Home From The Market | Hollywood 2Oct11

just a few things that made it home from the market…

Kalex2 | Spinach | Mint | Limes | Carrots | Potatoes | Cucumbers | Tomatoes | Habanero Peppers | Lettuce

I don’t have tips on how to do the Farmers’ Market on a budget, but here are a few things I’ve learned and some I’m still working on:
1) Find a number that works for you, a number that you feel comfortable spending regularly.  Respect your wallet and peace of mind by not going over it.  I take what I can spend.  That’s it.  I started going to the market near my house when I was on unemployment.  I didn’t go every week, but, every other week when that check came, I figured out what I could afford to spend.
2) Figure out what you need and leave a little for what you want or what catches your eye.  I always need onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and kale.  After that, it’s up to mother nature’s bio-clock and whatever suits me.
3) Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask questions.  Ask what it is, how much it is and how to best use it.  I was so used to getting fennel from a particular stand that charged by the bulb and not by weight.  So, when I went to another stand and gave the guy fennel and celery and then, dude said four and change.  Color me surprised.  I didn’t ask and should have.  If you don’t see a sign, ASK.  And don’t feel guilty about changing your mind.  I should have just gotten the celery.
4)Shop around.  Not all markets are the same.  Find one or more that serve your needs with selection and price.  Find one that excites your curiosity and nurtures your commitment to your wellbeing.  The market near our new office is heavy on the prepared foods, clothes and other specialty items.  The market near the house is busting with Korean and Bangladeshi ladies carrying big bags of produce home.  The market near the old office had an interesting mix of downtown dwellers and folks who carry loaded bags back to the work.  There are plenty more markets in the area to check out, but right now, I’m cool with my routine.

There’s been a lot written lately about the rising prices at Farmers’ Markets.  The markets in LA aren’t the cheapest, but neither are the conventional stores near me.  It doesn’t matter to me if it’s cheaper, if doesn’t taste like anything.  I don’t remember any produce I’ve purchased from a conventional store being curse-worthy or inducing an Alice Waters-ian breathy response.  I’ve had green peppers from the market sitting on the table making my whole apartment smell fresh and, well, green.  I’ve devoured peaches hoping that I couldn’t be seen or heard ’cause it was just dirty.  Arkansas Black apples are back in season and I’m paying $3 a pound for a bit of tart, salty heaven.  I’m so okay with that.

I’m only responsible for one person, but even when I was living off very little, I found a way to start.
n♥

Home From The Market | Hollywood 11Sept11

just a few things that made it home from the market…

Kalex2 | Spinach | Yams | Thomcord Grapes | Bay Leaves | Tomatoes | Onions | Cucumbers | Fennel | Ginger    Garlic | Lettuce | Broccoli

With only half the haul on view, this looks like one of the rare over-budget Sundays.  I, usually, only go to the market with a twenty, straight from the atm.  Some days, I carry more.  The problem with that is that I, uh, spend more.  There are days when I spend much less, but that’s at 7th + Fig.

I’ve got big eyes and a small fridge.  Having a budget and specific weekly needs keeps me from buying every pretty and interesting thing I see.  So along with the kale, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers, I get to experiment with a new or daunting vegetable or try a new herb without feeling like I’ve wasted money.  And, thankfully, because I don’t buy as much, there’s less opportunity for full-fridge neglect.  And when it does happen… *pursedlipsshrug*

n♥

 

Home From The Market | 7th + Fig 1Sept11

just a few things that made it home from the market…

Cucumbers | Ginger | Onions | Kale | Tomatoes

Not sure why I bought Japanese cucumbers.  I just did.  The problem with taking so long to post will be apparent after the period.  I haven’t the slightest idea what happened to them.

n♥

Home From The Market | Hollywood 28Aug11

just a few things that made it home from the market…

Red Leaf Lettuce | Kale x 2 | Ginger | Garlic | Onions | Concord Grapes | Tomatoes | Squash | Cucumbers

I should apologize to the squash.  It went to waste in the fakeout drawer in the bottom of the fridge.

Dear Oh, So Lovely Family of Squash,

You deserved a tantalized tummy and you just ended up soggy and moldy.

I am so sorry.

 

n♥

 

 

Home From The Market | 7th at Fig 13Oct11

just a few things that made it home from the market…

Strawberries | Tomatoes | Pita | Hummus

The hummus didn’t make it home.  It wasn’t even good, but I was hungry.  All tahini-heavy without any garlic bite or acid kick, I should have just had fries or a(nother) pint of strawberries.  I have to stop spending money (♥: and time and energy) on things that I know probably won’t make me happy.  It’s like I keep taking the class, but have trouble implementing the lesson.  It’s time to be more mindful about planning ahead, especially since I prefer my own chickpea dip/spread.

Making the commitment to treat myself better emotionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually means that I have to pay much more attention to how I get fed and how I stay happy.

n♥

 

Home From The Market | 16Oct11 Instagram Edition

just a few things that made it home from the market…

Spinach | Cilantro | Tarragon | Kale | Carrots | Tomatoes | Onions | Garlic | Ginger | Mint | Cucumbers | Jicama | Fennel

Still finding my way back home here.  Fighting my way back home, really.


Soon.

n