For a somewhat contrarian view, most Americans who shop at these places may claim to want authenticity and variety, but probably ignore the authenticity and variety of what local farmers grow. How many buy radishes, turnips, and cabbage from nearby farms, let alone stinging nettles, fiddlehead ferns, or less common plants that grow nearby (I'm writing in New York City, not sure what grows near you)? The U.S. used to grow thousands of varieties of cabbage. Most Americans probably eat two or three a year.

Most of the products the article describes, though not all, are ultraprocessed and packaged for indefinite shelf life and global shipping.

I'm all for variety and experiencing other cultures, so nothing against these stores, but I hope people look nearby to find healthy, affordable, local basic foods too. Their farmers, environment, and taste buds will thank them.