When you look at the photo of the potato, what do you see? A freak of nature or something unique and, in its own right, cool?
When we see this kind of imperfect produce, it tells us that something interesting happened to the potato during its growth. We acquired this neat specimen at a farmer’s market. If you shop at farmers’ markets, you’ll see lots of produce that wouldn’t be “acceptable” in grocery stores solely because it’s not perfect. Regardless of the fact that it’s still eminently edible and delicious…and very possibly better for you than the “perfect” version (see NPR’s article “Beneath An Ugly Outside, Marred Fruit May Pack More Nutrition“). Continue reading ““Ugly” Produce Needs Love, Too”
We’ve been shopping at farmer’s markets for years, in many cities and states. One of the parts we particularly enjoy is the opportunity to meet the farmers. We’ve found great diversity among the individuals who farm: some grew up farming, others are career changers, and still others begin after retirement. One common thread, however, is pride in their products.
We’ve been on a fruit crisp* kick lately. It started with a jar of cherry pie filling we bought on a whim…that became a very tasty cherry crisp (or crumble). Then we bought some apples at the farmer’s market and made an apple crisp. Yum.
This morning, we went to our local farmer’s market. We were there primarily to see “our” beef vendor – we enjoy the warm welcome and conversation, not to mention the delicious grass-fed beef! Even though it’s a small market, it’s heartening to see local eggs, chicken, lamb, produce, jams, soap…almost everything on your grocery list.
It’s that time of year: tomatoes, in all their succulent glory, are here. While we enjoy eating those plump, juicy, vine ripened orbs, we also look for firm, green tomatoes. Why? To make our “fraked” green tomatoes, of course.