Eating Out: Week to celebrate farmers markets’ role in food system
Carolyn O’Neil is a registered dietitian and co-author of “The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!” E-mail her at carolyn@carolynoneil.com.
If you’re a fan of farmers market, get ready to greet growers with a special salute.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack has proclaimed the first full week of August as National Farmers Market Week.
“I encourage the people of the United States to celebrate the benefits of farmers markets and the bountiful production of our nation’s farmers,” Vilsack said.
I think that means go buy some peaches and tomatoes.
Bigger crop of markets
There’s been a 10 percent increase in the number of markets nationwide since 2011. Farmers meet shoppers one on one to sell just-picked crops and share the best ways to cook them. Friends and neighbors, often with their kids and dogs in tow, chat about the weekend and compare purchases of crazy-colored heirloom tomatoes, purple potatoes, candy-striped beets, sweet corn, peaches and onions. Locally made goat cheese, sausages and honey may find their way into shopping bags.
Don’t know what to do with that crazy-looking squash or never-cooked okra? Many farmers markets feature local chef demonstrations.
The health benefits of enjoying freshly picked produce are a big attraction, too. Add to that the good feeling of supporting local farmers and producers. The USDA lists multiple reasons for the weeklong celebration, including the key role farmers markets play “in developing local and regional food systems that support the sustainability of family farms, revitalize communities, and provide opportunities for farmers and consumers to interact.”
Or, as overheard at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, a woman buying tomatoes asked a farmer, “How do I know which ones to pick?”
He replied: “Well, it depends. If you want them for today, choose the really ripe red ones. If you want them for a few days from now, choose the firmer ones that will ripen on the kitchen counter.”
The same goes for peaches, now at their peak. Pick some ripe to be eaten today and some harder peaches to ripen over the week.
To market, to market:
Some tips and tidbits to know when going to a farmers market:
- Arrive early for the pick of the crop.
- In-season produce will taste best and often cost less.
- Imperfections can taste best. Lauren Carey, the manager of the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, said, "The 'ugliest' tomato is likely to be an heirloom variety with more tomato flavor."
- Bring your own reusable bags. Make sure they're clean because dirty bags can contaminate your perfect produce.
- Have small bills in hand for faster cash transactions.
- Many farmers at markets accept EBT/SNAP benefits (food stamps ). Some double the value through a partnership with Wholesome Wave Georgia to make healthy food accessible to more shoppers.
- Food safety is important. Look for perishable foods such as eggs, cheeses, yogurts, meats, seafood and sausages displayed on ice or in refrigerated coolers. And have an insulated cooler with ice in your car to place perishable purchases.
