Go To Your Famers Markets And Buy Something

(Photo from CountryBlooms.org of a vender at Otsiningo's Market in Broome County, NY)

Many countries actually don't understand the US farmer's markets. They have local markets where they buy their food nearly every day, so of course the food is local, of course it's organic!

A college room mate of mine talked of life back in South Korea where an apple weighed a pound and the family would share it as dessert after dinner. The size of the apple is as foreign as the concept of sharing. But that is how the American culture has evolved. Even apples are mass produced and thinned to achieve the ideal single servince size. The big, small or "ugly" ones are tossed aside to be processed into something similar to apples.

Did you know "Ugly" tomatoes can not be shipped out of the state of FL? It's law! They taste the best, but don't conform to modern standards, so can only be used within the state. Go figure!

And yet, we wonder why our nutrition is poor and we dislike vegetables. How many children have had truly fresh vegetables? Or nearly grown in their own back yard? They think vegetables are found in cans, jars, pouches thrown into the microwave or as dried bits in instant soups. We have more than 1 generation of people in this ocuntry that has no gardening experience. How sad is that?

Well, rather than starting a garden, go to a local market. Go to Local Harvest - to find a Farmer's Market near you. Start buying some of your vegetables there. You will discover what spinach or beets or string beans or tomatoes are really supposed to taste like! The vegetables will be far more nutritious than anything you find in the stores - even Whole Foods! Remember - the deeper the color, the more nutritious it is.

When you discover the flavor and the nutrition - you *will* feel better - you'll not want the compost they sell as vegetables in the frozen food aisle at the grocery. You'll want this quality all year. That means you just might have to preserve them for yourself! It's easy, we've been doing it for generations. All you need to do is talk to the growers and negotiate for a bulk price. It will end up costing you less than grocery store prices, will use less energy to preserve than the industrial vegetables, and will be better for you.

You will discover what a bean looks like, what a beet looks like, what a *real* tomato looks like.

You will discover different ways of using those vegetables and fruits. If you ask the growers, they'll share their favorite recipes with you.

I had no clue summer squash was so versatile until I had a bumper crop beyond compare. A little research online and I froze 3 gallons to use throughout the winter - it was delicious!

Here's one my family loves! It's good old fashioned farm food - using ingredients common to most farms from pre WWII. It's the perfect spring and summer dinner.

Peas, Potatoes and Milk

Dice your potatoes to the size of peas. Cook with equal amount peas until almost soft. Drain.
Add milk. Heat to boiling. Add butter, salt, pepper.

Spoon over fresh white bread, enough so the milk soaks the bread - usually in a shallow soup bowl. Eat with fork or spoon.

You can do this with chopped string beans as well, for an equally delicious and nutritious meal.
If you want, add some chopped summer squash to the mix, after the beans and potatoes have cooked about half way.

You won't find this simple, yet delicious recipe in any cookbook. Which is why you must get to know the sellers at the farmers market. Go! Shop! Eat well! Support local farmers! It's a no-lose situation.