The first local berries.
On a recent weekend we made our first foray to the Jean-Talon market with friends (she writes the blog Passage des Perles, he is one of the best and most knowledgeable cooks we've met in Montreal.) Thought you might like to see the colors and beauty too.
Enchanted mushroom forests.
Considering the wild asparagus.
Artisanal breads at Joe le Croute.
Foxglove plants, wanting to go home with me (they didn't.)
Radishes that did.
Are you starting to shop at farmers' markets or get deliveries of a CSA basket, or harvesting some produce and flowers of your own? I'm curious if the variety, freshness, and local availability of produce and local food products (honey, cheese, yogurt, etc.) have improved in your region in the last decade. It's a simple way we can all help the earth, support local agriculture and the local economy, as well as improve our own health and state of mind. What could be better than that? Bon été, bon appétit!
I currently live in Massachusetts - there is a plethora of farmer's markets, Whole Foods stores, local independent organic food stores, CSAs and you can even buy raw milk straight from the dairy. I'm moving to VT sometime in the near future where I think even more exists.
Posted by: Kathryn | June 24, 2014 at 07:58 AM
During the past 10+/- years the farmer's market in the small town (pop.4,500. spread out on 42+km2) of Val-David next door has developed into something so very special that nobody wants to do without. On Saturdays between 10 and 13.00hrs we go and chose and return home with the best of meats, vegetables, breads, oils and you name its. And, when meeting a friend relax at tables set up under a tent.
20 years ago town council did not want to hear of it.
Posted by: Ellena | June 24, 2014 at 08:31 AM
Oh my goodness, Beth, those photographs are stunning.
We belong to a CSA; this will be my 19th year as a member, and Ethan's 21st or 22nd. It's one of my favorite places on earth. We usually go there on Saturday mornings to retrieve a bag of glorious produce, and to pick some of the pick-your-own crops like berries and beans and herbs. If I'm working at synagogue, Ethan takes Drew; if I'm not working, then I take Drew there, and I consider the farm absolutely to be holy ground...
I wish I could come and shop at your market, though! and could enjoy a summer feast with you and Jonathan in that park across from your house.
Posted by: Rachel Barenblat | June 24, 2014 at 08:42 AM
Blessed with 2 fairly close by Farmer's Markets! A visit to both is a must Saturday mornings.Rest of the week hit random "end of the driveway" types. Love this time of the year!
Especially enjoyed after our typical Western NY winters.
Posted by: Naris Montes | June 24, 2014 at 09:58 AM
Our small town has a farmer's market just starting its second year. And we have farm stands and a CSA. We grew tons of vegetables ourselves until this year when we shrunk the garden to a wonderful horse shoe shaped raised bed and some large pots.
We also have 3 bakeries nearby and at least one brewery. We also have restaurants featuring local foods, that started in the last couple of years. And Portland, Maine (about 1 hour and 45 mins away) is a mecca for all kinds of local food and markets and restaurants.
Posted by: Sharyn | June 26, 2014 at 02:55 PM
Wild asparagus! Does that really exist? Truly, Beth, you have ended up in Paradise without the awkward necessity of dying. Here late May and most of June asparagus - that prince, king, queen, emperor, benign despot of vegetables - is available in supermarkets (but not, as during the rest of the year, flown in from Peru) and the less lazy may drive out to the fields of PYO. Olympian fields indeed, But wild asparagus - as if God intended to convert the few non-converts left. A sign! An augury!
Posted by: Roderick Robinson | June 27, 2014 at 02:14 AM