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| Eatin' local isn't for the yuppie class |
For me and my wife Katie, every weekend pretty much starts the same. Generally, after a long work week that included logging some road miles, airport hopping and mental exhaustiveness - we usually hit our local Saratoga Springs farmer's market to grab some fresh greens, fish, beef, milk and whatever goodies that might be in the mix as we peruse the exhibitors for artisan food and goods. For us, supporting our local business's makes appropriate sense, especially when it comes to food. We openly support local farmers, grocers and restaurants. We believe that a effervescent local food culture adds buoyant social climate for most of it's inhabitants.
The Saratoga farmer's market started (
according to their site) in the late summer of 1978 in the Spring Street parking lot, Saratoga Springs. A small committee met several times prior to that at the Saratoga County Extension Service, now known as Cornell Cooperative Extension. A space in a parking lot was negotiated with the City. Unfortunately, it rained many of the market days and the only protection was a few patio umbrellas. Few customers came and the less than ten vendors became very discouraged. But some did not abandon the idea. The farmers’ market concept was a challenge and we wanted to see it succeed.
From the rainy market days in 1978 until the present, the farmers’ markets have survived, grown and prospered. They have become an institution, a social center for surrounding communities. Want to see your nearby neighbor or someone across town or out of town? Go to the farmers market, have a good visit and take home some goodies.
The history of the markets has really been written by the perseverance of the growers, bakers, crafters and other vendors, and the generosity of officials of the municipalities where the markets are held, and most of all the customers.
Katie and I often use the market to ideate recipes and think of certain dishes will prepare for the upcoming week. It's a great opportunity to think about what you put in your belly and how it impacts your neighbors and community. It makes us think of eating seasonal and not take for granted what's available and why. The farmers brings back a sense of culture around why we choose to eat the way we do. I've changed a lot over he past few years in terms of how I view food and community in ways I've never imagined. I chose to live and become part of a community the cherishes the same values that we hold.
I highly recommend if you are within driving distance of any local farm, farmer's market, CSA or local grocer that you make a conceited effort to stop by and support them. I've often had some heated debates about what eating, sustainability and choosing ethical food means. Most people see it as a leftist, hippy, hipster chic point of view that most common folk just can't seem to grasp. Well, I consider myself common folk. I'm none of these folks and I don't often practice what I preach. Sometimes I'm a hypocrite, but I'm okay with that. Ultimately I know what's right and it's a choice you have to make to move into that direction. I drive a '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee that gets horrible gas mileage, so no, I don't even own a Suburu. Just once, make a concious effort to support your local food eco-system. You'll thank me later.
*Plus, making your own tomato puree with fresh local tomatoes in the summer for your weekend spicy bloody mary for brunch - would never be the same.
