Looking for something different to do this weekend? Why don't you check out a local farmers' market?
Farmers' markets aren't just for foodies, they're for everyone. In fact, you're going to get better flavor, more bang for your buck, and support your local economy.
In most parts of the country, produce is shipped a large distance from where it's grown. Thus, there is a huge sacrifice in quality of flavor. The reason is twofold. First, most varieties of fruit and vegetable start to loose flavor the minute they're picked. If a peach has to spend several days in storage, then several more on a truck, then several more at the bottom of a giant pile, it's not going to taste anything like it's meant to. The peach you find at the farmers' market was likely picked the same day, perhaps the day before. Have yourself a little taste test.
More importantly, I think, is the variety in flavor. Produce bred to be shipped long distances is designed to be beaten up and held over a period of time. Ever slice into a bright red grocery store tomato only to find that it's pale orange on the inside and tastes like water? Bet you have. That's because it was designed to look nice, and not bruise. Taste doesn't factor high into the equation. At the market, you'll find varieties of produce grown with flavor in mind. Since it doesn't need to travel far or sit for long, farmers can concentrate on flavor. When you think "strawberry" or "corn" you probably think strawberry or corn, not 'albion,' 'seascape,' 'luscious,' or 'rainbow inca'. You'll notice the difference!
Speaking of corn and breeding, the grocery store corn we see today, especially the ears found in winter, are so different from what corn is meant to be it's shocking. Corn gets a bad wrap sometimes as an 'empty' food. That's because it's been bred to contain obscene amounts of sugar. At the end of the day, you're eating a lollipop. Corn, in pre sugar-packed form, was the foundation of great North & South American civilizations. Is it corn that's empty, or the 'corn' they sell to us that's empty?
People often say they'd "go organic" if it weren't so expensive. By shopping at your local farmers' market, you'll be able to pick up sustainably grown food for less than you would expect to pay at the local supermarket. At the market, you buy direct from the farmer, cutting out the middle man. No marketing fees, storage/shipping costs, and corporate markup. Also, especially if you're buying in bulk, you might be able to negotiate a discount. Try that at Costco.
Finally, you'll be supporting your local economy. Most of the produce supplied in grocery stores is sold by giant agribusiness. For them, it's about the money, not about the health of people or land. Local farmers are better stewards of the land, promoting the growth of their farms instead of trying to maximize yield at the detriment of the soil. The healthier the soil, the healthier the food that's going into your body. Makes perfect sense to me.
To find out about your local markets:
In California: cafarmersmarkets.com/findmarkets
Nationally: localharvest.org
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