There is nothing like a farmer’s market. I am totally into them.
You can ask anyone who knows me about how much I love to either walk to a farmer’s market or pull the car over to the side of the road to check one out.
Some of my favorites include the farmer’s market in Bethany Beach, Delaware and the farmer’s market located in one of New York City’s great public space, Union Square.
Yesterday was the season opener for the farmer’s market near my office in Washington, DC so you know I was a happy person as I gathered my office friends and shopping bag and headed down the street towards the White House.
You may wonder why I enjoy them so much and I think my immediate answer would be for the connection of community.
Farmer’s markets have a great vibe. They soothe my soul and speak to that part of me that’s all about healing and wellness. It’s as simple as this: when I eat fresher foods I feel better mentally and physically.
I love going from vendor to vendor and talking to them about what’s fresh and what’s for sale, how they grew it, how to eat it or cook it and how their business is going.
There’s also the thrill of the hunt. Discovering something new, something wonderful, whether it’s food or information.
Since yesterday was the first day of the FRESHFARM Market near the White House my friends and I decided to look around and figure out if there were any new vendors.
One of the newbies was from the King Mushroom Farm in Barclay, Maryland. His table displayed four or five different varies of locally grown mushrooms. The most exotic was completely white and weirdly shaped and called Lion’s Mane which Mr. Mushroom Farmer said has a rich taste, very much like lobster. I know. I said the same thing to myself. A mushroom that tastes like lobster? I’ll have to try it and let you know.
Different Varieties of Mushrooms
Then there were the huge Portobellos. A tasty mushroom that I do know and like a lot. Yum!! Grilled Portobello mushrooms are the bomb! That said, I didn’t buy any Portobellos because it’s still a bit nippy out for grilling. Instead, I bought a container of cremini mushrooms. Mr. Mushroom Farmer said they were delicious and did I know that cremini mushrooms were actually immature Portobellos? Poor babies! Still, I can’t wait to cook them tonight.
On to the fresh Swiss chard. I mean look at this:
Swiss Chard
Isn’t it beautiful? You can tell right away that the chard is chock full of healthy nutrients. I think I could actually feel my immune system getting stronger just looking at the large dark green leaves. Okay not really. Just kidding! One of my friends bought a large bunch of chard and said she couldn’t wait to go home and sauté it up for herself and her boyfriend. I found the multi-colored stems to be amazing in the different shades of colored stems (pictured above) that one plant can have.
All in all it was a good crowd today at the market, with lots of office workers mingling with tourist groups and everyone shaking off their winter doldrums while taking the time find something healthy to eat.
If you’ve never been to a farmer’s market, you should think about checking one out. I’m sure there is one near your community. Not only do you get to shop local, but you can reach out and get to know the hardworking people who are growing this great stuff out of the ground that can heal your body and soul.
Good nutrition can taste delicious and positively affect all areas of your life.
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