From Farm Stand to Your Family Table

Picture a bustling farmer’s market on a sunny summer afternoon – stands full of seasonal produce, conversations with farmers, and people strolling through the street carrying totes with ingredients for that upcoming week’s meals. All thanks to your local farm.

There are many reasons to frequent the farmer’s market in your town. In addition to fruits and vegetables, many markets offer farm-fresh eggs, homemade jams, artisanal breads, local honey, flowers, and even handmade crafts. You might stumble upon heirloom varieties of vegetables or specialty items you would never find at a grocery store. 

See, Touch, Taste

When shopping at a farmer’s market, use all five senses to fully savor the experience. See the rich colors and unique shapes of just-picked produce. Smell the fragrant herbs, sweet fruits, and earthy vegetables that hint at ripeness and flavor. Touch the textures—firm zucchinis, soft avocados, or crisp greens—to gauge quality and freshness. Hear the lively buzz of the market, the local farmers sharing tips and stories behind their harvest. And of course, taste—you will notice the difference in taste when biting into a sun-ripened tomato or a just-picked peach.

Local farm produce is often fresher and more nutrient-dense, as it is likely to be in-season. Fruits and vegetables lose nutrients after harvest time is over. Because produce at farmer’s markets is often picked just a day or two before, it retains more vitamins and flavor. Still, be on the lookout for produce that is changing in color or has mold, or a bitter smell. A budget-friendly way to use excess produce purchases is to clean the fruit or vegetable, trim and cut into bite-sized pieces, blanche to prevent germs, and put it in plastic freezer bags. Be sure to label them with the date for future use.

Make it Fun

Trips to the local farmer’s markets are a fun family outing too. It is a chance for the kids to learn about how their food is grown and discover new fruits and vegetables. Many markets host live cooking demonstrations, or kids’ activities, turning a simple shopping trip into a vibrant community event.

Whether you’re searching for the freshest ingredients, hoping to teach your kids where food comes from, or simply looking for a joyful weekend activity, visiting your local farmer’s market is a fun and rewarding experience. So, grab your tote bag and take a stroll – your family (and the local farm) will thank you.

Let’s Salsa!

Fresh produce found at the farmer’s market shines in raw preparations, especially during the summer. These three simple salsa recipes highlight the season’s best fruits and vegetables – perfect as an appetizer or a topping for your favorite protein. Just mix all the ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Each recipe yields about 2 cups.

Peach & Pepper – Suggested to pair with chicken or shrimp

  • 2 medium or 3 small peaches, chopped 
  • ½ medium red onion, diced small
  • ½ medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 handful cilantro, finely chopped (~¼ cup)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 
  • 1 tsp. chili lime seasoning, such as Tajin (optional)

Blackberry & Corn – Suggested to pair with salmon or other fatty fish.

  • 1 pint blackberries, halved
  • 1 medium ear of corn
  • ½ medium sweet onion, diced small
  • 1 handful mint leaves, finely chopped (~¼ cup)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 

Strawberry & Tomato – Suggested to pair with beef, chicken, or plantain chips.

  • 8 oz. strawberries, diced
  • 1 medium to large avocado, diced small
  • ½ medium jalapeño pepper, ribs and seeds removed, finely chopped
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes, diced
  • ⅓ cup chopped scallion
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 

Written by Amanda Rohwedder, MS. Amanda is a degreed nutritionist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She holds a B.S. Nutritional Science and an M.S. Medical Science with a concentration in Women’s Health. She founded Temple and Table in 2017 as a way to nourish our culture by drawing a connection between physical and spiritual health. For more information on T+T’s mission, visit templeandtable.com. Order a copy of Amanda’s recipe book published by CCL, Food for Fertility: Recipes to Improve Health and Manage PCOS at www.ccli.org/store.