Here's a selection of local sources to pick up fresh farm produce so you can savor seasonal veggies from local farmers and also support them. I love going to them and wish I lived closer to one so I can go everyday.In Asia, there are farmer's markets everyday and people like to shop right before they go home to prepare their meal. There is a LOT of choice and everything is so fresh and gorgeous smelling, it is intoxicating and a feast for your eyes and nose.
Mark Bittman, The Minimalist, New York Times columnist wrote a great article about "Eating Food that's Better for You, Organic or Not" that reflects so much of the same philosophy I have - "that the organic question is a secondary one" when we don't eat enough vegetables in the first place!
Well, now you have wonderful fresh vegetables, visit eleanorhoh.com for my simple, easy and delicious approach to preparing them with an Asian twist.
All photos on this post were taken by my photoartist friend, Irene Sperber at the Festival.
Two sites that give nationwide information:
Local Harvest
Punch in your zip code for Community Supported Agriculture farms that sell subscriptions to receive regular delivery of seasonal crops.
Farmfreshtoyou
South Florida sources:
Say you heard it through Wok Star...
Farmfreshmiami.com is a new site for organic fresh produce. Sounds like Erika is doing a great job of getting into different locations. We talked about cooking classes to use her produce.
TropTree
I met Dean Richardson at the Toyota Venza event on Lincoln Road where some of his unique veggies were showcased by restaurant chefs. His specialty is growing unusual veggies like Red Noodle Long Beans. I want to go visit his farm when it's not so hot. Sign up for his weekly Virtual Farmers Market flyer, he doesn't have a website yet, so email him: troptree@bellsouth.net. Umm Blue Spice Basil sounds interesting. He doesn't even harvest till he knows what you want!
- I met Jayne Rosenbaum, President at an event at Oleta Park promoting organic fresh produce.
email: jetsetrose@the-beach.net
305-868-2136
The Market Company operates many Farmer's market in Miami-Dade including Upper East Side at 66th Biscayne Blvd. at Legions Park.
Coconut Grove Organic market
They have prepared dishes and desserts, not cheap but good. Go early so it's fresh and the vegetables don't get wilty. I believe my favorite bread, mango and date from Key West is available there. Be prepared to wreck your diet because once you start the loaf, you cannot stop.
Josh's Organic Market
The Living Foods site does a great job of showcasing it, not sure why Josh does not have a website. I've met Josh and he does an incredible job with getting unusual produce including Durian! They had to wear leather gloves to cut through the spiky outer skin, dangerous but ooh so worth it. It is a forbidden fruit to transport in Asia because of its pungent smell, I won't even tell you what they call it there (not pleasant). It's definitely an acquired taste. I love it, it's very creamy and the consistency is like a very ripe avocado. My mom makes a delicious glutinous rice with coconut milk and durian, very rich but yummy. You never know what Josh brings out.
Paradise Farms host the Slow Food dinner series with chefs in their outdoor kitchen and beautiful garden. Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael's Genuine Food and Drink has been heavily involved with this series. Everything we've had at Michael's has been fabulous quality and delicious like the Duck confit and Crispy Beef Cheeks. Michael trains his staff so well that when you get up, they refold your napkin! Paradise organic produce are only available for purchase to restaurant chefs.
Redland Organics
They have a fall program where you can buy 1/2 or whole box of a variety of seasonal organic vegetables and fruits at a local pickup point. Visit their site for details. I know people who are very pleased with their farmshare.
Redland Fruit & Spice Park
This park holds many events like fruit and vegetable festivals, cooking classes, Asian Cultural events etc., so visit their site for their calendar.
Thai Temple
Whenever there is a festival at the Thai Temple, there are usually vendors selling Thai fruits, vegetables, herbs and orchids. My favorite festival there is when monks from all over the world congregated there to celebrate the Temple's anniversary. The food was from just one or two local restaurants, less choice but the Thai curry, Pad Thai was EXCELLENT. Whereas the New Year festival was a bit more commercial and you had to really make your selection carefully. There are wood bench seats under trees in their orchard garden. It's also very serene and calming to hear monks chanting, bring a cushion, it's mostly sitting on the floor. It is amazing how many people I bumped into that I knew, small world.
