The Beginner's Guide to Cooking with Fresh, Local Veggies

The growing interest in eating fresh, local, and seasonal vegetables has spurred a return to eating healthy, sustainable meals straight from local farms. If you’re not yet involved in a veggie box program and are looking for local farms that sell produce, this guide is for you! Not only will you learn how to store your fresh produce, but also how to cook simple and delicious meals with locally-grown vegetables.

Why Choose Local Farms That Sell Produce?

Before diving into the “how-to’s,” let’s talk about the why. Choosing to buy from local farms near you that sell produce supports your community and ensures that you’re getting the freshest, most nutrient-packed vegetables available. At Arrows Farm, we believe in providing families with farm-fresh produce through our Veggie Box program. With each box, you not only get a bounty of fresh, seasonal veggies, but you also get to know exactly where your food is coming from, how it was grown, and who’s growing it.

Additionally, seasonal produce from local farms often tastes better than store-bought, as it’s harvested at the peak of its flavor. Plus, the environmental impact is far less than purchasing produce that has traveled thousands of miles to reach your grocery store.

Where to Buy Fresh, Local Veggies

If you’re not yet signed up for a veggie box program, here’s where you can find local farms that sell produce:

1. Local Farms (Like Arrows Farm!)

   • At Arrows Farm, we offer a convenient Veggie Box program where you can get fresh, seasonal vegetables weekly. Signing up for our program means you can enjoy an assortment of nutrient-rich veggies, all grown right here on our farm!

2. Farmers Markets

   • Local farmers markets are a great way to find fresh, seasonal veggies and support nearby farms. Check out your local market to see what fresh produce is available near you!

3. Food Co-ops or Small Grocers

   • Many local food co-ops or grocery stores carry produce from local farms. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your grocer where they source their produce from. Many are happy to direct you to local farms near you..

How to Store Fresh, Local Seasonal Veggies

Now that you’ve got your hands on some fresh, local produce, here’s how to keep it fresh for as long as possible:

1. Leafy Greens (Kale, Lettuce, Swiss Chard)

   • Store leafy greens in a perforated plastic bag or wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. Keep them in the crisper drawer of your fridge to retain their freshness.

2. Root Vegetables (Carrots, Beets, Potatoes)

   • Store root vegetables in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) for a longer shelf life. Potatoes and onions should be kept away from each other, as they can cause each other to spoil faster.

3. Tomatoes and Peppers

   • Store tomatoes and peppers on the counter at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. They’ll lose flavor and texture if refrigerated.

4. Herbs

   • Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley can be stored like flowers—place the stems in a jar of water and cover the leaves with a plastic bag. Store them in the fridge and change the water every few days.

How to Cook with Local, Seasonal Veggies

Once your fresh veggies are properly stored, it’s time to cook! Here are a few simple recipes to help you make the most of your fresh, seasonal veggies from local farms:

1. Sautéed Swiss Chard and Garlic

A quick, healthy side dish that brings out the natural flavors of Swiss chard.

• Ingredients: Swiss chard, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper

• Directions: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add chopped Swiss chard and sauté until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Roasted Root Vegetables

A perfect way to enjoy root vegetables like carrots and beets.

• Ingredients: Carrots, beets, olive oil, thyme, salt, pepper

• Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Chop root vegetables into chunks and toss with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

3. Fresh Tomato and Basil Salad

A simple and refreshing way to enjoy tomatoes and basil, perfect for summer!

• Ingredients: Tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper

• Directions: Slice tomatoes and arrange them on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Top with fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper.

Tips for Cooking with Local, Seasonal Veggies

• Embrace the season: Cooking with local, seasonal veggies means that you get to experience different flavors throughout the year. Embrace the seasonal changes and try new recipes!

• Mix and match: Experiment with combining various veggies in soups, stews, and stir-fries.

• Keep it simple: Local produce is often so flavorful that it only needs a little seasoning to shine. Try roasting, grilling, or sautéing your veggies with minimal ingredients.

Cooking with Local, Seasonal Veggies

Whether you’re new to cooking with fresh produce or looking to expand your culinary skills, starting with local farms near me that sell produce is a great place to begin. Not only are you supporting your local economy, but you’re also creating healthier meals for yourself and your family.

If you're looking for farm-fresh, seasonal veggies to your table, consider signing up for our Veggie Box program at Arrows Farm. We make it easy for you to enjoy the benefits of eating local, seasonal produce every week.

Ready to cook with fresh, local veggies? Visit Arrows Farm to sign up for our Veggie Box program today and enjoy the best seasonal produce!