Farmer's Market

Howdy.  I'm PBOH.  The Plant Based Okie's Husband. I'll be your guest blogger for today.  Please stay seated with your hands safely tucked inside the ride at all times.

Saturday morning we went to the farmers market to find what surprises awaited us. It is amazing the things you can get a dog and a husband to do if you promise a treat.

Before we went she (the Plant Based Okie - who prefers I not use her photograph, even though she is beautiful), advised me to bring along a couple of ice chests.  Makes sense, if you have produce that will be a couple of hours away from stowing away in the refrigerator.  It helps keep things fresh and informs others you plan to do some serious turnip shopping.  
Another tip she advised is to bring along some of our own bags.

Depending on your Farmer's Market, you can find almost anything, we did at the Cherry Street Farmer's Market in Tulsa. I saw honey, artwork, fresh eggs, a lot of tattoos, flowers, goat milk, pecans, probiotic popsicles (seriously), and a very large and eclectic selection of  seasonal vegetables.

Get there early and bring a lot of cash.  We blew through almost $50 in 30 minutes (which sounds like our last trip to Cracker Barrel)  but what a haul. Here are a few things I liked:

# Speaking directly to the growers.
Find out where they grew their produce, when it was picked, and if they use herbicides.  Ask them questions about the crops this year,  what's in season, and most importantly when the watermelons will be coming!

# Helping support local growers.
You can cut out the middle man and get things much fresher than the local chains.

#This stuff tastes better!
Fresh picked and without the long distance transportation to market brings fresher, more flavorful fruits and vegetables.

#Meet the locals.
In our short visit, I met the man who runs a pecan and nut shop near
where we live.  He told us when to expect this year's pecan crop and about this year's expected harvest.  I saw a buddy of mine, and he gave my wife a suggested meal/blog from the Middle East.

#Find hidden surprises.
When you shop with a grocery list in a grocery store you miss out on variety.  Here you will find produce you've only seen in a recipe or on a television cooking show.  You may even want to experiment by purchasing a small sample.  Ask the grower about cooking this
item and what it's good with.  They will be more than happy to share their ideas.


#People watching is fun.
Not quite like the yearly amusement of the State Fair, but I saw tanned weathered farmers with muddy boots and overalls behind his vegetable stands, to tie-died hippie want-to-be's, to bikers (both the leather clad and the Spandex type), hipsters, to moms with kids in tow.  I saw an 8 year old carrying a tomato plant like it was her prized possession.  I imagined her mom told her they were going to plant it, and she could take care of it. I love when parents get kids involved in planting, harvesting and cooking.  Eat a fresh tomato and you'll never crave a Happy Meal again!  It's fun hanging out with the Plant Based Okie.  Trust me - she's very good looking.

Here's some of what we brought home!  And a preview of our dinner tonight.