The Farmer's Market: A Festival of Color

I love shopping at our local farmer's market. Everything is organic and fresh. It's a feast for the eyes and soul as well as the body; a festival of color. Buckets abundantly filled with cut flowers; bins, boxes and baskets overflowing with luscious fruits and vegetables; and tables of fresh baked goods, fish, honey, sorbet and coffee. Tantalizing smells of fresh produce waft through the air, alive with the energy of those shopping and sampling. There's  a bit of an "old world" feel, similar to the feeling I had when I shopped the open air markets while visiting Paris and other European cities. It feels good to shop at the farmer's market. It feels good to buy fresh, local, organic food and support the farmer's who grow it and make it available. I know I'm getting quality, healthy, fresh, organic food and I love the eye candy; there's never a shortage for great photo taking. It's a highlight of my week. 

Farmer's Market Goodness

Is there anything better than a farmer's market to pick up produce, baked goods and flowers? I enjoy the local farmer's market in my area. It reminds me of the open air markets in France that I love so much. Being outdoors, the vibrant colored produce, the fresh scent of herbs and flowers, the people, the energy, make it an experience for all of the senses. It feels good to support the local farmers too. My favorite thing is to pick out a few vegetables, whatever looks good and strikes my fancy, bring them home, chop them up and saute them in a bit of olive oil. Then add them to cooked pasta with a bit of white wine and herbs. Sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese on top and voila! Easy. Healthy. Fresh. Is there a farmer's market in your area? Do you have a favorite place to shop that feeds your soul?

 

Just look at these vibrant tomatoes...bruschetta anyone?

 

Shopping at a farmer's market is an organic experience--not only is most of the produce certified organic, but the experience itself is an organic one--you buy what's in season, what's available. And you can feel a little closer to the food source.

 mmmm. White nectarines...

 

...and strawberries

 

I love the fresh herb section--you can smell their lovely scents as you walk by. Someday I will have my own herb garden.

 

I try to buy fresh flowers for my table too. Nothing lifts the spirits and brightens up a room like fresh flowers.

Hope your week is off to a great start!