As I kid, I remember my friend Kendall’s dad getting up super early on Saturdays to go a “farmer’s market”. I wasn’t’ familiar with this term or this place that was 40 miles away; and I certainly couldn’t fathom why someone would set an alarm to wake up before the sun, to drive an hour to this ‘farmer’s market’ just because they had ‘the best tomatoes’. To an adolescent, that’d be like canceling a day of summer break to get up early to go the dentist to buy toothpaste. It didn’t make sense.
But I now know better.
Now, let’s be clear, I’m not setting my alarm for these excursions, but I do love going to farmers markets! They are social, bright, vibrant clusters of people who care about their health, their community and supporting the farmers who work so hard to grow the most deliciously wonderful food, that you cannot find in grocery stores. The produce at farmers markets really does taste BETTER! I love seeking them out when I travel. It’s a great way to explore a city and see the locals.
Usually they occur on Saturday mornings (and I may or may not be hung over) usually there is music and there are almost always SAMPLES! Don’t mind if I do!
The food is better, less expensive and it’s just a cool thing to do with your weekend!
So I encourage you to seek out markets near you and buy your produce there regularly.
(The picture here is from a market in Split, Croatia, a bit of a commute, but lovely and delicious just the same!)
Dr. Maddy Day 