How fresh!

Fresh used to be a word describing someone who was behaving rudely.  

Today fresh is a word that implies goodness, quality, something desirable. 

Fresh produce is not expensive to grow on your own – though it does take time, energy and effort. 

Fresh produce you purchase can be expensive – ask the watermelon lover who buys some in February in Michigan! 

We are blessed with a long growing season in South Carolina and from early May until late October we can enjoy an ever changing bounty of vegetables and fruits.  Learning to enjoy what is in season when it is in season allows us to have the freshest at the lowest price.

There are now farmers’ markets all over Greenville County and an effort is being made to make sure low income families that receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Food Stamps) benefits can purchase fresh items at the Saturday Market on Main Street in Greenville using their EBT card.  Other markets have similar programs.

There’s also the chance to learn from the farmers.  They love to get questions about what variety you’re looking at or how to prepare different items.  If you’re looking for something in particular ask if they grow it or know a farmer who does.

If you’re looking for a farmers’ market close to you check out the St. Francis Community Garden blog http://lg35communitygarden.blogspot.com/     and go to the April 26, 2010 “Local, Local, Local” post for a list of local area markets. 

Fresh is best and fresh and accessible is even better.