Washivores are those who eat Washington food, so if you live in the Evergreen state, chances are you’re already one. Why? Because Washington grows over 300 different kinds of fruits, vegetables and seeds!
Surely you know we’re the top apple grower in the United States, but did you know Washington also leads the nation in the production of mint oil? Or that Washington grows more sweet cherries than any other state?
For more eye-opening facts, cool recipes, useful resources and much more, visit the Washivore website, which also features a different crop every month; take a look at the washivore year in review:
Dec 2013 – WHEAT
Nov 2013 – GREEN BEANS
Oct 2013 – HOPS
Sep 2013 – SWEET CORN
Aug 2013 – POTATOES
Jul 2013 – BLUEBERRIES
Jun 2013 – CHERRIES
May 2013 – ASPARAGUS
April 2013 – TULIPS & BULBS
Mar 2013 – NURSERIES & GREENHOUSES
Feb 2013 – FROZEN VEGETABLES
Jan 2013 – MINT
It makes sense to learn more about the Washington-grown products that reach your table and to know you’re supporting our state’s 39,000 farms, 95 percent of which are family owned and operated. Washington’s $38 billion food and agriculture industry contributes 12 percent to the state’s economy and employs 160,000 people, making agriculture the largest employer in our state.
Here’s another reason you might want to become a well-informed washivore this year: According to a study by the University of Scranton, 21 percent of Americans resolve to lose weight at the start of a new year, and 7 percent say they want to eat healthier. This makes shedding pounds the top New Year’s resolution, and healthier eating the 5th most popular. But we all know you can’t successfully lose weight unless you adopt healthier eating habits, so they actually go hand in hand. Becoming a washivore will enable you to make better choices, eat locally-grown fruits and vegetables, and reduce your waistline!