Living in a globalized world its hard to find food grown in the same country. Farmers markets are the best way to assure your food is grown locally instead of imported from far away. Not only are you supporting local farmers but also your health and pocket book. Some people may find that shopping at the grocery store in Costa Rica doesn't mean finding the best local ingredients nor finding the cheapest options. Farmers markets are the best way to find the freshest, cost effective, local and organic products including fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses.
Tips:
Google Farmer's Markets in your area or ask around the local community.
Bring your reusable bag.
Ask to try fruits you have never seen or heard of.
Tropical Fruits of Costa Rica:
Passion Fruit - Maracuya: rich source of antioxidants and contains a large range of vitamins and plant compounds beneficial to your health.
Papaya-loaded with nutrients and antioxidants; has anticancer properties and can improve heart health; great for digestion and also fights inflammation.
Rumbutan-Mamon Chino: high in vitamin C, and also contains the trace element of copper which is important for brain function and skin and bone health.
Mangosteen: high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate; positive impact on brain, digestive, and heart health.
Soursop-Guanabana: high in antioxidants; anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties; fights cancer cells as well as infection.
Starfruit- Carambola: packed with vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants.
Mango- high in antioxidants; also contains copper, calcium, and iron.
Gooseberry-Uchuvas: powerful antioxidants and high in fiber which makes it benefial to the heart.
Avocados- nutrient rich containing vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium; high in omega 3 fatty acids.
