The Benefits of Local Produce

Shopping at and supporting local businesses is crucial for stimulating the local economy. However, there are even more important benefits of staying local, specifically when it comes to produce. At Kevin’s Bar and Restaurant, we pride ourselves on crafting our dishes with only the freshest of ingredients. In fact, all of our housemade pasta and desserts are prepared using eggs from local farmer and chef John Hudak. Let’s check out some benefits of local produce.

Safe Produce – Local Produce

When buying produce locally, there are often less preservatives or chemicals used to keep it fresh, because it’s farmed so close to usage date. Purchasing produce at a chain grocery store does not guarantee this, as you have no idea where that food is coming from. Most times, it was harvested days or even weeks before ending up on the shelf. With local produce, you know its source.

Not only is it fresh, but it’s also in season. Local farmers plant crops at certain times of the year so that they will be ready to consume when they are “in season”. In the commercial produce world, fruits and vegetables are often harvested before they are fully ripe, or in season, and then transported to where they need to go, before being artificially ripened with ethylene gas. Plants naturally produce ethylene gas to trigger the ripening stage, but the way that commercial ripening accelerates the process is not all that appetizing.

Healthy Lifestyle

There’s more to eating food that’s in season than just the fresh flavor and natural ripening process. Many years ago, before we had grocery stores and imported goods, we “lived off the fruit of the land”. No, really. We only ate foods that were currently growing in the area, which is one of the most natural ways to eat. Eating in-season foods allows us to consume a variety of different ingredients, not just the same food all year round, which is not good for the body.

Kay Nutrition states that “In the peak of summer, our bodies require cooling foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and berries to help us handle the elements, while in the dark and cold days of winter we need rich and warming high-fat foods, root vegetables, and fermented foods.”

Green Living

Buying local food means that the food did not have to be transported, and in turn, reduces its carbon footprint. Produce that is locally grown also requires less packaging, leading to less waste. Lastly, keeping local farmers in business allows for more green space in your community, which is always a good thing. No one wants to live in a completely concrete town.

Keep Supporting Local by Coming to Kevin’s

At Kevin’s, we value local produce and its freshness. That’s why we strive to craft our dishes with only the best ingredients, especially when it comes to our vegetarian and vegan menu. Make your reservation today to enjoy a locally-sourced meal, all while supporting local business. We look forward to serving you, your friends, and your family.