Homestead On The Road: Farmers Markets

As much as I love harvesting from my own garden, it is still a joy to stroll through the local farmers markets and stock up on whatever looks and smells too good to resist. Canning, drying, freezing and other ways of preserving anything we can't eat right away ensure that I won't be paying out-of-season prices come winter. I've included recipes for preserving some of what is in season now, or about to be, at the end of this article (Blueberry - Lemon Balm Honey, Greens for Winter Quiche). Speaking of which, strawberries are in season and any you don't devour fresh can be frozen for making jams and sauces later (just cut off the green parts before you freeze them).

I love the piles of bright orange carrots, the dozen varieties of potatoes with the earth still clinging to them, the voices calling out their wares. I love talking to the farmers and finding out exactly where and how they grow their vegetables (great way to pick up a few gardening tips!). Often I come home with more than produce: plants, especially herbs, that I suddenly have a need to add to my garden, beeswax and honey, free range meat, cheeses. Good prices can be found by buying only what is in season, and if I show up just before sundown often the prices drop even lower.

The atmosphere of an open air market is one of the best reasons for strolling through it, even if you're not shopping. Each market has its own spirit, and if you are travelling the outdoor markets are one of the best ways to sample regional foods and rub elbows with the locals. Here in NYC, your best chance of seeing the natives actually smiling at each other may be to visit the Union Square Market (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays until sunset, 17th St. and Broadway., Manhattan) or the Grand Army Plaza Market (Saturdays till sundown, Grand Army Plaza at the entrance to Prospect Park, Brooklyn). 'Food Markets of the World', by Sheffer and Sheraton is a great read if you would like to find more green markets near you or near a place you will be visiting. Openair-Market is another good resource for finding markets anywhere in the world.

Is there a green market near you that you recommend? Use the discussions link below to let and other visitors to Urban Homestead know about it.

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