CTST: Tasty produce and the farmers who grow it
Celebrate the Small Things: The hard work of farmers to produce healthy, tasty fruits and vegetables.
This time of year, the farmers start to see the fruits of their labor and we have especially tasty choices at local farmers’ markets and in grocery stores who feature locally grown produce. I can’t wait until those juicy red, yellow and orange tomatoes ripen and the tender, yellow sweetcorn matures! Until I took part in a Consumer Support Agriculture (CSA) several times, I didn’t know there could be such a difference in taste, between organic, locally grown vegetables and those found year-long in big-chain stores. There is a huge difference and I’m spoiled.
Farmers work incredibly hard (from before the sun comes up to after it sets). Their success is in the hands of God – from whether the seeds take hold (and there is enough rain but not too much), to if the crop flourishes (sometimes in spite of the weather and bugs), to harvest time, when all hands are on deck. If there is too little rain during the season, the crop can fail. If there is too much rain during planting, it can wash away the seeds before they have time to sprout. If it’s too hot, the arugula can taste bitter. The “ifs” would make me a nervous wreck.
So, I’m celebrating farmers this week! I appreciate all the time, love, energy, sweat, money, etc., that is involved in bringing beautiful crops to fruition so we may enjoy healthy meal choices. I celebrate the many hands that it takes to provide us with tomatoes, kale and lettuces, potatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, blackberries, green beans – the list goes on. Thank you, farmers, for bringing us life!
Find more information on Celebrate the Small Things blog hop here.
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
12 Comments
Michaelann Cox Mako
I am in search of the perfect farmer’s tomato this weekend!
dmweiden@gmail.com
I hope you find it! There is such a different between a store-bought, pale red commercially grown tomato and one picked and eaten right from the farm. Don’t be afraid to try the different colored ones, either. The yellow and orange are awesome!
Lori L MacLaughlin
What great people to celebrate! I completely agree. I grew up on a dairy farm and I know how hard farmers work. And so much of what they do is subject to the whims of Mother Nature. It’s a hard life, but a rewarding one.
Love the barn photo!
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting my blog. Growing up on a dairy farm must have been interesting. I love cows but think they are so cute that I’ve almost sworn off eating meat. Almost… I love taking photos of old barns and farm equipment. Each has its own character and story.
That's Purrfect
As a farmer’s daughter, I applaud this post! That picture is wonderful – it really reminds me of my childhood.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Tonja Drecker
As a farmer, I have to smile big at your post (although we’re into hay and cattle and not produce). There is a huge difference between store bought and home grown. And there’s something horribly satisfying about working physically and being able to see solid results. As to the weather and such…there is no reason to stress it. I learned that from my parents and grandparents. It’s not something anyone can influence anyway. Sure, one is frustrated…and heaven knows this weekend we’re praying the river doesn’t flood again into our hay field, and wipe it and our fences out…but even if it does, we’ll do the repairs, clench our teeth at the costs, clean it up and work it all again. But even then, it’s not really bothersome. This might sounds weird, but somehow having this type of work is a joy all in itself…even with the financial ups, downs and insecurities.
dmweiden@gmail.com
I would love to live and work on a farm! I know it’s hard work but the satisfaction and enjoyment of working on your own land would be awesome. Sounds like you and your family have a positive attitude and faith. Thank you for sharing your experience.
lexacain
I love organic too, but it’s twice as expensive here (Egypt). On the good side, there are very few ready-made foods like Kraft mac-and-cheese or canned soup, so wives make everything from scratch and people eat very few preservatives. One thing I really hate though is only getting vegetables that are in season. For instance, I love artichokes, but they’re only available during May. That’s it! So I miss the western grocery stores and getting anything you want whenever you want it. Have a great weekend!
dmweiden@gmail.com
I live in a small town and they just began offering more organic food. And, at first, it was outrageously expensive so I understand what you’re saying. We had our first “healthy” grocery store open, Fresh Thyme, so that was a huge milestone. I can imagine that you are limited to what you can find and when. You probably have to get more creative with your recipes and meal-time planning. What an interesting life you must lead! Thanks for visiting my blog.
Cathrina Constantine
Great Celebration!!!! Farmers never get enough respect for all their hard work!!!
I love going to the local and not so local farmers market.
Josie Two Shoes
My parents were both raised on family farms in Dakota and my father owned a John Deere farm equipment dealership until he retired. I grew up in a farming community and really appreciate this post in tribute to their hard work and perseverance. It is not an easy way of life, but it is a good one!