I love farmer’s markets. We’re very fortunate here in Colorado to have access to some great markets. I happen to live in Boulder County and think the Boulder Farmer’s Market is pretty special. I also love the Longmont Farmer’s Market— a bit smaller and usually less crowded. There are farmer’s markets all over the country— and they’re usually not too hard to find. Local Harvest is a good place to start if you’re trying to find a market in your area.

Yesterday was a great day at the market. We’ve been having cooler weather and it was bit overcast— a perfect time to go to the market since cloudy days usually mean less people. Despite our wet, cool Spring, there was much to choose form at the market. Here are some of the beautiful things I found:

There are so many great reasons to become a regular shopper at your local farmer’s market. Here are some of the more notable ones:

1. Taste real food. The fruits and vegetables available at your local farmer’s market are the freshest and most delicious food you can get. Everything you see at the market is super-fresh— sometimes even harvested the morning of the market. You really can taste the difference. And all the farmers will gladly give you samples of their goods, so go ahead— taste the difference.
2. Support local, family farmers. Our food system is in trouble. Family farmers often struggle to compete with large agribusiness and corporate food producers. Buying at the market cuts out the middle man and gives farmers a better return— which in turn helps keep them in business. Another great way to support local farmers is to join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). I’ll write more about CSAs soon, but in the meantime, check out Local Harvest to learn more.
3. Enjoy high-quality nourishment. The beautiful produce you’ll find at the farmer’s market is highly-nutritious. Fruits and vegetables begin losing nutrients as soon as they are picked. Since the foods at the market are very fresh, you’ll be enjoying highly nutritious foods. Also, in contrast to many of the foods at grocery stores that are often grown using pesticides, chemical fertilizers and genetic modification, farmer’s market produce is typically organic. Family farmers care deeply about their land and business and try hard to grow the most nutritious food possible.
4. Discover seasonality. Everything offered at the market is in season. Before I started shopping at the farmer’s market, I had no idea when vegetables and fruit came into season. I was unconscious about where my food came from and how it got to my grocery store. Making regular trips to your local farmer’s market provides the best education about how foods grow in and helps us all reconnect with the cycles of nature in our area.
5. Promote the humane treatment of animals. Farmer’s markets usually offer a variety of meats, cheeses, and eggs from animals that have been raised without hormones or antibiotics. When you buy from the market, you are supporting conscientious farmers who raise their animals with respect. You’ll be buying animals that have grazed on green grass and been fed natural diets, and more importantly you’ll be sending the message that you don’t support inhumane treatment of animals.
6. Relish variety. There are so many beautiful foods at the farmer’s market that rarely show up at your grocery store—cilantro sprouts, garlic scapes, oyster mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes, and so much more— there’s always something new and unique at your local farmer’s market.
7. Explore new foods. I love going to the market for many reasons, but the most exciting part of shopping at the market is that I often discover new foods.

Exporing new foods

Yesterday, I discovered something new and interesting at the market — a delicious filipino treat called a kankanin. I was instantly intrigued when I saw a small pile of  palm-sized packages beautifully wrapped in banana leaves. This yummy treat is made from sweet rice, coconut milk, hemp seeds, almonds and brown sugar.

I tried a sample and found the texture to be firm and slightly chewy. I enjoyed the slight hint of sweetness and thought it was somewhat reminiscent of tapioca pudding and vanilla custard. I instantly though about trying to recreate this at home. Oh, the flavors that could be infused in this delicacy— cinnamon, mango, or chocolate would all work well for a sweet treat. And even more exciting to me is the possibility of creating a savory kankanin— red chile, curry, or what about a mediterranean version with roasted red peppers and olives? Oh the things you can do with sticky rice.

Of course, I wanted to share this with you on my blog, so I just had to buy one and bring it home. This morning, I carefully unwrapped the banana leaves to reveal the moist and delicious morsel inside— a gift to myself. I savored every delicious bite this morning for breakfast while I made a wish for all of you— may each of you discover something new and delicious this week.