What to Expect From Your Farmers Market in May
Sunday has pretty much always been my favorite day of the week. And though my current Sunday routine drastically differs from my Sunday routine ten years ago, both have their merits. And both have lots of food.
When I was a kid, we’d go to church every Sunday morning. My mom was always busy with church choir or bible study or leading one of the 15 committees she had joined over the years and my dad sold gift cards to raise money for the church. Perfect for 13 year old Michelle to b-line it to the donuts without parental approval. Cinnamon twists were a hot commodity back in those days and I rarely missed a week. As I got a little older, I’d often skip out on the church service for a Starbucks soy chai and “my history homework”. After my donut of course. I was NOT about to let that habit die. I was gross, it’s fine. However, this was still an improvement over the Sunday routine of my elementary years, which included the A&W/KFC drive-thru. Root beer floats were my jam. Perhaps I would have slowed down had I known they were slowing killing my insides. Perhaps not. I digress.
Since going paleo, my Sundays are all about food – real food. They start and end in the kitchen, with the farmers market somewhere in between. I’m incredibly blessed to live in a climate that allows for active farmers markets and quality produce year-round. Until recently, I had basically no idea what produce would be in season in a given week. I’d simply talk with the individual farmers about what was good that day/week/month. They’ll tell you straight up.
As a society, we’re so used to buying anything our heart desires at any time of year. Pineapple in Minnesota? Sure! Sweet potatoes in July? Yep! But here’s the thing: that’s not how nature works. It’s only through green houses and unnatural farming practices that we’re able to enjoy whatever, whenever, wherever. Eating local, truly local, is inherently seasonal. Produce will come and go, as it’s intended. Starchier carbs are more available in the Winter. Citrus is best in the Spring. And oh boy, there’s nothing better than a Summer strawberry.
Going forward, I’m making more of a conscious effort to eat seasonally and locally. I really have no excuse, living in one of the best places for fresh produce in the country – if not the world. So bye bye butternut squash, hello zucchini.
Enough nonsense, what’s actually in season?
Citrus citrus citrus! I don’t think there was a single farmer without a basket of oranges this week. My dearest blood oranges are becoming harder and harder to find, but they’re still just as tasty when I do find them. Lemons, grapefruit, and valencia oranges were all excellent this week and should be throughout the month. You can trust me, I spent A LOT of time at the sample tables.
Greens! All the freakin greens. Spinach, romaine, kale, mustard greens, chard – literally everything. I have some sort of leafy green every day and I couldn’t be more excited! I’m legitimately excited about this. Probably more excited about my upcoming salads than my upcoming trip to Europe. Just kidding. I’m most excited for the salads I’ll eat in Europe.
Strawberries! Now, don’t get your panties in a bunch. It’s just the beginning of strawberry season and they’ll only get more flavorful as the season goes on. That being said, they’re pretty damn good now. Don’t bother with the other berries for a few weeks. They’re very very early and yeah, not so good.
Radishes! I’ve only had radishes a few times in my life. After a delicious radish salad at True Food about a year ago, I immediately went and bought a bundle of perfect red radishes at the market. But I waited too long to eat them. Not wanting to waste food, I ate them. Well, I tried. They tasted like armpits and I’ve been turned off ever since. In addition to eating seasonally, I’m making more of an effort to try a new vegetable or fruit every week (or in this case, giving the armpit vegetable another try). And I’m so glad I did! Red radishes are excellent right now. Just make sure to eat them within a few days of purchasing. Much like Clint Eastwood, they don’t age well.
Peaches! Much like strawberries, peaches are at the very beginning of their season. The pickings were slim and the fruit was bite-sized. Like one single bite. What a rip off. Be patient and buy your peaches in a few weeks.
Beets! The beets at the farmers market are SO good right now. Literally on another level. Plus, beets are a truly zero-waste food. Eat the greens, eat the stalks, and eat the beets! And don’t be frightened if your poop is red. You’re not dying. On the other hand, you might be. Call your doctor.
There are so many delicious veggies at the market right now, this is only a snippet. What are you guys munching on this month? Are you seeing the same produce at your farmers market? Aren’t farmers markets just the best? How do you not spend all your money there? Is it possible to get banned for taking too many pictures of oranges and sampling the equivalent of 17 grapefruit without making a purchase? Asking for a friend.