Guides
311 articles
Practical answers for buying local food, using what is in season, and making more of what comes home from the market.
What to do with squash
Squash can mean quick-cooking summer squash or longer-keeping winter squash, so the best use depends on which kind is sitting in your kitchen. These ideas cover both without overcomplicating it.
What to do with too many tomatoes
Too many ripe tomatoes is a good problem until the counter starts filling up. These are the easiest ways to use, cook, and preserve them before they split or soften.
When to pick tomatoes
Tomatoes are best picked when color, feel, and intended use line up. The perfect moment is not always the deepest possible color.
Why your produce goes bad quickly
Produce usually spoils quickly for a few repeatable reasons: too much moisture, the wrong storage zone, too much delay, or buying without a plan. Once you fix those habits, waste usually drops fast.
Are Pasture-Raised Eggs Worth the Price?
Pasture-raised eggs cost more than store-bought — but the gap in how those hens are raised, and what ends up in the egg, is larger than most people realize.
Best Local Superfoods You've Never Heard Of — Ramps, Pawpaws, Nettles, and More
The most nutritious and flavorful wild and foraged foods in the eastern United States are rarely found in grocery stores — because they can't survive the supply chain. Here's what to look for and why these hyper-local ingredients are worth seeking out.
Bulk Produce for Canning and Freezing — Is It Economical?
Buying bulk produce from local farms during peak season — for canning, freezing, and preserving — can be one of the best per-pound values in local food. Here's how the math works and where to start.
Buying a Half Cow — Costs, Cuts, and Freezer Space
Buying a half cow from a local farm can significantly reduce your per-pound cost on quality beef — but it requires understanding how pricing works, what cuts you'll receive, and how much freezer space you actually need.
Buying Local Food for One Person vs a Family of Four
The economics and logistics of buying local food look very different depending on household size. Here's how to approach local food buying whether you're shopping for yourself or feeding a family.
Buying Local Produce vs Growing Your Own — Cost, Time, and Yield
Growing your own food is rewarding and can be cost-effective for specific crops. But for most households, a combination of home growing and buying local delivers the best outcomes on cost, variety, and effort.
Can You Save Money Buying a Whole Chicken From a Farm?
A whole pastured chicken from a local farm costs more per bird than a store-bought one — but the comparison isn't straightforward. Here's how the value actually breaks down when you look at the whole picture.
Cow-Share vs Goat-Share vs Sheep-Share Dairy — What's the Difference?
Herd-share programs let you access fresh milk from dairy animals directly from a local farm. Cow, goat, and sheep shares each offer different flavor profiles, nutritional properties, and seasonal availability. Here's how to choose.