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Monday, April 6, 2009

Phoenix Farmer’s Market

I have mentioned before, my obsession with Farmer’s Market’s.  The dietitian in me thinks of all the magnificent nutrition from fresh, organic local produce.  The foodie in me starts planning recipes and creations that will surely delight the tastebuds.  I know some of my friends think I’ve gone mad when I will happily pass up a shopping mall, to spend my time at the Farmer’s Market. 

It all started a few years ago, when I visited the mother of all markets – the one outside of the Ferry Building in San Francisco.   I think I lunched my way through all the samples of fresh peaches, nectarines, tomato, etc.   Then, there’s the glorious San Diego area markets, where I could spend half my day just sauntering, all the while being so close to the beach.    And then, there’s the Phoenix Public Market, which we try to hit a few Saturdays each month.  Now, Arizona climate and soil are not as conducive to the wide variety of fruits and veggies that are able to grow in CA, but we do pretty well.  Here is a sampling of what I picked up this weekend. 

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Rainbow chard, sweet potatoes, fennel, and red baby carrots. 

This guy deserved his own picture…

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Isn’t he beautiful?   Purple being my favorite color, I just had to get it. 

Oh, and here’s an idea of how big the chard is, when you see it next to my husband’s hand.

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Unfortunately, as our days are starting to warm up and we are rapidly approaching our never ending 100+ degree temperatures, the selection at the markets becomes pretty nil.  I guess we will have to hit up San Diego soon! 

So now, I ask you, my readers, to give me some ideas for some of this wonderful produce.  I have some ideas, but it is always fun to see someone else take it a whole different direction. 

What do you look forward to getting at your local Farmer’s Market?

3 comments:

Cookie said...

Sorry I don't have any ideas for your beautiful veggies but I do LOVE going to the Farmer's Market! You know why? The SAMPLES! All the fresh cut-up fruits to try. YUM! We have a great Farmer's Market here in SF across the street from our apartment. How lucky are we right?

Kelly said...

I'm so jealous. We still have a while to go here in MA. I signed up for a CSA this year and the distribution starts in June. I think I am most looking forward to the surprises. I love how you never know what you're going to find. Those carrots look beautiful btw. Are they orange or purple.

eatingRD said...

I love farmer's markets! My favorite one was when we went to Portland, OR last spring. It was amazing because living in Vegas, we really don't have any good farmer's markets :( But, I love visiting them; the possibilities are endless!
Can't wait to see what you make.

-kristen