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Fun at the Local Farmer's Market

         What a refresher I experienced to kick start the day earlier this morning. As a delightful offset for the late awake that consequently prevented me from getting to an early shift that I was requested to work at my restaurant job, I instead ambled upon a nice farmer's market that was set out on the campus of the neighboring college where I live. Despite not being at work as planned, the manager dismissed the occurrence upon my phone call to apologize which then allowed me to get on with my day before I would need to go in for my regular evening shift later in the day.

         So as mentioned, this set up the opportunity to happen upon a Thursday afternoon farmer's market which has just started as a weekly occurrence that will last for two months until the student's spring semester ends in May. The set-up consists of what one would immediately recognize as a farmers market with several, confined rows of vendors operating make shift tents, marked by crafted banners and table displays that present the variety of food and speciality items that each are selling. Given that my whole intention upon making the short bike ride to the center of campus was to me to pick up a cup of coffee from a not to be mentioned commercialized mecca of American coffee consumption, I instead was emphatic to see that the first of the vendor tents was an independent coffee roaster. Their name was catchy and the pop0ularity was apparent as the line of young caffeine enthusiasts stretched for nearly a dozen people awaiting the service of the stand's attendant.

         At his disposal, the vendor quickly tended to the four glass urns of different flavored iced coffees, which seemed most highly in high demand despite the temperatures outside being only in the upper fifties amidst a sunny day. Additionally there was a large pot of hot coffee which I was intent on consuming as my morning reprieve from my late to bed, late to rise, missed work discombobulated state that I had presently found myself in. Comforted by the genuineness of my surroundings and the progression I'd make towards the front of the line, I inquired with the stands operator about the provenance of their product and variety of coffee he sold.

         He motioned me to the tent right beside him after handing the warm cup over the table in exchange for a reasonable two dollars. The company's proprietor was working the less crowded adjacent tent that I had been directed to and she was handling the sale of the different bags of coffee. Her sale of whole bags of ground variety ranged in places of origin that included Tanzania, Mexico, Sumatra, a house blend and Uganda. It was a smorgasborg of different coffees laid out in front of me which she offered small sample cups of each flavor and a conversational description of what they all consisted of. We talked for a few minutes as I sampled, commented, critiqued and inquired about the nature of each of the coffees before settling on a one pound bag of the Uganda selection to carry away with me.

         Oh but my journey wouldn't end there. Still awaiting were the two rows of approximately ten other tents, some that I naturally gravitated towards others which I placatingly strolled past. Still not having had something to eat, one of the several baked goods vendors in the vicinity seemed like a logical stop. Two energetic male and female operators had placed before them nicely wrapped assortments of breads and sweets. I sample a molasses cookie that was cut and rationed for each passerby to share a taste of and was instantly even further awakened by it's plump wholesomeness. Reason enough for me to purchase the nice sized $1.50 treat to assuage my late morning hunger.

         Next was an older gentleman who looked the part of a knowledgeable artisan dressed for the mid March coolness with a felt hat, fleece and jeans. On his table lay an assortment of small dishes filled with homemade salsa, jellies an nuts complemented by tasting crackers. It's safe to say that one's taste for food particularly of the good, enriched , natural kind is more acute after having just woken when your appetite is strong and senses alive. I sampled the line of product that he offered, taking a moment after each bite to savor, digest and contemplate the flavors. The different items included as follows: a sundried tomato and red pepper pesto that carried a delicious creamy quality which upon inquiry revealed that the recipe contained some olive oil and Parmesan cheese.

         Next was an artichoke tapinad which my initial inclination veered away from due to the thought of kalamata olives and other ingredients so early upon my day. But nonetheless I sampled and it was delicious. A red pepper puree tasted hot and flavorful like a jolt of spice to liven the palate. The agreed upon conclusion for that was it would pair wonderfully with any number of main dishes including fish,meats or eggs. A black bean, corn, onion and spiced salsa was next to be tried. It possessed a hearty consistency that the gentlemen suggested can make a nice equal part to a chicken broth if it were to be used in making your own soup.

         Several of the jellies that were sold tasted very nice too particularly what was described as the mild green chili flavor even though it immediately sent an essence of spiciness to my tongue upon trying it. The gentleman shared some good information about the nature of his business and mentioned his rather novice experience in venturing into this field of work which to my assumption is a way of avoiding retirement for himself. I bought a half pint container of the sun dried tapinand and said I'd visit his facebook page.

         Without stopping to inquire with any other vendors, I perused through atleast to get a feel of what else was there including a fresh bread seller, a young woman with individually wrapped pies, an ice cream/smoothie stand purportedly using all local dairy and fruits. Lastly I willfully passed the local meat butcher as he was surrounded by young students salivating at the aroma of his small grill with samples of various types of pork and beef.

         The spirit of the farmer's market buying experience is enjoyable to say the least for many number of reasons as just described. Getting to know about the product your consuming certainly provides a better appreciation. And making the purchase with the small cultivator/ seller provides the satisfaction felt from the gratitude that is expressed from your patronage. Thus being aware of the local food supplier culture and supporting it's cause is something that we all can find solace with.