Farmers' Market Take Two

My first experience with the Glasier Farms farmers' market was a bit unnerving, and I had been avoiding going back for the last few weeks, because I didn't want to feel awkward while buying produce. Don't get me wrong...the quality of the produce was magnificent, the prepared foods were amazing, and they guarantee that all their produce is organic. I just didn't feel the warm and fuzzies while I was there, that's all.

Then I learned about the Redlands Farmers' Market from the ladies I met at Winn Dixie, so I went to check it out last Saturday, and I am so happy that I did.

First, this felt more like a true farmers' market than the one I visited in Coconut Grove. There were several vendors there, so as I looked across the whole area I could see repeats of the same produce. Some stands had more produce than others.  I heard vendors calling out their prices, trying to get customers to come over, and I could hear people haggling over prices--not that I'm adventurous enough to do that.

I walked through the whole thing and decided on the one vendor whose produce looked good and had the best prices. I filled an entire box with produce, and it only cost me $20. I was even able to find fresh rosemary, thyme, and many other fresh herbs, for $1/bunch. My son carried the box for me, thank goodness.

As we were leaving, I saw another vendor's stand with beautiful graffiti eggplant. I was picking out several baby graffiti eggplant, when I saw the red bell peppers. My eyeballs almost popped out of their sockets. Normally, I am only able to buy one red bell pepper a week when I go to the grocery store, because they are just so expensive. But, these were only .75 a piece and they were as big as my hand! I grabbed four of them, plus 5 baby eggplant, and a bunch of asparagus, all for $5.

I walked away in complete bliss, and I spent the whole week using the produce with a smile on my face.

In retrospect, I am aware that the produce I purchased was most likely not organic. I recall washing the vegetables more than I usually do. I guess my subconscious was ahead of me on the whole non-organic thing.

I think the reason I felt more comfortable at this farmers' market is that I was more invisible. I tend to find a certain level of comfort in anonymity. Before anyone mentions it, I do realize how hypocritical it is to put myself out there on the internet by blogging, and yet cherish being invisible.

Anyway, the place was packed with customers shuffling around each other, and everyone seemed to be in their own little world. As I walked by people, I could here little tidbits of their conversations. I love people watching. It's like Discovery Channel Live, but not as dangerous.

There was one couple that I found amusing. The husband was doing his best to be patient about "shopping" and the wife kept oohing and aahing about the produce, mentioning how much cheaper everything was than at Whole Foods. He really wanted to go home, LOL.

There was a pair of elderly ladies that were checking EVERY single piece of produce before putting it in their baskets. It was neat to watch. They were so meticulous, but not in a crazy way. They were really in the moment, you know...enjoying the whole process.

Last, but not least, I enjoyed watching other people who were in my situation. Newbies who were trying to figure it all out, without any real direction. It was an easy fit for me. I kind of just fell into the groove of it all, and I noticed that it was pretty easy for everyone else, too.

I am definitely going back when I run out of produce.

Here's a picture of one of the dishes I made this week. It has EVERY vegetable that I had in it, and it was delicious! I'll post separately about it since this post is getting so long.