We generally try to eat healthy but this year, we have vowed to make a priority out of eating organic and buying local. We want to support the small local growers as much as possible and source higher quality produce, meat, and eggs. This has become a focal point in our family and it's great because visiting local farms and healthier stores has become a part of our family culture. The other day the youngest asked a store worker if something had a particular chemical in the ingredients. The young worker looked dumbfounded and I felt proud that at least something is sinking in.
Fresh organic produce is widely considered to be better for your health than conventionally grown produce due to several reasons:
1. Higher Nutritional Value: Organic produce is grown using natural fertilizers, crop rotation, and other organic farming practices that help to preserve soil health and increase the nutrient content of the soil. As a result, organic produce is often richer in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than conventionally grown produce.
2. Fewer Pesticides: Organic farming practices prohibit synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Conventionally grown produce, on the other hand, is often treated with chemical pesticides and herbicides, which can leave harmful residues on the produce. Organic produce, therefore, is often lower in pesticide residues and is generally considered safer to consume.
3. No Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Organic farming practices prohibit using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Many studies have shown that the long-term health effects of consuming GMOs are not favorable. Too much to list here but a simple Google search will yield all the evidence that we need to make an informed decision. We prefer to eat organic produce to avoid consuming GMOs.
4. Better Taste: Organic produce is often grown in smaller quantities, which allows for more attention to be given to each plant. This can result in more flavorful and delicious produce than conventionally grown produce, which is often mass-produced and bred for durability rather than taste.
5. Environmental Benefits: Organic farming practices prioritize soil, water, and air health. Organic farming practices promote biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and reduce pollution, resulting in a healthier environment for everyone.
Fresh organic produce is better for your health due to its higher nutrient content, fewer pesticides and GMOs, better taste, and environmental benefits. While organic produce may be more expensive than conventionally grown produce, many people believe the health benefits are worth the extra cost.
Here are some farms in Sarasota, Florida, that sell organic produce, along with their addresses:
1. Worden Farm - 34900 Bermont Rd, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. Worden Farm offers a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program and sells produce at local farmers' markets. Their produce is certified organic.
2. Jessica's Organic Farmstand - 4180 47th St, Sarasota, FL 34235. Jessica's Organic Farmstand sells a wide variety of organic produce and locally made products like honey, bread, and soap.
3. Honeyside Farms - 4300 32nd St W, Bradenton, FL 34205. Honeyside Farms is a family-owned and operated farm that offers a variety of organic produce, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
4. Geraldson Community Farm - 1401 99th St NW, Bradenton, FL 34209. Geraldson Community Farm is a certified organic farm that offers a CSA program and sells produce at local farmers' markets.
5. Farmhouse Market & Cafe - 3400 N Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234. Farmhouse Market & Cafe offers a variety of organic produce and local meats, cheeses, and baked goods. They also have a cafe that serves breakfast and lunch.
6. Mixon Fruit Farms - 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208. Mixon Fruit Farms offers a variety of organic produce, as well as fresh juices, jams, and baked goods. They also have a wildlife refuge and offer tours of the farm.
This is a list of stores and stands that sell organic produce in the Sarasota area:
Here is a list of some stores and stands in Sarasota, Florida, that sell organic produce.
1. Detwiler's Farm Market - 6000 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34232
2. Richard's Foodporium - 8201 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34238
3. Whole Foods Market - 1451 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
4. Fresh Market - 5251 University Pkwy, University Park, FL 34201
5. Morton's Gourmet Market - 1924 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota, FL 34239
6. Indigenous - 239 S Links Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
7. Farmer Mike's U-Pick - 11902 US-301, Parrish, FL 34219
8. Crops of Love Farm - 4430 S Shade Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231 (This is a small-scale organic farm that sells products directly to consumers)
9. Sarasota Farmers Market - 1592 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 (This is a weekly farmers market held on Saturdays from 7am-1pm, where several vendors sell organic produce)
10. Sprouts Farmer's Market- 8330 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34238 Organic produce and healthy alternatives, including plant-based foods, supplements, and locally grown.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other farms and stores in Sarasota, Florida, may sell organic produce. It's always a good idea to plan ahead to confirm produce availability before visiting.
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