Farmer's Market: A trend or a way of life?
1.6 million
number of family owned farms in the US
number of family owned farms in the US
16%
growth of Farmer's Markets (FM) over 2009
growth of Farmer's Markets (FM) over 2009
California, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa
the states with the most amount of FMs
the states with the most amount of FMs
4
Number of FMs in California in 1977
Number of FMs in California in 1977
590
Number of FMs in California in 2010
I want to be a farmer's market addict.
Nay, I will be a farmer's market addict.
From this point forward I will eat local, organic and from the world of the farmer's market.
(Oh, except when it's 115 degrees in the summer here and the farmer's market closes- then I will shop organic from Henry's.)
So, what do you say? Want to join me?
I know. You're feeling nervous. This is new and different and as a result- scary.
So, how does this change your shopping and cooking habits?
1. You have to know your seasons. If broccoli isn't in season- you're not having it tonight.
2. Learn how to can, preserve, dry and freeze properly so you'll have some strawberries on hand even when they're not in season.
3. Fruits and veggies are not made ginormous, without imperfections, and in abnormally vibrant colors. When you shop organic and local you're getting produce that's not treated with the chemicals that make it huge or intensely colored. Because a local farmer isn't going to throw away the fruits and veggies that aren't as 'perfect' as others, your selection will include fruit that may have nicks, may be lopsided or may not be cleaned and pruned like you're used to seeing them in the grocery stores. Call them "love marks" from your own personal farmer.
Oh my gosh, you are so fancy, having your own personal farmer!
Oh my gosh, you are so fancy, having your own personal farmer!
Let the food speak for itself!
Here is a sample dinner that Geoff and I put together from our trip to the farmer's market:
We wrapped some leftover dough from our homemade pasta the other night in a wet paper towel, covered it in plastic and used it the next night. Or you can cut it all at once and then roll into loose balls to dry and use later ( you will want to use it within a few days, and remember it only needs to cook for a few minutes).
We made angel hair pasta with spinach, tomatoes, onions, thinly chopped cauliflower in a butter and olive oil sauce. We spiced it up with some red pepper flakes and threw some kalamata olives and feta cheese on top.
So... 'Bam'!
And taste that rainbow!
Here is a sample dinner that Geoff and I put together from our trip to the farmer's market:
We wrapped some leftover dough from our homemade pasta the other night in a wet paper towel, covered it in plastic and used it the next night. Or you can cut it all at once and then roll into loose balls to dry and use later ( you will want to use it within a few days, and remember it only needs to cook for a few minutes).
We made angel hair pasta with spinach, tomatoes, onions, thinly chopped cauliflower in a butter and olive oil sauce. We spiced it up with some red pepper flakes and threw some kalamata olives and feta cheese on top.
So... 'Bam'!
And taste that rainbow!
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