Everyone’s heard of locally sourcing ingredients, but how many folks know why sourcing locally is so important? It’s not just about the taste of the food, or just about helping the community, or just about creating impressive meals. It’s about all of the above. In this article, Bow & Arrow owner and James Beard nominee David Bancroft is sharing the three reasons locally sourced ingredients are so important.
Why Locally Sourced?
- Freshness and Flavor Truly Make a Difference – If you really want the food at your next dinner party to shine, then you have to start with the most basic of concepts. The fresher the food, the better the flavor. You can’t tell me that a fresh plucked peach still warmed from the sun will taste just the same as the bruised one sitting on the shelf at the store that traveled 1000 miles in a semi-truck, hung around a warehouse for a week, and that is still waiting to ripen. The closer you get to your food sources the better quality and flavor you’re going to receive.
- Support your Neighbors – These families live in your neighborhood, go to your church, children are in the same class as yours, and sweat to raise or grow the freshest foods for your community. If you truly want to contribute or be a difference maker, then what easier and better way to start than in your own town. Check out a local farmers market, sign up for a CSA program, or maybe set up an appointment and drive out to visit a family farm!
- Cook like a Pro – Obviously, most restaurants don’t source locally, but it’s pretty easy to pick out the ones that do. Especially the ones where the food is super vibrant and colorful, crisps, and bursting with flavor! The number one top secret of most successful chefs is “start with best ingredients if you want the best results”. Simple as that. Reduce the travel in your food. Pluck it straight from the source, and your guests will be rewarded with full flavor for your efforts.
Ways to Locally Source
There are several ways you can locally source your ingredients. The first is through your local farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets are terrific ways to support your community and their hard work while getting your hands on delicious, fresh, local ingredients you’ll love cooking with! Another great option is participating in a local co-op. You can receive your own share of farm fresh veggies to bring straight to your kitchen and your table.
Now that you know how important sourcing locally is and you know how, what are you waiting for?
