Tag Archives: farmers’ market

Salty Yellow Tomatoes

yellow oblong tomatoes

Golden ovals from Fat Blossom Farm

I used to go to the farmers’ market with a list. These days, I might have a couple things in mind, but I generally just see what catches my eye.

The thing I’ve found is that it’s way more likely you’ll chat with your farmer if you get adventurous and purchase something you never have before. Sure, I know the kale, summer squash and stroopwafel are going to be fabulous, and I’ll thank them kindly, but why not learn about those weird looking tomatoes?

As much as I love tomatoes, I tend to take them for granted. I routinely pick up the small carton of red grape tomatoes at Meijer, and throw them in eggs, salads and quinoa without even thinking about it. Why is my kitchen not full of all shapes, sizes and colors of these nightshades? Because I am tomato-lame.

But no more. I love an excuse to stop by the Fat Blossom Farm table, and last weekend it featured these yellow tomatoes, most of which had a pale green at one end. I bought them without hesitation, and the collection (or what’s left of it) graces my kitchen counter.

For the most part, I’ve been washing and slicing them into disks to eat raw. While I’ve never been overly fond of adding salt to raw veggies, I’ve done it with these. The flavor is nice, and the small sodium boost can’t hurt (I’ve never really liked much salt, and actually don’t consume a lot… maybe not enough. An exploration for later). But in all honesty, the tomatoes don’t need it.

So that’s about it. Go to the farmers’ market, try something new, eat it raw. Oh, and go to the Enchanted Forest Festival at Fat Blossom Farm. Because why not?

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Filed under Health, Local

Season Opener: Yoga and The Market

relaxed woman post yoga closeup A beam of light crossed my face. It is not a crooked, fresh wax (which the husband said it resembles).

On Saturday I woke up three hours earlier than usual to hang out in funny positions with strangers.

You’ve heard me talk about yoga, and I’ve already bent your ear on my love of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. It was almost too much when I heard of a free event involving both.

The Market hosts yoga classes throughout the week in its greenhouse, banquet rooms and demonstration facilities. To make the most of the seasonal outdoor farmers’ market opening, they held an open and free session, offering attendees a great discount for future classes. I registered immediately.

It was my first time doing yoga with anyone other than my husband, mother or Iris, and, at the risk of sounding cheesy, there was energy and it was amazing. We faced a giant second floor window, and a hard rain as the class began. After an hour and 15 minutes of gently voiced instructions and soothing music, not to mention a well guided final relaxation, I was more chill than I’ve been in ages. And the sun was out.

After grabbing that discount for next time, I floated down to the first floor and stopped at a table to take it all in. Nothing but food and enthusiastic people in every direction. I bought a freshly made juice and some pitted dates. I gawked lustfully at the seafood counter and oyster bar. I experienced an affection for my city, which is trying to do something good for the food and small business culture here. Making my way to the front doors and terrace meant a great view of the outdoor market, and green park beyond. I bought a small loaf of bread. Such a beautiful way to start a Spring Saturday.

Sometimes, I really enjoy growing older, because it’s like gaining a new sense. Bliss is found in the simplest things – things that were always there, but require a certain… perception to be appreciated. Sometimes, innocence is reawakened when you thought it was long gone.

Have a wonderful week.

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Filed under Local, Seasonal

Freelance Diversions: Volunteering

Grand Rapids Downtown Market plan drawing.

In my ongoing quest to find the perfect occupational blend of meaningful skill use, time on my feet, career advancement and human interaction, I’ve started volunteering at the new Downtown Market.

For two hours on Tuesday mornings, while the husband and child (hopefully) continue to sleep, I will stand at the entrance to the outdoor market and greet shoppers. I will also answer their questions and document their visit with a click of a tally counter. Those things are fun to use, incidentally.

My decision to do this has been met with some confusion. I do not make money. I have to get up at our equivalent of 3am. The task is not particularly challenging. Why on Earth would I add this to my list of to-dos?

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Filed under I'm a Professional

Eggucation

brown hen stands in purple flowers

Once, I wrote about eggs and why they rock. Eggs are probably the main reason I could never be vegan.

Yesterday, a friend posted this article about egg labeling and pasture raised eggs on my Facebook wall. Because I’m a bit short on time, I’m using these links as a cheaty post, but I’m sincere in my passion about sharing this info with you.

This rating scale is linked to in the article, but here it is again, just for emphasis. We are big fans of eggs we get at the farmers’ market, though my favorite eggs come from the farm of the father of the aforementioned friend.

Have an eggy Wednesday!

 

 

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Why Eggs Rock

I love eggs, oh so much. They are the reason I could never truly go vegan. I love the way they look and taste. I even love the word. Egg. Eeeeeegg. Eg-g-g-g-g-g-g-g. Eggy. Just lovely.

As a vegetarian, I quickly realized the importance of eggs as a source of protein and iron. I figured it out a couple weeks in to the veggie-venture, when I started craving eggs like crazy – they were all I could think about.

Here’s a quick rundown of the nutrition we get from one typical, medium egg:

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