Living and Promoting a Sustainable Life
It is tomato time in Central Illinois. But what happens when the tomatoes just do not seem to ripen.
You can eat a lot of fried green tomatoes, but there are a couple of other tricks to try. In this episode Donna shares her secrets to encouraging the tomatoes to ripen.
We also discuss some of the heirloom varieties available in the garden this year.
Until next time….
A Farmer’s Market can be overwhelming. Who has the best product? Who has the best prices? How do I know I am getting a good value for my dollar?
This post will answer your questions.
Ask questions about their products. Growers and market vendors should be able to answer your questions. Some questions you can ask are: “When was this picked? Where was it grown? Has it been sprayed? Is it a GMO seed?” Based on answers to these questions, you can make your decision about what to buy.
If this is your first visit to a market, do a quick sweep around the market to see what is available and prices. In small markets, prices will usually be similar with only a bit of variance based on the variety or quantity available. Larger markets may have a more significant price difference among vendors. If you are a regular customer, you will know what to expect from your favorite vendors.
After a quick perusal of what is available, go back and make your purchases. One caution however, vendors may have limited quantities of some items. If you have an established relationship with particular vendors based on their reputation for quality and price, you may want to shop those vendors first.
Eating seasonally will not only provide the most nutritious bang for your buck, but also the best flavor. Local produce has a limited availability due to growing conditions and climate.
For example, you can find tomatoes in Illinois in May, but these are not likely to have been grown locally. The best tomatoes in Central Illinois are available from early July through the end of August, sometimes even stretching into mid-September. These tomatoes will be fully vine-ripened, bursting with tomato flavor.
Above all, find a local farmer’s market and shop there before the big box stores. Produce will be fresher and there are other some great finds like honey, balms, craft items and much more.
Plus you have the opportunity to develop relationships with great people. What could be better?
If you would like to read more about how we found a community at the 18th Street Farmer’s Market, check out this book: The Long Road to Market. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Do you find yourself wasting too much food? We are working on reducing the waste here on Five Feline Farm.
On today’s episode we discuss a few of the ways we are reducing food waste, from cutting out damaged parts of tomatoes to compost.
At Five Feline Farm, we grow as many of our own vegetables as possible, the most beautiful of those veggies go to the farmer’s market and we use the less than perfect for our meals.
Until next time….
Today’s podcast shares a “behind the scenes” look at our preparations to attend farmer’s markets on two consecutive days.
Friday mornings through August, we are attending the Casey IL Market Thyme farmer’s market from 7:30AM to 11:30AM right next to the World’s Largest Rocking Chair.
You will find us on Saturday mornings through September at the 18th Street Farmer’s Market in Charleston IL in the parking lot of 825 18th Street.
Come out and enjoy some great home grown and home created products.
Until next time…
