For most people, buying fruits and vegetables is just a typical part of grocery shopping. But what kind of produce are you really getting? Certainly it’s sanitary, and it’s displayed to look appealing, but could there be produce that is better tasting and more nutritious?

Have you ever stopped to think where that rainbow of fruits and vegetables at the supermarket comes from? While some types of produce may be indigenous to your region, so many fruits and vegetables today are shipped from hundreds or even thousands of miles away. It’s natural to eat vegetables and fruit…but is it natural for them to be flown in from South America?

You can change that – and start shopping in your own latitude - by shopping locally. No matter where you live in the country, there are certain fruits and vegetables that are grown in your area that are more delicious and fresh than you could ever buy in the supermarket. The bonus in finding these foods in your city or town is that you can enjoy the unique bounty of your geographic location while also supporting local farms.

Check community bulletin boards and other resources like the Internet to see where local farmers markets are held. Locally grown produce is fresher so it tastes better. Local farmers are able to plant delicate, better-tasting varieties because their produce doesn’t have to withstand long-distance shipping. Take advantage of roadside fruit stands and tailgate markets (parking lots that are temporarily transformed into commerce areas). Ask questions about where the food is grown. Get to know the varieties of produce that are grown near you.

You can hand pick your own produce by seeking out local orchards, berry farms and pumpkin patches. Here you can get your fruits, veggies and a little exercise, too, because many farms will let you do the harvesting yourself. Go ahead and pick a whole bushel. Many fruits are easy to freeze, like juicy summer berries. Crisp fall apples will keep all winter if stored in a cool corner of your basement.

The best local produce of all, however, comes from your own garden. Why not devote a patch of yard to planting one this season? Even growing a tiny herb garden in your kitchen window will give you fragrant herbs to cook with. If you don’t have space to garden, connect with a community garden. There are over 18,000 in North America where individual members work their own plots. You can look on the Internet for one in your area or contact the American Community Gardening Association.

Finding fresh, local, delicious fruits and vegetables can be as easy as wandering through your local farmer’s market – or even just picking them out of your backyard. When it comes to your health and nutrition, these locally grown gems are a must. In addition, you also help support local farmers, and your community in general, which is good for everyone.