In these times of economic uncertainty, there are predictable trends in consumer
habits. One common reaction to rising commodity prices is a cutback in purchases
of “luxury” items like fresh, local produce. Surprisingly, recent economic
research shows Honolulu is an exception to this trend.
ASTEROP, Inc., a French research company that analyzes consumer habits, found that
Honolulu residents led the nation as the top market for fresh produce. ASTEROP attributes
this to an increased interest in eating fresh, local produce.
“Our farmers’ markets remain very busy on a weekly basis,” says
Eleanor Nakama-Mitsunaga, director of Community Relations for the Hawaii Farm Bureau
Federation, which helps sponsor Hawai‘i’s farmers’ markets. “Our
customer base is very supportive of buying local.”
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is an essential part of a healthful, wholesome
lifestyle. When shopping for produce, remember these tips:
- Go for vegetables with bright colors, which signal that they have an extra kick
of phytonutrients.
- When choosing salad, pick dark, leafy vegetables; they have more vitamins and minerals
than pale alternatives like iceberg lettuce.
- Eat vegetables raw, as opposed to cooking them, to retain more of their vitamins.
- Don’t forget the “5 fruits and vegetables a day” adage, with a
6-ounce glass of juice or a cup of lettuce equivalent to one serving.
Find the nearest farmers’ market on the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture’s
website.