Saturday morning found me scouring the East Town Farmers Market for fresh cucumbers.
As soon as we hit the square, lush bouquets of zinnias, sunflowers, and bright blue cornflowers caught my eye. I picked up one of the colorful combinations for $5, then we surveyed the various tables laden with fragrant bunches of fresh herbs, red radishes, mixed greens, onions, snap peas, and squash.
Planning to make some gazpacho later, I stocked up on the cukes, green peppers and onions. I also snagged a bunch of organic greens and some radishes before we headed to Beans and Barley for lunch.
There’s just something about shopping at the farmers market that feels so right. So much more authentic than wandering around the climate-controlled aisles of a supermarket.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate being able to walk in a store and purchase blueberries during the middle of December just as much as anybody. But for some reason, picking up a quart of fresh, in-season berries from an outside table then handing money to a person who is somehow connected to the harvesting of said berries just seems to make it taste better.
Fortunately, Milwaukee has a number of great farmers markets from which to choose, and the local Slow Food chapter has put together a pretty comprehensive listing of markets in both Milwaukee and surrounding areas. Check it out here.
Totally agree..something so much more enjoyable about getting things like fruit & veggies from a market. Just seem to taste better for some reason.
Posted by: Derek | July 25, 2006 at 09:07 AM
Gosh, I love farmer's markets too! My favorite time to go is in the fall when all the pumpkins and gourds are for sale. The colors are just so rich and pretty!
I've been lurking around your blog for awhile, and finally thought I'd say hi, so hi!
Have a great day!
Posted by: Michelle | July 26, 2006 at 08:24 AM
I love Farmers Markets too. The produce is always fresh and the air around the market always has a crisp, natural smell that sucks me in.
Posted by: Lynn | July 26, 2006 at 08:56 AM