Are you wondering how to be a localvore? A localvore is someone who focuses on eating foods that are grown in your immediate area. The food is fresher and tastier when taken from local sources. Not only that, but it has a positive effect on the environment and the local economy.

As it turns out, being a localvore essentially puts you in a situation where you're eating like someone from the Mediterranean. That is a diet that focuses on eating with the seasons - and they do it well. So, to derive my inspiration for this article, I decided to use the Mediterranean diet as my muse.

Food simply tastes better when grown by local farmers. This concept is the cornerstone behind Mediterranean cuisines from countries such as Italy, Greece, France and Spain. But, you don't need to get exotic ingredients to prepare foods with the same spirit. In fact, adopting these diet principals requires that you become a localvore. Here's how you do it:

YOUR FAVORITE FOODS

What are your favorite foods? You should definitely start with those when looking for local sources. Mine are ripe summer watermelon, summer tomatoes, and spring asparagus and artichokes. When I visited Greece, the waiters would bring over plates of ripe watermelon after our meal, on the house. Seasonal eating has given me some of my most memorable food memories.

Although most of these foods are available year round in most places, it is still possible to eat seasonally. However if we want to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and Mediterranean food the way its supposed to be prepared, you really need to eat seasonally. In fact, every type of cuisine can get a face lift when using the freshest ingredients possible.

THE GROWING SEASON

What is the growing season in your area? If you are going to become a localvore, you need to know what's available locally and when. For instance, asparagus usually comes out early in the growing season. If you know the schedule, you can plan your meals accordingly.

For example, Spring calls for the addition of bitter foods such as artichokes, dandelion greens, and asparagus. Summer is best enjoyed with cool soups such as gazpacho, sangria, and salads. Fall's treats include chestnuts and squash, and winter calls for hotter foods such as stews and soups.

FARM STANDS AND FARMER'S MARKETS

As our desire to became localvores increases and we decide to live a "greener" lifestyle, farm stands and farmer's markets are increasing in popularity. Ask around to find out the best farm stands and markets in your area. Visit them often. As you do, you'll begin to find your favorites.

Going to these markets and farm stands allows you to purchase the produce right from the grower. You can also find some interesting varieties of produce that can be fun to experiment. This not only makes you a localvore, but it also enhances your culinary skills.

GROW YOUR OWN

If you have the space, you may want to consider growing your own fruits and vegetables. This can be a rich and rewarding experience. Also, you can't get anymore local than your own backyard! Have you ever had a tomato fresh off the vine? It's delicious and definitely worth the effort. Don't be discouraged if your garden didn't turn out as well as you hoped the first year. Trust me, it gets better.

Also, be sure to practice organic gardening. This enhances the quality of your food. Not to mention the fact that it saves money. Organic produce usually costs more than their non-organic cousins.

A localvore is someone who simply gets the bulk of their food supply from local sources. This enhances the quality of your diet and your life. It also helps the local economy and is much better for the environment.

Learn more about this author, Katherine Huether.
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