Ask the Farmer

Farmer's markets across the nation have been in full swing now for a couple of months and nothing is quite as pleasurable as shopping at the local farmer's market. With the popularity of the "eat local" movement growing by leaps and bounds there are now more than five thousand farmer's markets operating successfully around the country at any given time. Most are seasonal but there are a few that are open year round. A friend of mine who enjoys going to our local farmer's market has confided that she sometimes finds herself feeling less than knowledgeable when it comes to some of the produce she finds there; and she's not alone. Try this the next time you find yourself in the same predicament; instead of walking away scratching your head and wondering what that unusual vegetable might be ask the farmer minding the stand, "What is this, and how should I use it?". They will be more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge with you on how to enjoy their fresh produce to its full potential. In fact, you will probably walk away with useful tips on how to grow the food in question, cook and serve it, and preserve it for enjoying long after the growing season has ended.