How and where food is grown is important, too

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Have you ever thought about where your food comes from?

How far it has to travel to get to the store?

How healthy and safe it is?

These are all questions related to sustainability.

The production, farming techniques, waste, fossil fuels and chemical fertilizers can greatly impact our health and environment.

Sustainability focuses on production of food or other agricultural products by using farming techniques and practices that reduce the use of natural resources and have a minimal impact on the environment.

A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, by David Davis and his research team at the University of Texas, analyzed nutritional data from the

Courtesy of the Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau The Las Cruces Farmers Market is held in downtown Las Cruces.

Department of Agriculture in 1950 and 1999. Some 43 vegetables and fruits were analyzed and found to have lower levels of vitamins, minerals and protein over this time frame.

Other studies have found similar results.

An analysis done by the Kushi Institute found the average calcium level of 12 vegetables analyzed had decreased by 27 percent, vitamin A by 21 percent, iron by 37 percent and vitamin C by 30 percent from 1975 to 1997.

Overproduction, soil nutrient depletion and agricultural practices designed to improve size, growth rate and pest resistance are the main culprits.

Although there is a decrease in nutrients, it is still important to consume vegetables and fruits as they are rich sources of antioxidants and phytochemicals.

Growing your own vegetables is sustainable, economical and fun. You do not need a large yard or for that matter, a yard at all.

Many delicious veggies can be grown in small planters and herbs can easily be grown on a window ledge.

If growing in your yard, be sure to do a soil test to determine which nutrients you might be lacking so you can replenish prior to growing.

Soil tests, available at your local nursery, can help ensure your vegetables and fruits are high in nutrients.

If you are more of an "in house" grower, look for the most sunny and warm spots in the house that get at least 5-6 hours of sun during the day.

A small grow light can also be helpful. When growing in planters, it is important to make sure you have good drainage.

Fruits and vegetables that are easy to grow include carrots, garlic, greens, microgreens, scallions, tomatoes and herbs – mint, chives, basil, cilantro.

Shop in season. Those fresh strawberries we see in February naturally grow from May to June or early July. This means they are most likely grown in a greenhouse and may travel from far away to be on the supermarket shelves just in time for Valentine's Day. The transport of the produce is expensive and hard on the environment.

Additionally, vitamin C content of the berries will also start to decrease. Fresh is best for taste and nutritional content.

Focusing on purchasing foods that are available in season will help support sustainability.

To find out which fruits and vegetables are in season, along with some great planting tips, check out the New Mexico State University website at aces.nmsu.edu.

Look to purchase from local farmer's markets.

Local food is picked at its peak, so it looks and tastes better. You will also find farm products like cheeses and honey that are hand-crafted and bursting with flavor. Supporting our local farmers, ranchers and food producers not only helps to keep money in the community; it is a great way to get to know the people bringing the food to you. This gives insight into how the food was grown, if pesticides are used, seasons and the land.

Local food also promotes genetic diversity since smaller farms often grow different varieties of crops. In contrast, large-scale agricultural systems only grow plant varieties that ripen quickly, withstand harvesting, survive shipping and have a long shelf life. Well-managed farms conserve fertile soil, protect water sources and preserve open space.

In many cases, you can even go and explore the farm.

Check out the New Mexico Farmer's Marketing Association at farmersmarketsnm.org for markets throughout New Mexico.

Virginia Mathes MS, RDN, CDE, is a member of American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Source: How and where food is grown is important, too