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Consider the Farmer’s Market...

Spring is finally here, brining the return of so many lovely things: songbirds, T-shirt weather, and perhaps best of all: the re-opening of our local Farmer’s Market.

The fact that I will actually get up early and head across town on a Saturday morning is a testimony to the draw of the Farmer’s Market. It’s just that it’s so much fun! Not only are there local farmers selling beautiful produce that they harvested just that morning; there are also performers (ranging from musicians to clowns to storytellers), and other vendors with wares ranging from soy candles to fresh bread to clothing. And did I mention the free samples??

Although I feel good when I go into the grocery store and reach for the organic pasta or tomato sauce, you really just can’t beat buying locally grown food. It’s tasty, it’s fresh, and it’s a good deal for all concerned: you can buy the food you want in the quantity that you want, so there’s less spoilage than having to buy a whole bag of something you only want one of. The prices are generally very reasonable - about the same or often less than what you’d pay at the local grocery store - and the growers will sometimes even haggle with you for a better deal (especially if you go later in the day - the selection may not be as good as the first crop of the morning, but the farmers are eager to sell their goods cheap rather than take them back home).

You even help out other people who aren’t local. Consider this tidbit from newdream.org: "Buying local food not only helps local farmers thrive, it reduces energy consumption. Estimates on how long the average food travels from pasture to plate range from 1200 to 2500 miles. A lot of energy is expended freezing, refrigerating, and trucking that food around. Eating locally grown food means less fossil fuel burned in preparation and transport." If you think about it, this also means that, by going to my local farmer’s market, I’m helping to reduce traffic congestion (something that NO-bunny likes to deal with these days)!

But perhaps the best thing about shopping at the Farmer’s Market is that you get to talk to the growers themselves. They are a wonderful source of information, whether you have questions about the food that you’re buying, or the weather you’ve been experiencing recently (and they’re just generally wonderful people). If you like, you can ask about what unique traits the food possesses, or the best way to prepare it. Growers are a great source for recipes and food pairing suggestions (chances are, if they’re growing it, they're also eating it at home). Last year I found a new variety of squash on a grower’s table that I wanted to take home, but I had no idea what to do with it. The grower gave me easy, personalized instructions on the spot. I bought the squash, fried it up, and that evening we had a new taste adventure! (Oh yea - the fun of going to the Farmer’s Market definitely doesn’t stop once you come home from the Market - it’s just the beginning!)

So, where you can find out information about Farmers Markets in your area? The local paper is a good place to start - often there will be listings in the calendar or events section. I also recommend you check out localharvest.org for resources. Enter your zip code and this friendly site offers information not only on Farmers Markets in your area, but also on restaurants and grocery stores that support local growers, and Farm Subscriptions (Community Supported Agriculture or CSA’s). You can also learn more about particular foods by clicking on "Products" and then clicking on a specific food. (For example, I just learned that strawberries contain more Vitamin C than citrus fruit, and can be used to make a reviving facial masque - and to think I just ate them on shortcake!)

Spring is the perfect time to get out and have a food adventure. A local market may be closer than you think! Good luck and happy shopping!

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