Modern grocery shopping allows us a variety of options previous generations never had the opportunity to experience. We can now go to our local supermarkets and purchase products year-round that were once seasonal specialities, only available a few times of year. With so many options, why do some people choose to eat seasonal, locally grown produce, reducing the variety of available food choices. The short answer is because it's healthier and it tastes better as well.

Ripe produce is ideal for consumption since its nutritional value is at its zenith. Often fruits and vegetables that are designated to be shipped to market are picked before ripeness in order to ensure they won't spoil during the long trip. During the voyage to the grocery store some produce gains color and softness, but the nutritional value remains at its pre-ripeness level due to the fact that increases in nutritional values are transported to the produce through the stem from the living plant. The nutritional values of any vegetable ceases to rise at the time of its harvest and, in fact, decreases every day beyond its harvest date.

Most commercial farmers don't place much focus on maintaining high nutritional values. However, when produce is grown locally by small farms taste and nutritional value are paramount in the list of important qualities. Currently, since much of the growing and collecting of produce is done by machines and packed to be shipped globally, a variety of criteria are given precedence over taste and nutrition. Commercial farmers are often concerned with issues of durableness, ease of shipping, and uniformity of size as well as how produce will look in grocery cases.

While durability and uniformity of size are important to the growers, they have little to no benefits for consumers' health. In fact, produce that has such qualities can be shipped longer distances. Thus, losing most or all of its nutritional values during the long period of transportation.

If you're looking for healthy produce, find a local fruit and vegetable stand. If possible, choose a stand located in front of a farm so you know the produce is fresh picked. Incorporating produce that is grown locally and at the height of its ripeness and, thus, its nutritional value into your diet has great health benefits including reducing the likelihood of disease and prompting weight loss.

For city-dwellers, finding a local farm with fresh produce may take some time and require some travel. However, a slow drive through the country to purchase fresh fruits and vegetable may provide some much needed rest and relaxation. But what about city-dwellers without cars, you ask? Check for a local health food shop. Many of them possess have a fresh fruits and vegetable section and the store staff can often provide information on where the produce was grown and when it was delivered.

If you have the time and space, you may want to consider growing your own fresh fruits and vegetables. Gardening allows you to be physically active while producing good, healthy food options. Of course, if you lack a green thumb, supporting local farmers is good for the community and your health.