Making and Eating Nice Food

Eating in restaurants which use locally sourced foods is becoming increasingly popular. However, this isn't just a trendy thing for hipster and young people. Eating locally sourced foods at a restaurant has a number of benefits. Read on to find out more.

Smaller carbon footprint

A carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon which is released from fossil fuels in order to produce and transport a product from farm to plate. If you eat at restaurants which serve imported foods, these dishes are likely to have a very large carbon footprint as the ingredients will have been transported many thousands of miles by boat, plane or truck. However, locally sourced foods have a much smaller carbon footprint as they often only travel a few miles from farm to plate. By eating locally sourced dishes, you can help to protect the environment.

Better quality

Many imported foods are chilled or frozen and then stored for long periods of time before they reach the restaurant's kitchen. The process of chilling food and storing it can cause some of the nutrients and flavours to be lost. Locally sourced food is more likely to contain higher levels of vitamins and minerals, and will typically taste better than imported food which has been processed or frozen.

Better biodiversity

By eating locally sourced food, you can help to support the hardworking Australian farmers who strive to supply high-quality produce. Supporting farmers also means that the biodiversity of your local environment will be improved, as there will be more farmers planning different types of crop.

Improved sense of community

If you visit restaurants which serve locally sourced steak or vegetables, you are much more likely to appreciate the different members of your community. The next time you see the farmer, you may wish to say hello. Knowing that you are one thread in a complex pattern can help to create feelings of contentment and belonging.

Improved local economy

When you spend money on locally sourced food at a restaurant, you are directly supporting two local businesses - the restaurant and the farm. This is much better than eating imported food at a large chain restaurant, where the money you spend goes to a large multi-national company. By eating local food, you keep the money in the local community and create jobs.

So, what are you waiting for? Book a table at a restaurant which uses locally sourced ingredients, such as a locally sourced steakhouse.