Page 8 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 128

8 Issue #128 September 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

Steve Malyon
sales rep
613-314-4161

• Furnaces
• Fireplaces

• Water heaters • Patio heaters

• Construction heaters • BBQs
• Forced air heaters • Infrared

commercial heaters
• Boilers
5720 Power Dam Drive, Cornwall • 613-938-9622
Let it Grow - Friendly Farmers Markets
By Marion Dalley later summer corn. Strawberries 6. Promote humane treatment an amazing variety of produce that
only in June, peaches in August. of animals. Farmers selling to a you just don’t see in the average
he first farmers markets in Pickling cucumbers in September. local market generally provide meat, supermarket. Try an heirloom tomato,
TCanada date back to the early You are reconnecting with the eggs, and cheeses that are grown purple cauliflower, green garlic,
1800’s and have long been the heart earth, the weather, the turning of the without antibiotics or hormones. watermelon radishes, and so much
of rural Ontario. They are a friendly, seasons. The animals have grazed on green more. It is a wonderful opportunity
community-driven place to shop grass, eaten natural diets, and have to savour the biodiversity of our
3. Supporting family farmers.
for fresh produce, cheeses, meats, Farmers need your support, not been subject to unnatural, growing experiences.
and stock up on artisan-crafted cramped living conditions.
especially in this day that has large So, you see, it is not only the fresh
jams, jellies, honey, baked goods,
agribusiness dominating food 7. Know where your food foods and the artisan offerings that
craft beers, ciders, and VQA wines. production. The small farmer has comes from. Regular trips to the are gained at the farmers market, but
Discover hand-made crafts and a hard time competing in today’s farmers’ market allow you to also the knowledge, the friendships,
sometimes enjoy local buskers or marketplace. Buying directly from get to know the farmers, to have the feeling of good-will, and the
musical entertainment. the farmer gives them a better return conversations about their business satisfaction of getting the ‘best.’

Ontario’s farmers’ markets are on their investment… which is of farming. It is a great way to learn Support your local businesses and
where growers, makers, artists, considerable. different or new cooking techniques, walk away with the freshest garlic
and craftspeople gather to sell their 4. Self-nourishment. Many of get meal ideas, and get new recipes. and red beets, delicious date squares,
products and promote a sustainable, the food found in grocery stores is 8. Variety is the spice of life. or a beautiful hand-made piece of
shop-local community. jewelry.
highly processed, and grown using At the farmers market, you can find
Here are some great reasons to pesticides, hormones, antibiotics,
frequent and support your local and genetic modification. Often
farmers’ markets. fruits are waxed, or gassed, in transit.
All these practices could have a
1. The Flavours! Only the
freshest fruits and vegetables will be negative effect on our health. None
of these practices are employed by
served here. The fruits are allowed
to ripen fully in the field and are your local farmer.
brought directly to you – no picking 5. Protect the environment.
of unripe fruit, no long-distance Most of our food travels hundreds
shipping, no sitting for weeks in or thousands of miles to arrive in
storage. This is “real food!” our stores. All this shipping uses
large amounts of natural resources,
2. Seasonal. At the farmers
contributes to pollution, and creates
markets, you will only be able to
garbage with the packaging. Food
buy foods that are seasonal. It is
fresh and delicious. Shopping and at the farmers markets is generally
grown only a short distance away,
cooking from the farmers’ market
and most often grown in ways
helps to connect you with the cycles
of nature. You will look forward to that have the least impact on the
environment.
asparagus in the springtime, or the Photo Submitted