Buy Local, Buy Seasonally . . .

This is one thing that I've really tried to do for the past few years. I don't always do it (I would have to preserve enough food to live through November through April. A great goal, but I'm not there yet.) But I do try and buy as much as I can, especially once the growing season starts. And I am excited to say that Illinois finally has some crops that are available. I buy my local, seasonal food primarily at our local farmer's market, but I also buy some at Naturally Yours grocery store.

According to the Sustainable Table website, the following foods are available in early May in Illinois:

• Asparagus
• Cabbage
• Cherries
• Greens
• Leeks
• Lettuce
• Onions
• Peas
• Radishes
• Rhubarb
• Spinach
• Sprouts
• Squash
• Strawberries