This time of year, the farmer’s markets are full of fresh produce. Most of the suburbs in our area have their day when a collection of vendors pitch tents in parking lots and sell their products to all who try to stop in. It’s hard to pin down the appeal of the ancient agora. Grocery stores of every stripe nearby are open at just about any hour, so it’s not about convenience. It’s not about variety, as minivans can only transport so many items. It’s not about bargaining- the people meandering by the stalls pay whatever is asked of them.
I say it’s about inspiration. The thought of all those plump tomatoes made me want to try making tomato basil soup- which I adore.
Maybe others bring home too many choices and thus force themselves to find inspiration in what they brought home. Perhaps a conversation over the bushy fresh dill led to Grnadma’s pickle recipe being pulled out and put to use.
Experiences stay with us. They teach us, and we go back to them again and again.
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