No doubt you’ve already heard the long list of benefits in eating organic foods. Now comes the next movement toward better eating and eating with awareness — eating locally. Like organic eating, local eating is better for the environment; when you buy food locally, you reduce the fuel it takes to get your food across the state or country to your table. In addition, locally grown foods are usually allowed to reach peak ripeness before they’re harvested, which means they often taste better. The best part about local eating, though, is the adventure it opens up around food and its enjoyment. Here are several ways to have fun with local eating.

Join Community Supported Agriculture

Enjoy weekly deliveries of the best in local harvests by joining Community Supported Agriculture. Usually you pick up your box of goods at a specified local drop-off site, and most farms include recipes and suggestions for preparing your fare. There’s no better way to reap the rewards of fresh foods — in terms of taste and nutrition. Plus, you’ll try foods you’ve never even heard of and taste fresh flavors you cannot imagine.

Visit U-Pick farms

There’s something wonderful about biting into an apple or pear right off the branch. How delicious does it sound to eat a sun-warmed tomato straight from the vine? U-Pick farms allow you to pick your own produce at a price that excludes the middleman markup. Get to know your local farmers and experience a few hours of fun outdoors on a working farm.

Plant a garden

In addition to being great physical exercise, gardening is a rewarding pastime that enables you to eat very locally. Who doesn’t enjoy walking out the back door and picking a sweet juicy strawberry? Moreover, growing your own bounty increases the likelihood that you’ll be eating more fresh produce regularly.

Frequent the farmers market

Farmers markets offer a unique, often open-air, experience for consumers. You’ll find a full range of local fruits and vegetables fresh from local farms. You can also find other farm-fresh and local goodies like eggs, breads, jams, honey, flowers, and more. Smell and taste as you go. Learn about foods from the local farm employees. Head home with bags of nutritiously charged wonders to explore in your very own kitchen.

Dine on local cuisine

If you want to support local agriculture and enjoy a gourmet taste of local delights, patronize restaurants that offer creative menus of local fare. It’s a great way to take your palette on a flavor adventure and support the local market.