Hello hello, and welcome to Season 2 of Life On the Brink!
Today we have a beautiful springtime episode that is perfect for soaking up the absolute best of the season. Naturally, I'm talking about the food, as the best of any season has a lot to do with food, in my opinion. And right now as we're relishing in the delights of springtime, there's something quite lovely that comes to mind whenever I think of this time of year. We're talking about farmer's markets.
I love the farmers market. There are a few that I frequent here in my hometown, and I also love exploring local markets whenever I travel. I think we can all agree that they offer such wonderful experiences, but how often do we make it part of our regular routine?
Whether you frequent your local market every week, or maybe treat it as a once-a-year experience, or are completely unfamiliar, this episode is for you.
I truly believe that one of the best ways to enjoy these spring and summer month is to be a part of your local farmer's market wherever you are. It is such a delight, and today we'll discover how and why.
What's in my teacup? I'm drinking this loose-leaf blend in combination with a vanilla rooibos tea. It's basically like a lavender vanilla earl grey and it's divine.
One thing I found very interesting during this past year is the fact that even during the tightest of lockdowns, here in Virginia farmer's markets were deemed essential. They were so needed in order for our lives and society to continue. I think that speaks to just how important they are to all of us, and even though they've looked a little different, these markets simply had to be a part of our lives.
Another interesting thought to ponder is the fact that in certain parts of the world, going to market is a daily ritual. You basically shop for what you need that day, then return the following day for more fresh ingredients. Everything is local, everything is fresh. It's a different pace of living and may seem foreign to you or me, but why not try to make even a weekly trip something to look forward to and embrace?
What can you find at a farmer's market?
-first and foremost, lots of local produce and herbs
-usually fresh bread, honey, cheese, or eggs,
-sometimes meat, milk, fresh pasta,
-specialty items like pickles, tea and kombucha, specialty sweets or bakeries
-even home decor, houseplants, and fresh flowers
So without further ado, here are my...
10 LOVELY REASONS TO SHOP AT YOUR LOCAL FARMER'S MARKET
1. The product is fresher. What might take a few days to travel to a grocery store can instead be picked or baked the very day that you take it home with you.
2. You can know exactly what goes into your food. Most farmers will specify if their crops are organic or non GMO, but you also have access to the growers right in front of you as you're shopping. How cool is that
3. Let's be real, it just tastes better. Nothing beats a summer, vine-ripened, market tomato. You're getting delicious fruits and vegetables that are picked at the absolute peak of ripeness, and I think the difference is worth it.
4. You can support your local economy, which we have re-discovered the importance of in the past year, as well as your local farmers, a profession that grows more difficult with each passing year.
5. Likewise, local produce creates less fossil fuels in transit and requires far less food packaging than traditional agriculture
6. Oftentimes the produce will be less expensive than what you can find in a store. Sometimes when you start looking at breads and meats and such, prices can go up. But considering the quality of the product, you still end up getting a great deal in the end.
7. You can learn more about where your food comes from. In the same way that gardening has taught me more about my food, you can also learn so much just by browsing a local farmer's market. It's easy to run into things that you might not have even heard of.
8. You also learn more about eating in season, yay! Buying from a farmer's market means having access only to what is perfectly in season, ready to eat. I find that, not only does seasonal eating taste more delicious, but the ingredients provide our bodies with what they need during that season. I can't speak enough about seasonal eating, and what better way
to enjoy shopping for it?
9. It's a social gathering. As things continue to open back up, and we all have a renewed sense of appreciation for social gatherings, let me just say that the atmosphere of a farmer's market is one of my favorites. Everyone is able to enjoy themselves in the simplest of activities, oftentimes relishing in the outdoor air and in each other's company.
10. You can learn cooking tips and recipe ideas, whether by a "chef's tent" (sometimes a restaurant or cooking school will shop at a market and set up a booth where they can cook and demo) or by talking with the growers, artisans, or fellow shoppers at your farmer's market. All around, it's a win for everyone.
Are you quite convinced yet? I hope by now you're prepping your tote bag or basket, ready to check out your local market, but in case you need a bit more inspiration, check out these 5 recipes. I have made each one and can attest to their ease and absolute revelations of flavor. They're perfectly simple, highlighting the natural flavors of your market ingredients and letting them shine.
Simple Market Recipes:
I'll just say it...YUM. If you give any of these a try, please let me know!
There are truly so many recipes that you can make that highlight the beauty of local seasonal produce, and that produce is most easily found at your farmers market! It's going to be fresh, it's going to be high quality, and it's going to be delicious.
With that, you are now fully stocked and prepared to scour your city for farmer's markets. Trust me, it's one of the many delights that this season holds, and I so hope you are able to uncover a love for it as I have.
-This is a nifty website where you can find farmer's markets near you (U.S. only). Just type in your zip code and try one out!
-Here's a lovely Youtube tutorial on how to crochet your own market bag. I usually use my picnic basket, but I might just have to give this one a try cause it's so dang cute.
This Week's Little Joy: One of the last times I went to my favorite farmer's market in Colonial Williamsburg, I visited my favorite produce stall. They always have the best quality and best prices, I just love them. Anyway, I've often heard the growers at this stall talking to each other in Spanish, but sometimes it takes me a minute to gain the courage to speak in Spanish to native speakers, for fear of not understanding what they'll say next.
But this time I tried it and it was successful! Our whole transaction was in Spanish, they simply flipped a switch and spoke to me as they would to any other guest, just in a different language. It was a small interaction, but was such a fun moment for me!
What I’m Listening To: This album by Gypsy Jazz Caravan is kind of associated with outdoor markets for me, it just sounds like something you'd hear while strolling through aisles of produce, don't you think? I've loved this album for a long time, and think you will to!
If you'd like to learn more about gypsy jazz, it's history and it's characteristic sound,
Thank you so much for listening, friends, and until next time, have a lovely week and happy marketing!
Bye!
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