When talking about the benefits of eating fresh and local, people tend to respond that they might do so if they lived in a larger city with more access, or if they lived in a smaller farming town.
With a little planning, anyone can eat fresher healthy vegetables and meats grown and raised right here in the Ark-La-Tex.
Most of us have seen signs promoting Eat Local, which, depending on the group, refers to food produced within 100 miles up to 400 miles. Although it is slightly more complex, they encourage purchasing items in season that travel the least distance to market for freshest consumption. In many cases, the shorter distance to market, versus the time many products spend in shipping containers traveling internationally and cross country to stores, allows our local farmers to pick their product at peak of ripeness to ensure the best flavor.
There are also Slow Food Movements that promote a lifestyle of ethical, political and environmental awareness in consumption. Slow Food encourages preparing fresh foods using slow cooking methods and heirloom recipes preserving our cultural traditions that can be diminished by our frenzy for fast food.
Among the heralding of organic labels and concerns about genetic modifications, there is a connecting thread through each of these movements highlighting the import of lowering our intake of mass produced processed foods that include high levels of fillers and preservatives. It is important that we develop an understanding about where our foods are grown and the processes used in making them, regardless of where we shop.
In the hustle bustle of our conveniencedriven society, you might be surprised at the simple pleasure to be found in a visit with the farmer at the local produce stand or farm. For those who haven’t been bitten by the gardening bug yet, I’ve found some wonderful opportunities to purchase produce and regional products so close it feels like it’s grown in your own backyard.
For starters, Shreveport Farmers Market will open each Saturday morning at Festival Plaza beginning May 31 through Aug. 30, featuring a record number of vendors. In addition to locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh meats and eggs, you will find local honey, fruit preserves, jellies, tea cakes, fresh breads, butter and artisan cheese. There are also nice varieties of regional items like salsa, Creole jambalaya spice mixes and customblended coffees locally roasted in small batches. I recommend shopping early for the best selection.
Just a stone’s throw from downtown Shreveport, Poo-Poo Butler and Doris Wilson are known for the produce they grow and sell at Lucky Liquor in Ledbetter Heights. Tending a four-acre truck farm just across the river in Bossier Parish near Barksdale Air Force Base, they have planted crops of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, corn, watermelon, speckled butterbeans, purple-hulled peas and more. Check with Wilson toward the end of May to see what’s ready.
Also consider visiting Mahaffey Farms, just five miles outside of Bossier at 440 Mahaffey Road, Princeton. Known for their organic chemical-free vegetables, Mahaffey Farms also provides pastured pork and chicken, farm raised without hormone injections or unnatural additives. They often have fresh eggs available, and heavy cream from Flowing Hill Creamery, LLC. For the latest updates on availability, check their Facebook page or give them a call.
For a fun little road trip, the website for Ed Lester Farms in Coushatta proudly proclaims farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, featuring What’s Happening @ the Farm on the homepage and a click tab to see What is Growing.
In Gloster, just a few miles south off of Interstate 49 at Hillcrest Blueberry Farms, you won’t find any fresher blueberries and blackberries than those you pick.
If you prefer to enjoy the view, they also have a store for selling items like frozen pure fruit juice, blueberry and triple berry muffins and fresh berries by the gallon.
Shreveportorganics.com is a co-op formed when Lea Arnold realized after moving back to our area that shopping organic was going to be a challenge. For a small one-time membership fee they offer full and half-share packages.
The web page offers updates of vegetable selections available, plus extras such as dairy, meats and raw nuts. Check Facebook to view the new meal plans she is currently offering on a trial basis. A membership in this venture with two locations may be just the answer for time challenged shoppers.
Buying from neighbors will help keep us and our local economy healthier. Take a minute to chat with your neighborhood grocers to see which local products they carry.
Customer interest may encourage them to consider it more often. And as you travel through town keep your eyes open for seasonal farm stands and roadside purveyors. Fresh is best – enjoy!
Lynn Laird is a writer, fine artist and self-professed bon vivant living in Bossier. With “Flair for Cooking,” she seeks out interesting ingredients and techniques to help make everyday meals just a touch more fabulous. She can reached at flairforcooking@ gmail.com.
