As the president of a busy house cleaning company serving Chapel Hill and surrounding area, I don’t always get to choose my free time.  But I have developed a Saturday morning ritual:  a trip to the nearest farmers market in Carrboro for the week’s food.  I didn’t start out as a farmer’s market fanatic… it just happened.  First came the realization that fruits and vegetables actually had taste when freshly picked and eaten, then came the appreciation that this produce has far less, if any, pesticides and other chemicals than conventional grocery store produce.  And then there’s the eggs.  Once you’ve had a true free-range egg with its bright orange-yellow yolk, store-bought eggs just don’t compare!

Buying our meat there took me a little longer.  Somehow it didn’t seem like a good idea to buy meat out of an ice chest, but I’ve overcome that and what a reward.  Some of the best beef I’ve ever had comes from Baldwin and McAdams farms.  This pasture-raised meat not only tastes great, but it is lean, and of course — no hormones or antibiotics.

The community is another thing.  When I was young, before shopping malls and big box stores, main street merchants knew their customers and visa versa.  They cared for and looked out for each other.  The same goes for the local farmers market for those who cultivate a relationship with the vendors.  It’s fascinating to meet the knowledgeable and interesting people who grow the delicious food enjoyed by you and your family.

Now is a great time to check out your local farmers market.  Carrboro is the one I usually go to.  There’s also one in Southern Village, Durham, University Mall and others.  The season is in full swing  (Sumer is Icumin in  – see:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumer_Is_Icumen_In ).  Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries are all available.  Corn and melons are just coming in.  Heirloom tomatoes will be arriving shortly.  Oh, and don’t forget the flowers.  More on local food and wine next time!