Its that time of year again.  The farmers markets will be opening in less then two months and farm fresh produce will be available.

As always, I encourage clients to request farmers market produce as well as visiting a local farmers market on your own for your summer and fall fruit and vegetable needs.

Buying farmers market produce offers many great benefits to both you and the farmer.  You get great tasting produce with a shorter time span between ground and table (grocery store produce can take up to 2 weeks from the time it  is harvested until it reaches your local grocery store) as well as healthier produce that has less chemical treatment for preservation. 

Did you know that when you buy produce from the farmers market, it is less then 48 hours out of the ground?

It also helps the local farmers by supporting their role in producing food for the public.  There is also a great benefit to the consumer to know where their food comes from before they prepare it.  By shopping at the local farmers market, it gives youthe chance to talk to the farmer about the types of produce they offer, what the growing season is, what they like to prepare with their crops (who would know better then they who grow it?) and other ways that you can help the environment.

During our consultation, if you think that farmers market produce is something you might be interested in serving during your event, let me know.  I can offer you guidance and suggestions on what can be served based on what is available during that time, as most produce has a specific growing season and is usually only offered for a limited time.

As an added bonus, I will have access this year to a larger supply of hydrid and non-mainstream peppers, both hot and mild (I will have access to over 10 hybrid varieties of hots and 8 varieties of sweets in addition to the general spread of bell pepper varieties) .  I will also have access to a larger variety of edible flowers (zucchini blossoms in the early summer and nasturiums in the late summer and fall) if you are interested.  Because of their availabilty (the market I purchase from is only open on Fridays) and life span (zucchini blossoms only survive less then 24 hours after harvest) they will only be available for events on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Have you hugged your local farmer today?