Ask a Dietitian: I like eating local produce, but it’s not easy during winter…

Written by Sarah Reinhardt, Registered Dietitian Q: “I like eating local produce, but it’s not easy during Detroit winters. Any tips?” A: Kudos to you, reader! Buying local produce is good for the environment, the local economy, and your health – but I’m sure you knew that. Despite an unseasonably mild winter, many of us…

Staff Photo2Written by Sarah Reinhardt, Registered Dietitian

Q: “I like eating local produce, but it’s not easy during Detroit winters. Any tips?”

A: Kudos to you, reader! Buying local produce is good for the environment, the local economy, and your health – but I’m sure you knew that.

Despite an unseasonably mild winter, many of us still find ourselves missing the fresh berries of summers past. But look no further than Detroit’s Eastern Market to find that some local produce is still alive and well. Saturday market vendors offer Michigan’s trademark root vegetables, such as potatoes and beets, and—thanks to hoophouses that extend the growing season—you might even find some local greens and herbs.

Still not satisfied? Let some of Detroit’s best restaurants do the work for you. Treat yourself to a meal at Brooklyn Street Local, a Corktown establishment with a commitment to sourcing local produce, or Midtown’s Avalon, a neighborhood bakery with a sweet triple bottom line.

Want to see your nutrition question answered in our blog or Member Newsletter? Email YMCA Registered Dietitian Sarah Reinhardt at sreinhardt@ymcadetroit.org.

 

photo courtesy of Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr