Yesterday, an old friend of mine and I met at the Kingston Farmer's Market to do a little grocery shopping. The array of produce and colours on offer at the stands in the square were amazing. Now, a veteran farmer's marketer may not be as easily impressed as I, but who knew you could get/buy/eat PURPLE carrots? After getting confirmation from Ashley (who is a pro) that this was the best course of action, we wandered around scoping out cost and quality before settling in to buy. A great tip Ashley gave me was to ask if portions could be split for us singletons who can't possibly keep up with them before they spoil. Another thing to keep in mind when shopping at farmer's markets is to bring something (a bag or backpack) that you can fill with purchased goodies and carry comfortably. While most stands will provide you with plastic bags, it's easier and more environmentally friendly to bring your own (especially if you have more errands to run afterward)!
After a great but cold day out and about, I got home and washed an put away my myriad of fresh ingredients. I was inspired to get started on my lunches for my first week of practicum. I made two salads that will keep well and fill me up during the day: (1) A cherry tomato, green bean, and potato salad with feta and chick peas in a dijon dressing, (2) a wholewheat couscous salad with everything but the kitchen sink (peppers, cucumber, olives, black beans, tuna) in an apple cider vinaigrette. While prepping in the kitchen, one of my housemates asked if I could really taste the difference in store bought vs. farmer's market produce. I told him that I didn't think my palette was discerning enough to notice but it certainly made me feel better about what I was putting into my body and how I was contributing to the environment and the local economy.
As I grow my list of criteria for a future home base, i've recently added "access to a farmer's market". Not only because of the two reasons I mention above, but because they provide an excellent opportunity to forge connections within a community and are a great social event. Ashley and I spent a wonderful day together and managed to accomplish both our grocery shopping for the week and a hang-out without spending too much money.
(Pictures to come. I was silly and didn't bring my camera. Won't make that mistake again!)
