[Stock photo. No actual veggies were harmed in the making of this post.]
You know what's great about this time of year?
Farm stands.*
I love 'em. I always feel good buying produce from a farm stand. Whether it's true or not, I have the belief that a) I am supporting local farmers and b) I am buying something "less processed" and fresher than I could get at the grocery store. I don't really know if either of those things are true but I do so very much want to believe.
I was at a farm stand in Virginia last week that had a "Local Produce" sign up and they had mangoes for sale. In Virginia. In May. I'm not sure why I added the "In May" part. Like maybe it would be more realistic to see Virginia mangoes in August or February. Er, no. Mangoes don't grow here. (Hothouse mangoes?)
So, maybe all the produce wasn't local. But isn't 'local' relative? At what point does local become non-local? Do you go by area code? What about the global community? Can't we all just get along?
So, we got some yellow squash and strawberries and asparagus (asparagi?) and it was a good thing. Good, I tell you. Tasted good and it just felt good, dagnammit.
And it got me thinking about the things you hear at farm stands that you might not hear other places:
"Check out those melons!"
"Put your face in there and smell..."
"Look at the size of that one!"
:)
Happy weekend, People!
* No, this blog has not been hijacked. I know I've been exceedingly whiny lately but I can actually be appreciative once in a while, too.**
** Nuh-HUHHHhhhh!
15 May 2009
"I'm movin' to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches" --Presidents of the United States of America
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17 comments:
It's too early for local squash also. Where is this "Farm stand?" I want to go there and mock them in person.
Too early for any kind of local produce around here. I'm just NOW planting my green beans.
How were the strawberries, though? It's the beginning of berry season! (Yes, I'm a dork. But, I also used to work in a produce market. We *had* to know fruit/veggie seasons.)
"Put your face in there and smell..."
That line works everywhere.
Not only do I love the Farmer's Market for the produce, but for the people watching experience.
Last year, I had the pleasure of watching one patron ask the farmer (whatever you'd call them) if she could cook the vegetables for her since she always buys take out.
She was under the delusion that the farmer would cave and magically whip out a stove and cook her a fabulous dish.
As you know, I always say, life is too short...LOL
You got me thinking though about bringing fruit across the Canadian border into the US, I feel a post coming on, just have to put my face in there and smell...first!
Even if they are selling things that were trucked in from Florida or wherever, I still like the idea that I'm buying from a person with a farm stand in front of their farm. It's a nice fantasy and sometimes it's even real.
"Check out those melons!"
"Put your face in there and smell..."
"Look at the size of that one!"
Was it a "Farm" Stand or a "Farmer" Stand?
I'm with LMB on the people watching. It's one of the reasons I want to live near Eastern Market next time we move, for reals.
In LA, we have farm in a truck.
Its as glorious as it sounds.
I suddenly have the urge to go stick my face some place.
The great thing about farmer's market and farm stand stuff is that it not only tastes better, it usually lasts longer too.
Not to mention the abundance of lovely farm-grown melons!
You are completely right, Alex. I love Farmers Market.
Don't forget about the cherries! I had my first batch from the farmers' market this week. Utterly delightful! Yeah summer!
Herb of DC: I'm not good with specifics 'cause I don't remember 'em. Somewhere between here and Chincoteague, VA.
Kate: Can you make mine almondine?
Liebchen: They were very packed with berry-goodness but not as sweet as I would have liked.
f.B: It certainly should.
Little Ms. Blogger: Million dollar idea if they could pull it off.
fiona: Are you smuggling fruit again?
Cyndy: Same here.
Bob: Guess I need to check my urban dictionary.
LiLu: People, they're the funniest.
Rs27: It does sound glamorous!
Mike: I hope you had a good time.
Alex: Time to market vs. preservatives. I'll take time to market any day.
Kostenlos Zeitung: Willkommen!
emma: Ooo, now I gotta get me some cherries!
Soon strawberries will be at these roadside farm stands. There is a wonderful lady who sells, along with the fruit/veggie du jour, homemade, freshly baked oatmeal cookies loaded with either strawberries or peaches. It is impossible stop after eating just one. In your mouth, the oatmeal, buttery mix dissolves like cotton candy with a sweetness that is heavenly.
G: Strawberry oatmeal cookies? Peach oatmeal cookies? Sounds incredible!
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