In farmers markets in France, you tell the vendor/farmer what you want, and they select the best for you. You look, maybe point, but don't touch. In the USA, you normally select what you want, then find the vendor/farmer and pay. Then along comes COVID 19, and things change.
I went to the farmers market in Old Town Alexandria Virginia one Saturday morning recently. There has been a public market on the square for well over 200 years. (The human slavery market was a few blocks away for the first 100 years or so of that.) Normally you can enter or leave on any of the four corners, and you push your way through the crowd in any way you can. Now, there is one entrance and one exit. The flow of people is in one-direction. The vendors ask you not to touch, and they are not very good at following the point to the ripest of the tomatoes. I miss picking things up, checking for weight, ripeness, filling bags with more than I need.
That being said, I picked up a quart of delightful early season strawberries, and a couple of tomatoes. The berries tasted like strawberries. One of the two tomatoes was delightfully ripe.
I am glad it is market season, I hope the experience gets better.
I get most of my veggies, fruit, jams, cheeses and meats from the Farmer Markets here. I use three different ones. So much more fresh and taste like it should. Not to mention help some locals. I only get very basic things at the grocery store anymore. Plus don't you get a good feeling of community when at a farmers market? I always feel happy there.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt also taught me the French way. I always say to the vendor, pick me out a nice..... though my market basket gets looks. but I CAN'T STAND plastic bags.
I agree on the plastic bags, I started carrying reusable bags 15 years ago.
DeleteI love those farmer's markets. Malaga's daily public markets offer the same experience. Our nearest large supermarket doesn't allow you to rummage for yourself and never has, but you are expected to voice your approval or disapproval and even dictate what goes in the bag.
ReplyDeleteAnother country's markets to be explored.
DeleteHere it would probably be the opposite if the vendor chose your fruit. You would get the worst.
ReplyDeleteThe second tomato was un-ripe, tasteless
DeleteOur Farmer's Market here in Smallville just started again after winter break. We love going down on Saturday for the produce, and to see friends and just hang out.
ReplyDeleteA great way to meet the neighbors
DeleteMe too! I miss the Farmer's Market. I went once last fall but it was not organized as you describe and it was way too crowded so I left. I did get some great tasting strawberries at Whole Foods though.
ReplyDeleteWe grew strawberries on the farm that tasted so good, most of what I get today was bred for shipping, not taste.
DeleteI love farmers markets. It seems like forever since I've been to one!
ReplyDeleteHope they come back soon
Deletethe closest thing I have to a farmer's market is reading terminal market in the city.
ReplyDeletebut we ARE getting an amazon "last mile distribution" warehouse in mah hood; it's a converted wallfart.
There are some local parking lot farmers markets here, no so much last year, but in "normal" times. Amazon has become my go to for shopping, I despise wallfart.
DeleteToday is market day in the town next door. I'm going for some locally grown asparagus. 'Tis the season. Some vendors are actually starting to let customers pick their own produce from the stalls. But it's not polite to handle something and then put it back, so you have to evaluate with your eyes.
ReplyDeleteSoon it will be strawberry season. Locally grown, great taste!