A great place to get locally sourced foods for home chefs and private chefs in Orlando is to visit a local farmers’ market. In recent years people have been taking an interest in healthier food options and where it comes from. Farmers’ markets include a wide variety of locally sourced items that are typically very healthy.
Local farmer’s markets aren’t just informative, healthy, and sustainable, but they are also fun! It’s a great place to spend a morning learning where your food comes from. If you are an Orlando private chef, a local farmers’ market is a great place to stock up for your next event. Here are a few tips on what to look for when purchasing food at your local farmers’ market.
Know What Produce is “In Season” Locally
Make sure and know what foods are naturally grown in Florida. There are actually many vegetables, fruits, wines, seafood, locally made cheese, and dairy products that are all seasonal items that can be purchased in large quantities when in season. It’s a great idea to plan your meals around what is in season so that you can get a bounty of local, in-season ingredients for a great price.
As a premier Orlando dinner party chef service, SMO Table knows that when you plan your meals around food, you get a much richer diet that includes a really well-rounded palate. The fruits and vegetables are picked at the optimal time for the highest ripeness and richness in vitamins and minerals.
Ask Questions to Find Foods to Fit Specific Needs
If you are a private chef in Orlando, you might have a client that wants their meals to be made of strictly organic ingredients. At your local farmers market, be sure to look for signs or ask questions to see if the particular booth you are looking at is organic. Remember, just because they say it is organic doesn’t always mean it truly is. Make sure and ask for proof, as most people do have documentation showing they are certified to grow and sell organic ingredients.
What Does the Grower Consider Local?
This is a good question to ask because some people believe local means grown in the US and not grown by farmers or makers in your own community. Some farmer’s markets have booths that get bulk goods outside of your community, sometimes long distances away. So, if staying local is important to you, Orlando private chefs suggest you make sure and ask where the product is grown.
Most Farmers are Friendly and Love Talking About Their Produce
Most farmers and growers are excited about what they do. They take great pride and care in growing food that is high quality and affordable for local families. Feel free to ask questions like:
- “Can I visit your farm to see your product?”
- “How is the food grown?
- “What special care do you take to make sure the product is of the highest quality?”
These are all welcomed questions for many farmers at your local farmers’ market.
At SMO Table, one of the best Orlando private chefs, we understand the importance of finding locally sourced foods. Not only is it good for the environment, but it is also the best nutritionally, and it tastes better! Taking that little bit of extra time is worth the effort. Stop by your next farmers market to learn more about where your food comes for your next meal.
And for your next dinner party, give SMO Table a call at (216) 990-8349 or contact us online to find out more about chef catering services in Orlando.