” from a local farm and then receive a box of fresh produce every week during the growing season.
There are dozens of CSAs available in King County. Each farm usually offers a “small share,” good for two people, or a “large share” for families. Contents of weekly boxes depend on whatever is ripe and ready for picking, and many include recipes and information on the farm’s day-to-day operations. Prices can range from $15 to $40 per week. Farmers typically try to include a mix of different vegetables and fruits from fresh strawberries to rainbow chard. Many also include fresh herbs and flowers and some offer dairy, egg and bulk shares. For those with refined culinary tastes, Provisions Mushroom CSA outside Olympia even provides a box of locally cultivated and foraged exotic mushrooms every week. Choosing a CSA can be difficult. For a comprehensive listing of CSAs available in King County, visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org. Depending on the CSA, home delivery, farm pick-up or a community pick-up spot are all options. Another factor to consider when choosing your CSA is whether or not the farm supplements the weekly boxes with produce from other not-so-local farms, and if so, which ones. If you’re not sure, call and ask. While still relatively new, CSAs are a great way to have a steady, local source of fresh, organic produce all summer long. It also provides exposure to nutrient-dense vegetables that you might not otherwise buy. The downside of a CSA is your box will reflect
current conditions at the farm. So, if there’s a heat wave or flooding, you’ll be feeling the pain right alongside the farmer when your box shows up with dismal-looking produce. However, whether or not you sign up for a CSA, many of the farms encourage tours and sell their produce at the local farmers market.
Culinary Consciousness “We always try and buy local, seasonal and sustainable,” says Joyce Combs, Bellevue Club purchasing manager. “That’s our first choice if it’s in reach.” From fresh pasta and lox to seasonal vegetables, Chef Paul Marks makes a concerted effort to use delicious local foods in all of his dishes at the Club, as well as his cooking at home. “I believe you can definitely taste the difference between a dish that’s made with seasonal, local ingredients and one that has traveled halfway around the world in a freighter,” says Paul. “We’re lucky to live in such a place with so many amazing seasonal indulgences—fresh steelhead to delicious squash blossoms.”
