Yesterday, we took the time to take the  Metrolink to a neighboring town (my hometown) to walk through the farmer’s market.

Amy’s Farm is the local CSA for Claremont residents and they sell produce to the public inside the Packing House.  The owner himself said that it probably hurts his business by being inside and away from all the other vendors, but, that it was better for the produce!  They had an amazing selection of melons!  The kid cutting them up for samples was eating as much as he could cut and then throwing a few morsels in the tasting basket!  They don’t look like anything you can buy in the grocery store!  We bought peppers, tomatoes and a 1/2 eggs.  Delicious, but, pricey!

Then, on Saturday, I visited our newest farmer’s market here in my town.  The local and organic produce was VAST in variety and I was able to buy a little bit from each one–even cheese.  Three Sisters Farm had the most amazing beets!   Beets boiled with balsamic vinegar and oil makes for a very tasty snack!  Carrots with leaves will be eaten straight by my kids.  Our plates are becoming a lot more vegetable in variety and a lot less in the pasta variety when vegetables such as these can be purchased!  Makes a girl who grew up on mac n’ cheese and hot dogs love the green stuff!

CHECK OUT THAT BOUNTY!

So, what’s my point?

With a little effort, organic produce can be found.  And,it’s worth it!  The variety, the flavor and the uniqueness of what’s grown is FAR different from the cookie cutter carrots at the store.  If you’re willing to do some digging and likely pay more, you will be rewarded.