March 29th, 2017

Forgive my tardiness this morning.  I was at the Farm Market again and lost track of time.  It's not just the quality and variety of food that they offer, and both are amazing, it's just the sheer beauty of it all.  My local farm market only purchases things grown within a 100 mile radius of their shop.  How cool is that?

I have to admit that I don't even know what some of those things are in that photo, "Sour Soup", is that a fruit or a vegetable?  "Mamey", I will have to look that one up, I've honestly never heard of it and would have no idea what to do with it. But I was tempted to purchase one anyway. "Gaura", the sign indicates that it's Thai so I imagine one would use it while cooking Thai food. Otherwise, not a clue.  Isn't that just glorioius!

Before I even stepped one foot inside the store, I was rhapsodizing over the displays! I love being able to choose the precise fruit or vegetable that I want and not have to buy something pre-packaged and shrink wrapped. They are almost too pretty to eat. Almost.

I linger over each bin trying to decide if this is something I absolutely have to buy.  Afterall, realistically I cannot buy it all. I do not want to waste any of it, it's just too good, and we cannot eat all of it in one week's time.  It's so hard to resist though.

I do not even make a list before I go anymore.  I wait to see what is in the store first.  I plan my meals around what they have to offer instead of the other way around.  It's more fun, more interesting and more, well "zen" I suppose.  I admit, occasionally I have to come home and look up something I've purchase to find out exactly what it is and how to prepare it.  Those meals are always the most interesting.

Tomatillos and ginger and radish, Oh my!  I cannot immediately think of any dish that would use all three at the same time, but then to be fair, I haven't looked in any of my cookbooks yet either.  But aren't they beautiful? 

I bought some beautiful golden beets, sugarsnap peas, zucchini and summer squash and salad vegetables galore. Then some grapes, pineapple, bananas and strawberries because you can have enough fruit. Though I was very tempted by this next fellow, because of his name.  Jackfruit.  That's just plain fun.

I'm getting hungry just looking at these photos.  I'm going to put it all away now and then start planning some meals.  I will definitely look up the names of the ones that are new to me and maybe next time they will come home. 

I don't know if you ever get the chance to shop at a farm market instead of a grocery store.  Don't get me wrong, I shop at grocery stores too. I just do not buy produce there.  It's not ripe, it's unappetizing and has no fragrance.  I cannot in good conscience buy any "fresh" produce that has no scent.  Cereal yes, Laundry soap, yes, produce absolutely not!  We eat so much more fruit and vegetables now, because of this place.  So we are healthier, happier and more fun.

Happy Grocery Day to you!  Try shopping in living colour!