Finding Happiness (and Local Produce) at the Farmers Market
I adore Farmers Markets. Cruising the aisles for what is in-season, admiring the different vendors, and all the while, the calm that comes with seeing vegetables on repeat; it’s up there in my all-time favourite activities. No matter where I go in the world, I always try to carve out time to find the local market and just wander to get a feel of a city’s culture.
Since moving to Kelowna, I have been becoming a regular at our lovely local market. Watching the seasons change as the produce moves in and out of season feels like such a privilege. This is the first city I have lived where I can go regularly enough to see trends shift from week to week and I am always excited to see what is fresh and ripe in the Okanagan as we flow through Summer into Fall. Eating locally and in-season is one of my favourite parts of living in the Okanagan. Plus it is so healthy for you! Meeting your farmer and learning about how your food is grown and where it comes from is so important. It can also help you teach your children about nutrition, agriculture, and sustainability.
Dr Anna Marie at the Farmers Market in Augusta GA
Wednesday morning’s mission was to find some ingredients for dinner with a dear friend. I show my affections for others by cooking for them, so I wanted to make sure to procure some awesome local ingredients to maximize taste and nutrition (and bragging rights)!
Dr Anna Marie at the Farmers Market in Montreal
I had my heart set on making a simple pasta with parmesan, pecorino, and black pepper – called “Cacio de Pepe” – but with sweet corn. It was perfect timing, as corn just started making an appearance last week at the market! This recipe is my favourite kind: something seemingly simple, but with a sneakily added layer of complexity to make it interesting. Both dishes got the stamp of approval from my friend; he couldn’t even tell the pasta was gluten-free! 😉
Dr Anna Marie at the Farmers Market in Seattle WA
Early in the season, I planted my own little garden with plants from the market. I filled it with all kinds of herbs, a variety of different cherry tomatoes, potatoes, and zucchini! My first tomato harvest turned into a deliciously simple Caprese salad with just tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, freshly picked basil, salt, pepper, and a good serving of olive oil. Tastes like summer!
Dr Anna Marie at the Farmers Market in San Jose
For me, the Farmers Market is my happy place. If I need groceries for the week, inspiration on how to fuel my body, or if life just feels a little overwhelming you’ll know where to find me!
Dr Anna Marie at the Farmers Market in Kelowna BC
The Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 AM to 1 PM at the corner of Dilworth and Springfield from the beginning of April to end of October. Then it shifts to the indoor market at the Parkinson Rec centre on a modified schedule. Go check it out!