The farmer's market was, as always, so fun! I love going there! It's a community of people committed to locally grown and produced foods and everyone is eager to share their knowledge, product reviews, and whatever else. Just standing in line, I had great recommendations for one farmer's pork chops and for the tamales made by a local lady. I'm not a "regular" and really consider myself a newbie to the whole concept of local food; so, I don't have much to offer in the way of opinions or knowledge but I hope that I can become a seasoned veteran over the years. :)
This week, I went specifically for breakfast meat (1 lb. bacon at $5/lb. and 1 lb. sausage at $3.50/lb. - I think this is fairly comparable to full-price store cost but I think the quality is far superior!) and eggnog (a HUGE splurge at $4.50/quart but totally worth it!). I, of course, had to look around at each booth, though. So, I also bought a lime radish and a watermelon radish at $1/lb. which I will use for a salad tonight, 1 turnip at $1.50/lb., and 1 doz. eggs at $3/doz.
I've never tried the radishes so I'm looking forward to expanding my vegetable palate. :) I'm not crazy about turnips but plan to use them in something or possibly just make a roasted root vegetable side dish - I'm trying to incorporate some seasonal, local foods into our menus.
This week, I went specifically for breakfast meat (1 lb. bacon at $5/lb. and 1 lb. sausage at $3.50/lb. - I think this is fairly comparable to full-price store cost but I think the quality is far superior!) and eggnog (a HUGE splurge at $4.50/quart but totally worth it!). I, of course, had to look around at each booth, though. So, I also bought a lime radish and a watermelon radish at $1/lb. which I will use for a salad tonight, 1 turnip at $1.50/lb., and 1 doz. eggs at $3/doz.
I've never tried the radishes so I'm looking forward to expanding my vegetable palate. :) I'm not crazy about turnips but plan to use them in something or possibly just make a roasted root vegetable side dish - I'm trying to incorporate some seasonal, local foods into our menus.
They had many other products - vegetables (onions, potatoes, spinach, and others), apples, honey, baked goods, chili peppers, pork, chicken, beef, cheese, and other dairy products. I've found that prices totally depend on the booth and even within a booth, some things will seem more reasonable then others - in my humble opinion. It's also best to get there as close to 9am as possible since some offerings go fast!
We are committed to patronizing local farmer's as much as we possibly can - it's been easier said than done but we've found it so rewarding! We do it for environmental reasons, business reasons (as in supporting local business), and for the health benefits of fresh food!
For a list of the farmer's market participants and their products, click here.
We are committed to patronizing local farmer's as much as we possibly can - it's been easier said than done but we've found it so rewarding! We do it for environmental reasons, business reasons (as in supporting local business), and for the health benefits of fresh food!
For a list of the farmer's market participants and their products, click here.
2 comments:
I love the farmers markets too. The quaility is far superior to the grocery store. Up in Lake Tahoe where I live our is only from May to Oct, so I'm envious that yours is still going on.
I love going to farmer's markets, but most of the west side ones seem to be done for the season. Locally grown organic food is becoming increasingly important to me, for all the reasons you listed. Yes, it is often more expensive (although sometimes comparable to full price in some stores), but often times you get what you pay for! The big area I want to go totally organic in, but haven't yet, is meat.
It has been almost a year since I've been to Traders Point Creamery, but I love it there. Saturday mornings are very busy for me, but I'll have to check it out sometime. Thanks for the tip!
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