A new Year

The calendar has turned to 2023. We’ll make resolutions like exercising more, eating less, and practicing more mindfulness and gratitude, but I’d like to offer my own version of resolutions, ones that are easy to keep and deliver positive results not only to you, but to your community and the environment at the same time. Let’s give these a try.

Reusable Bags

I hate plastic bags with a passion. Every single time someone asks me for a plastic bag, I seethe inside at the thought of the single-use plastic blowing out of the garbage and getting caught up in the branches of trees high enough out of reach they hang there until shredded into smallish bits that get clogging in other parts of nature. Did you know that Central Farm Markets has been an advocate for compostable packaging for several years now? Check out most of the bags and containers you get at the market. Chances are they’re compostable. We’re doing our part and hope our customers will follow suit by bringing reusable bags, baskets, carts, and packs into which they can stow their market goods week after week.

Gifts

Hostess gifts, housewarmings, birthdays, new babies, anniversaries, engagements—you name it, we love giving gifts for all sorts of occasions. One of the best places to find the perfect present is at the farmers market. And if you don’t know what to give, the market also offers gift certificates.

Beverages

Specifically, adult beverages. I popped into the liquor store a few weeks ago for some cheap cooking wine and happened to glace at the top shelf booze prices. If I’m going to spend that much on libations, I’m going to give my money to local wineries, cider houses, brewers, meaderies, and distillers instead of an international conglomerate who bottles a gazillion gallons each year. Chances are you can taste before you buy and even meet the makers themselves. Last week with my usual neighbors taking a week off for the holidays I was sandwiched between two local distilleries. It was heartwarming to hear that they purchase the majority of inputs from regional farmers.

And for those who don’t imbibe, the market also offers a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. They also make great mixers, too…just sayin’.

Try Something New

The varieties of fruits and vegetables are plentiful throughout the year. While there may only be a few choices of commercially grown items at grocery stores, farmers markets offer varieties you’ll never see even at the fancier purveyors. We all get in the rut of buying the same things week after week. Instead of brussels sprouts, try kalettes. Instead of orange carrots, try yellow or purple carrots. You should have seen the look on my dinner guests’ faces when I unveiled purple mashed sweet potatoes on New Years Day. If you’re adventurous, wanting to try something you’ve never had before, ask the farmer on tips of how to prepare it. If we’re selling it, we’re also eating it and are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Bring a Friend

I love it when regulars show up with their friends and neighbors. A few weeks ago one of my customers purchased a dozen eggs for his neighbor, also a regular customer, after a family emergency occurred. When his neighbor did show up later, lamenting he was too late for eggs, it was fun to tell his about how his neighbor had already purchased for him. Similarly, it’s amazing to see all the lasting friendships that have been made between customers who shop at the same time each week or those who gather first thing waiting for the market to open.  Last week there was a mild panic among both patrons and vendors when one of the hardcore regulars failed to show as usual. To put an end to the worrying I telephoned and awoke the customer who had overslept, to everyone’s relief. 

Make it a point to introduce someone to the market this year at least once. Carpooling with a friend saves on fuel and reduces emissions—better for the environment!

Bring the Kids

Although market time might be a parent’s only chance for peace that day while leaving their little ones at home, taking children to market helps instill a good example of making food choices and learning from an early age about seasonal eating. Want your kids to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables? Let them make the choice on what they would like. I’ve watched as parents offer samples of different apple varieties to their kids, letting them choose which one they want to eat. Children have their own discerning palates and not necessarily for junk food.