Why You Should Try Shopping Locally
You should skip the grocery store for fresher foods like produce, meats, and specific items. Instead, you should check out your local food markets, butchers, and specialty stores for tastier options - ones that support your community and could even save you money. So, continue reading to unearth some local foods we should return to.
Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
Pop into your local farmers' market for the best quality fruits and veggies. Do you know what this means? Absolute freshness and maximum flavor, unlike grocery store produce that is stored for a long time and probably costs a lot more due to the high cost of shipping.
Organic Eggs
For the best organic eggs, go to local farm markets. Chickens on smaller farms lead to having tastier eggs with flavourful yolks. As an extra bonus, you're supporting better conditions for the chickens. How can you say no to that?
Artisan Breads
Artisan bakeries use unmatched ingredients and traditional baking methods that leave grocery store options in the dust. Thanks to the lack of preservatives, their breads are way fresher. Sure, they cost a little more, but the delicious flavor makes you forget the price.
Fresh Seafood
You don’t need to settle for supermarket seafood if you're not near a coast with a fish market. Instead, take a visit to your local market. Specialty stores not only offer a broader range, but they also prioritize quality over quantity. It's better to be safe than sorry with seafood quality, don’t you agree?
Local Cheeses
If you want the best cheese available, then head to your local dairies. They use locally sourced milk that results in tastier cheese. With this, they’re made with more ethical and sustainable practices. What's more, you get more unique regional flavors. Yum!
Free-Range Chicken
If you’re looking for the best free-range chicken on the market, then you need to go to your local farms. Believe it or not, the chickens eat natural diets, which makes the meat taste nicer. Unlike supermarket chicken that’s produced for mass consumption, local options are healthier and more ethical.
Grass-Fed Beef
For top-notch grass-fed beef, go to a local butcher who gets it from nearby farms. This beef is healthier, with more omega-3s and vitamins, because the cows eat grass and are treated better. It costs a bit more, but the health perks and great taste make it totally worth it.
Honey
Get local honey from farmers' markets or health food stores. It helps local beekeepers and is less processed with no additives. It might have pollen from your area, which could (believe it or not) help with allergies. I bet you never knew that!
Herbs
Herbs from local farmers' markets are fresher and tastier than those from grocery stores. They're picked just before market day, so they're bursting with flavor and nutrients and last longer. If you have garden space, and if you’re a bit of a DIYer, you could even grow them yourself and save a trip to the market.
Craft Beers
For the freshest craft beers and more options, you should go to a local brewery. They have a bigger range, with unique and seasonal brews you won't find in grocery stores. Also, many breweries have tastings, so you can try new beers before you buy them. Sounds like the ideal Saturday.
Specialty Coffees
Specialty coffee shops and roasters have better coffee options than grocery stores. They roast beans freshly and get them from ethical sources. They often work directly with farmers and tell you about the beans' origins and flavors. Grocery store coffee can be old and dull, but local roasters give you a fresher, tastier cup of Joe.
Spices
Ever seen the little old-fashioned spice shops dotted along your local high street? Well, you should pop in for spice fresher spices. They get them straight from where they're grown and store them well to keep the flavor strong. Getting good spices can really improve your cooking, so it's definitely worth it.
Pasta
Pasta from local Italian markets is usually better than mass-produced ones from grocery stores. It's made with top-notch ingredients and traditional methods, so it tastes and feels better. Even though it costs more, it makes your homemade meals taste like heaven.
Olive Oil
For top-notch olive oil, go to a specialty shop instead of the grocery store. They have a wider range of high-quality oils, including first-press ones with richer flavors and more antioxidants. You can also try them out before buying to find the perfect one for your taste and cooking. You can’t go wrong.
Wine
Local wine shops or vineyards have a better selection of wine than grocery stores. You can often try before you buy, and the staff can give you good advice based on what you like and how much you want to spend. This makes your wine experience superior and helps you get the most for your money.
Pickles And Fermented Foods
Local producers often make pickles and fermented foods that are fresher and don't have preservatives like the ones in supermarkets. These small-batch foods taste better and have more probiotics. They often come in unique varieties that can make your meals more exciting and, dare we say, unique.
Nut Butters
For the best nut butter, check out your local markets. They're usually made fresh without extra oils or sugars, so they're healthier and tastier. Whether you want almond, cashew, or peanut butter, local producers have fresher and more flavourful options.
Granola
Homemade or locally-produced granola available at health food stores or markets often features better ingredients and less sugar than the commercial types sold in supermarkets. This not only makes for a healthier breakfast option but also supports your local artisans.
Sausages
You can find delicious, fresh sausages with fewer additives and no preservatives at butcher shops. They're made with locally sourced meat and tasty spices, giving them great flavor and texture. By buying from local businesses, you're supporting your community and might find new flavors you love.
Gelato And Ice Cream
For the best gelato or ice cream, go to nearby creameries. They make their treats with higher-grade ingredients and traditional methods, giving you rich, creamy flavors you won't find in regular stores. Plus, by buying from them, you're getting a special treat made with love and skill.
