Farmer's Market

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

Our Farmer's Market is wonderful! Most of the food displayed was picked that day or the night before and is very fresh. Fresh produce has so much more flavor. It's heavenly. And there is quite a variety to choose from. I bought peppers and potatoes, cucumbers and squash, beets and broccoli and eggplant this week. There were also tomatoes, watermelon, cantalope, onions, corn, green beans, pumpkins, flowers, eggplant, herbs, cabbage, numerous kinds of winter squash, sweet potatoes, strawberries, asian vegetables, local honey, local organic meats and eggs, homemade breads and pastries, and much more than I can remember.

Many of the vendors use little or no fertilizers or pesticides on their crops. While we are assured that all those chemicals won't hurt us in small quantities, it still seems like less should be better. So many of our large food companies have had to recall food due to bacteria and contamination. It can happen to the small growers too but I feel more secure about it.

There is something that seems right about buying from people who live nearby first whenever possible. It isn't always possible and there is nothing wrong with buying from those who live further away, but it just seems like the thing to do to support those in your own area first.

But mostly I like to buy from Farmer's Market because the food tastes great! It's not just a shopping trip for me, it's an experience. I have to walk back and forth along the row several times, looking everything over before I make my purchases. I ask questions and we discuss food related subjects. It's one of those shopping trips where it is better for me to go alone. I'm in no hurry. I'm enjoying the experience. That annoys some people greatly if they are with me. And I often buy too much, but that's a different issue. That's what freezers are for.

When somebody encourages us to taste something, it is because they believe it is very good and we will like it too. They want us to buy it, in the case of the market. The psalm encourages us to find out for ourselves about the goodness of the Lord. If we take refuge in Him we will be blessed.