just a few things that made it home from the market…
Kalex2 | Spinach | Mint | Limes | Carrots | Potatoes | Cucumbers | Tomatoes | Habanero Peppers | Lettuce
I don’t have tips on how to do the Farmers’ Market on a budget, but here are a few things I’ve learned and some I’m still working on:
1) Find a number that works for you, a number that you feel comfortable spending regularly. Respect your wallet and peace of mind by not going over it. I take what I can spend. That’s it. I started going to the market near my house when I was on unemployment. I didn’t go every week, but, every other week when that check came, I figured out what I could afford to spend.
2) Figure out what you need and leave a little for what you want or what catches your eye. I always need onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and kale. After that, it’s up to mother nature’s bio-clock and whatever suits me.
3) Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask questions. Ask what it is, how much it is and how to best use it. I was so used to getting fennel from a particular stand that charged by the bulb and not by weight. So, when I went to another stand and gave the guy fennel and celery and then, dude said four and change. Color me surprised. I didn’t ask and should have. If you don’t see a sign, ASK. And don’t feel guilty about changing your mind. I should have just gotten the celery.
4)Shop around. Not all markets are the same. Find one or more that serve your needs with selection and price. Find one that excites your curiosity and nurtures your commitment to your wellbeing. The market near our new office is heavy on the prepared foods, clothes and other specialty items. The market near the house is busting with Korean and Bangladeshi ladies carrying big bags of produce home. The market near the old office had an interesting mix of downtown dwellers and folks who carry loaded bags back to the work. There are plenty more markets in the area to check out, but right now, I’m cool with my routine.
There’s been a lot written lately about the rising prices at Farmers’ Markets. The markets in LA aren’t the cheapest, but neither are the conventional stores near me. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s cheaper, if doesn’t taste like anything. I don’t remember any produce I’ve purchased from a conventional store being curse-worthy or inducing an Alice Waters-ian breathy response. I’ve had green peppers from the market sitting on the table making my whole apartment smell fresh and, well, green. I’ve devoured peaches hoping that I couldn’t be seen or heard ’cause it was just dirty. Arkansas Black apples are back in season and I’m paying $3 a pound for a bit of tart, salty heaven. I’m so okay with that.
I’m only responsible for one person, but even when I was living off very little, I found a way to start.
n♥
I’m used to being disappointed. More to the point, I’ve been up since 6:00, and it’s nearly midnight. So speechlessness seems appropriate.
No, wait.
You are making so accessible to me what used to feel out-of-reach. Thank you for answering my prayer.
Oh, hush now. Get rest. I answer questions; prayers are out of my hands. I am touched that I could help. I’ve felt waves of uneasiness walking the Hollywood Farmers’ Market, like I shouldn’t be there. There are times when I still feel like it’s some Hipster/Yuppie haven that I don’t belong to and then, there are other times where folks ask me what I’m getting, if it’s good and why. I was so goofy for my Arkansas Black apples one Sunday that a woman bought some just because. So, yeah. Belong. ♥