Summer time when eating healthy is easy

Doesn't it seem like eating healthy is so much easier in the summer?  Fresh fruits and vegetables are colorful, fresh, less expensive and every where you look. This is due in part to the work of local farmers and merchants who share their wares at local farmers markets. Farmers markets typically run from June to September and if you think July was bountiful, just wait for August.  

I've been out and about at the New Hartford market on Friday, Litchfield market on Saturday, Collinsville market on Sunday, and I've been itching for the next market in Avon, which only happens once a month. Still on my list this summer is the Simsbury market. There's just something about popping in to each booth, chatting with the farmer or food purveyor about their wares, what's in season, or how they made that fresh salsa, bread or cheese that just makes me feel good.

Then I go home and get inspired. Did you know peaches and fresh corn go great together in a summer salad with basil? Neither did I, but boy does it epitomize summer all in one bowl. Did you know fresh frozen blueberries are really refreshing just by the handful? And when winter rolls around and I pull out those strawberries I froze back in June, I'll have just a small piece of of summer, right there in January.

What? You've never been to a Farmers Market? You thought I was talking about Fresh Market? Well, why not? Are you a little nervous about how it all works? Don't be.  

Here's how it works. Each merchant sells their own stuff;it's just all in one place. I usually like to make one sweep around before I start buying anything just to think about how I'll spend my budget, what seasonal goodies go together, what I might need for the week ahead and who has the freshest looking stuff. Bring cash with you as most will not accept plastic.  

And speaking of plastic, bring your own reasuable bag with you to carry your loot in. And don't be afraid to ask questions. These folks are rightfully proud of what they do and they're happy to tell you about their goods. A word of caution though.  You will be amazed and thrilled with all the yummy food. Even so, don't buy it all in one trip.  Remember that this is fresh food with no preservatives, so plan on buying only what you can use or preserve in a week. The market will be there next week, and who knows, maybe you'll run into me while I'm there.