Farmers Market

This morning, Joy, Matt and I went to the Fredericksburg Farmers Market. It was a beautiful day for it, lots of sunshine. I got a couple basil plants, some zucchini and yellow squash to steam later and some strawberries that smell like heaven. There is such a difference between food that ripens on the vine or tree and food that is picked before it is ripe and either left to ripen or ethylene gas is used to ripen it. You can also find farms that allow you to pick your own fruits. Plus, buying foods that are in season will allow you to buy more locally grown produce.

I definitely recommend that you find a local farm or farmers market. The taste alone it worth it! Not to mention keeping your money local (especially in this economy), and who wants to be buying fruit from another country when we can support our local farmers - and it really does taste so much better. I also love that it is either priced equal to or better than the grocery store. My two basil plants cost less than one package of basil at the store, and they already have more basil leaves on them. Not only is there great produce, but there are usually flowers, meats, cheeses, eggs, breads or baked goods (oh, I also got a great loaf of organic whole wheat bread!), etc. You can bring the kids and the dogs, too. Bring your reusable bags and a few plastic bags to put all your goodies in. Now you can feel good about feeding your family healthy food, supporting the local economy and saving the earth. That's a lot to accomplish in one morning!