FOOD
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O L I V E AV E N U E S U P P E R C L U B
To Market Be smart, think fresh, buy local Story by Clyde Van Arsdall IV Photos by Georgia Chacos
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ell before a farmers market comes into sight, the smells emanating from the action alert you to its presence. The aroma of coffee roasting and exotic foods cooking over an open flame entice would-be shoppers. Upon arrival, the ethereal fragrance of freshly cut flowers enters the mix. Your eyes dart from one stall to the next, taking in the brightly colored mosaic of fruits and vegetables. It is always a good idea to have a game plan. When everything looks this good, you can buy or spend too much in a heartbeat. Is shopping at the farmers’ market worth investing your time and money? A resounding yes, for a lot of reasons. Fruits and vegetables are picked just hours before markets open, assuring the flavors are fresh and bright. These fruits are sweeter because they have higher sugar content; ripening on a tree instead of a truck or train yields delicious results. In Defense of Food, Michael Pollan’s must-read book, asks us all to “shake the hand that feeds you.” Once you have met the farmers, don't just say hello, ask them questions. They grew the produce you’re buying; they can tell you all about their growing practices and might even have some good cooking tips. There are over 6,000 farms in San Diego County. Purchasing local products strengthens the local economy while decreasing the demand for transportation from outlying areas. When you support farmers' markets, you Former Hotel Dela Tennis Director are creating community around food. Ben Press c. 2000s
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CROWN CITY MAGAZINE
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APRIL 2022
