The Broccoli Wars

I love to tell the story of my kids and their friends fighting over broccoli in our garden when they were little. We had built a small, raised bed in our side lawn that soon became fuller of weeds than veggies, but for whatever reason, the broccoli thrived and was plentiful—for about a day. Until it was wiped out in one fell swoop by ravenous tweens.

The whole ordeal made me smile for obvious reasons. Had I served up a fresh plate of chicken fingers and grocery-store broccoli to any one of those kids in any other setting, the broccoli fantasy would have likely been lost. Maybe a couple of them would have eaten it if doused in ranch, but I’ll bet none of the kids would have devoured their plates with the same excitement as they had my garden.

Perhaps one might argue that Farmers Markets, farm stands and farm stores provide that same sense of fascination with edible natural beauty. The colors, the plenty, the freshness seems to call out to us upon entry. You know what I mean. So, answer that call and enjoy eating fresh and local all summer long. Be grateful for the farmers out there who work long, hard hours to provide, and remember what a privilege it is to live in an area where we have access to so many fresh markets only a few short miles away. Consider the benefits to our local economy, the positive impact on our global environment and the health of your family to boot!

As if that’s not already enough, many of our local markets have now become community events in and of themselves. Several have artisans, entertainment, food trucks and more. They are destination locations beyond delicious fruits and veggies—including many with homemade baked goods, locally raised meats and cheeses, freshly produced coffee, honey, maple syrup and on and on. In the tents, fun and delicious are plenty! See our Farmers Market schedule on page 8 of this edition and please remember to patronize our local Farm Stores like Brigiotta’s, Haff Acres, Peterson Farms, Tuscany and Randolph Peaches & Cream as well.