Karen Curtis is a Freshet News food columnist.
By Karen Curtis
It seems like every other week there is something new at the farmers market that is my favourite.
One week its new greens, the next its asparagus, then strawberries, then new potatoes and garlic scapes.
I can’t think of much better than visiting a market and eating all the fresh, locally grown and produced food.
With grocery prices rising faster than the thermometer, it is especially important to support our farmers right now. You can get much of the same thing at the grocery store for similar prices (but not always); however, all of the purchase price goes back to the farmer at the market. You are not lining the pocket of some billionaire. You are literally supporting a family. That’s a good feeling.
I did a quick perusal of the grocery flyers the other day and this is what I found:
Walmart-Leaf Lettuce-American grown: $3.27
Market-Leaf lettuce organic: $4
Save-on-Strawberries-California grown: $7.99
Market-no spray: $10
Safeway-Bell Peppers: $ 5.99 per pound
Market-Bell Peppers: $3.75 per pound
Superstore-Canadian grown, non-organic-salad greens: $3.87 per 100 grams
Market-Organic, grown in Mission: $3.56 per 100 grams
Superstore-Eggs-free range, organic: $8.05
Market-Eggs-free range, organic: $7.50
Obviously, I am a big fan of supporting our local growers and I encourage you to check out all they have to offer.
Market season is in full swing now and you can find one almost every day of the week.
And just to encourage you a bit more, here is a recipe for a new potato and garlic scape salad.
Via Karen Curtis
Featured photo: Prince Abid/Unsplash
Dining and Cooking