Support your local farms

Today was the first day of the Downtown Farmer's Market here in Salt Lake City.  I often have a misconception that the first few weeks of the market will be sparse, with few good things to find, but I am always wrong.  I always find much more than I imagine.

Going to the farmer's market is not only a fun family activity, but it supports local businesses and farms.  I take my family every Saturday, rain or shine, because I want my children to understand where their food comes from and how important farms are.  Each stand has something different to offer, and it's refreshing to be able to ask questions directly to the grower.  They often have recipes and ideas for using the produce, and are filled with great information about growing and harvesting.  If you have questions about gardening or cooking, ask a farmer that grows and cooks what you are interested in, you'll be amazed at how much you will learn!

What I found this morning at the market: (Clockwise from top left) Garlic Scapes (Borski Farms), Fresh Baby Beets (Bountiful, Utah), Barely Buzzed Cheese (rubbed with lavender and espresso grounds from Beehive Cheese Co.), Hand Made Pasta, Cucumbers (Wyomatoes), English Peas(Bountiful, Utah), Hand Made Salami (a new find at the market), Organic Whole Spice Chai Tea (Cali's, it smells AMAZING), and in the center Hen and Chicks Mushrooms (Gnome Grown Mushrooms).  

The most exciting find at the market was home made salami.  Apparently a salami maker from Italy moved to Utah about five years ago.  I am thrilled that he opened a booth at the market.  There are several flavors and you can sample them all before you buy.  We decided to give the casalingo salami a try.  There are no nitrates and they use some organic ingredients, which makes me a happy salami eater!

The other great thing that I discovered is a warehouse on 17th South that sells organic food.  It's called Cali's and they also have a stand at the market.  I bought the most beautiful chai tea from them, it smells heavenly and I can't wait to try it!  

The Gnome Grown Mushroom guy has been at the market for a few years now.  I love his mushrooms.  I bought one that I have not previously tried, it's called a hen and chick mushroom (I wonder why I was so attracted to it) and it is a strong flavored 'shroom.  I think I will saute it and make a little sauce for a pasta.  I hope that I will be pleased! 


The beets were beautiful, as were the peas from Bountiful.  I also bought a cheese that was featured in the July issue of Martha Stewart's Living Magazine.  It is a sharp cheddar rubbed with lavender and espresso...can you say HEAVEN?



I have a limited budget, I would have loved to bring home so much more.  I think that I could almost exclusively cook from what I find at the market if given the financial resources!

Look up your local farmer's market, you won't regret it.  It is a great educational opportunity for you and your family, plus it is a lot of fun.  You will feel great about supporting local farmers, who are the core of our communities.  Besides, what could be a better way to spend your Saturday morning?

Comments

  1. Hansen FamilyJune 12, 2010 at 7:26 PM

    It all looks so good, I told Brian that we will have to go down one saturday. I will have to get the address from you !!

    ReplyDelete
  2. FARMGALJune 27, 2010 at 3:12 PM

    Jodi - it's at Pioneer Park which is 3rd west and 4th south. Runs from 8 am to 1 pm. Wayne is going to be a vendor there on and off through the summer. I will find out what days, it would be fun for him if you came when he was there!

    ReplyDelete

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