How to Find Local Florida Products When Grocery Shopping Online
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Growing up in Florida, Justin Timineri often accompanied his grandmother to a U-pick farm, where they gathered fresh corn to cook for dinner.
“It was absolutely delicious,” recalls Timineri, Executive Chef and Culinary Ambassador for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
But the treasured childhood memory doesn’t end there.
“I’d wake up the next morning to the smell of my grandmother making sweet corn fritters for breakfast with cane syrup, and I’d just be super, super excited,” Timineri says. “Not only was she buying fresh produce right from the farm and then cooking it that night, she was also making sure to serve the leftovers.”
This early influence paved the way for his career as a chef.
“Looking back on all of those kinds of things that she did, that’s really where I think I got a lot of my inspiration to become a lover of food and to end up being a food professional. She was a phenomenal cook,” Timineri says.
See more: Why You Should Join the “Fresh From Florida” Club
These days, Timineri travels the state, showcases Florida ingredients in recipes, and provides consumers tips on how to serve and preserve food.
So, what is it about local food that makes it taste so good? For one thing, it’s fresher because it hasn’t traveled far or sat in a store for a long time. It’s also in season, sold at the peak of flavor, and full of natural sugars and nutrients.
“The closer you eat to the vine, the better. This is especially true for corn because it starts losing sugars pretty rapidly after it comes off the stalk,” he says, recalling his boyhood visits to the U-pick farm.
Chef Justin Offers These Tips for Buying and Using Fresh, Local Foods
Know Shat’s in Season
See the handy seasonal chart at FreshFromFlorida.com.
Support Local Growers
Ask where products are headed – neighborhood grocers, farmers markets or elsewhere? Get to know your seafood suppliers, too. “Seafood changes and has its seasons,” Timineri says. “Make sure you’re getting the freshest, most delicious product and have a good plan for it.”
“The closer you eat to the vine, the better.”
– Justin Timineri, FDACS Executive Chef and Culinary Ambassador
Store Fresh Food Properly and Use All of It
“Have a plan to use food in its entirety so there’s no waste,” Timineri advises. “And then showcase that in a simple, fresh recipe that is not only going to be delicious and satisfying, but healthy.”
And while you’re enjoying the fruits of someone else’s labor, remember Florida farmers and support them when you can.
Turn the page for recipes from Chef Justin. Visit FreshFromFlorida.com for recipes and additional information or to join the “Fresh From Florida” Club.
See more: “Fresh From Florida” Products Highlight Florida-Grown Ingredients
Chef Justin Shares His Top Tips for Finding Local Florida Restaurants
Check Out Local Blogs and Groups
“Blogs have been really helpful because I’m not necessarily looking for paid advertisements,” Timineri says. “I’m looking for the everyday person who loves food.”
Be on the Lookout for Mom-and-Pop Eateries
Search out the hidden gems where the locals go. “I want to go to the places that employ local chefs who are interested in using and showcasing local products,” Timineri says. “And when I’m in larger cities, I try to look for food and restaurants that are maybe away from the main attractions.”
Ask the Locals
Don’t ask “What do you recommend?” but “Where do you go?”
Read Menus
Once you dial in a few potential eateries to visit, check out the menus and descriptions of dishes.
Pay Attention to Vegetables and Other Sides
In addition to the proteins, take a look at the other side dishes offered. “That’s how I can tell if they’re taking pride and craftsmanship in purchasing local stuff,” Timineri says.