What would you prefer? A fresh, just plucked apple? Or a week old apple? Of course you’ll prefer the freshest? But what if one would be significantly more expensive than the other? Maybe 12 to 25% percent more expensive? Then you’d be a little more hesitant right?
Well if you have the money, then go ahead. Support local business, go organic. Make yourself feel better. But not because the food you’re eating is healthier, but because there’s a certain satisfaction you get once you’ve purchased something that makes you feel like you’re helping. Or you know, just helping in general makes you feel good. That’s why sometimes we prefer locally grown than other types of food, because of the moral satisfaction it brings already included in the purchase. It’s one of those few things that money can apparently buy now, although not without its downsides, like everything in life.
Seasons vs Variety
You are only limited to what’s available in that certain season and maybe there’s only corn for those next 2 months. Maybe it’s strawberries! Of course it doesn’t really matter if you’re in it just for helping your community out, right? And I’m not saying it’s bad to do it just for the moral pleasure of it. It’s just that when it isn’t, it feels like a little careless. Because there’s a lot of things involved you can’t just say this is good, or this is bad. We’re selfish beings by nature and it’s hard to correct what you’ve never touched before, or when it hurts our wallet. Nowadays that we’re used to so much commodities, the first time that we switch it really feels like something unnatural. Going to a restaurant that serves fresh and local produce can prove very costly and they often presume of being better than conventionally grown foods.
Who’s to blame? You like what you like all year round and what love to have it when your stomach asks for it, but it’s unfair to be angry at restaurants for not having it just because they’re not in the season. It’s dog eats dog world and the implications mean that sometimes you have to sacrifice some things for another and every business owner knows that well. You can be a good restaurant with a wide variety of foods, or a good restaurant with a limited amount of foods. It’s your decision who you want to support and you shouldn’t feel guilty for choosing one over the other.
Do what you want, to hell with (some) Moral Standards!
If you’re going to eat something it should be something you like, without feeling the remorse of supporting one thing. Sometimes fresh means expensive, sometimes it means sacrificing some commodities and if you’re a person that’s ok with that, then great! If you’re just not feeling it in your stomach or in the purse then steer clear and realize that it’s ok to be wrong sometimes and that you’re in control. So go crazy! Or don’t! I’m an article stating an opinion, not your Dad, or even your friend!