If the produce found at the grocery store has you feeling underwhelmed, disappointed, and frustrated, you’re not alone. One solution is to grow whatever you can at home, even if it’s just a few herbs!

If you prefer video, watch the full episode 9 YouTube video version.

If the produce found at the grocery store has you feeling underwhelmed, disappointed, and frustrated, you’re not alone.  One solution is to grow whatever you can at home, even if it’s just a few herbs!

After several frustrating experiences with store-bought tomatoes, eggplants, and basil we felt the need to vent a bit!

Tara and I took some time to air our grievances concerning grocery store vegetables and offer a few solutions on how to get the best produce you can find.

Growing your own produce

The best solution, and also the most time-consuming is to grow your own. 

The act of gardening, from getting your hands in the soil, to harvesting your fruit and vegetables, can be extremely beneficial. 

Not only does it help you avoid trips to the grocery store, it can help provide a sense of accomplishment, and may have physiological and psychological benefits according to a few studies from the University of Colorado and Texas A&M. 

But a garden is not something you have, it’s something you do. It requires commitment, constant nurturing, and space, so we realize it’s not optimal for everyone.  

The next best thing to growing your own produce is to visit a local farmer’s market where you’re likely to find produce that was grown locally and didn’t sit on a shipping container for weeks.

In this episode, I share a few ideas for those looking to start a garden, whether it be in their backyard, or small potted herbs in your home, and answer a few listener questions related to gardening, barbecue, and my top picks for Long Island restaurants.

Resources

Pesto alla Trapanese

Pesto alla Genovese

Pasta alla Norma

Stuffed Eggplant

Texas A&M article

University of CO article

Permaculture College of Australia article

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