Miss Minty Fresh

I worked on a wonderful small farm in the summer of 2004 and turned into a food snob.  For the first time in my life I had just-picked herbs for every meal; I had five kinds of tomatoes, I had Swiss chard and purslane and nasturtium all for the first time.  I had my first taste of fresh-from-the-ground garlic, onions, and broccoli.  And the greens.  OH THE GREENS.  Mizuna, arugula, oak leaf…it was all new and incredibly delicious.

As a farm apprentice (and in the early days of this farm’s existence) I was paid with vegetables, not money.  I learned so much about gardening, nursery care, and permaculture…and I grew a lot of respect for farm workers….have you ever picked cucumbers for three hours in mid-day Virginia sun?  That shit is hard work.  I also was attacked by a rooster; he hated me.  

Since my farming experience I gravitate towards food that is as seasonal as possible - no citrus in July, no strawberries in November, no apples in May, etc., etc.  During the bleak winter months there’s only so much frozen spinach and squashes a girl can eat so I do of course break down and buy a bunch of fresh greens (for $3 at Whole Foods, ugh) but I do try my best to be conscientious.  Farmers’ markets are of course the ideal place to support small farms and buy something tasty, and when it’s the season I always go there first.

BUT.  I got pregnant.

The strength of my cravings have been so compelling that I have completely and utterly thrown my own principles out the window when it comes to food.

There’s a produce stand in a storefront on Yonge Street, just a few blocks from the office, we go there about twice a week or so.  The prices are great and the produce looks to be of pretty decent quality.  There were tasty yellow tomatoes a few weeks ago and I bought pounds of them.  I bought blackberries and strawberries when it was snowing.  I bought WATERMELON in late March.  I have no shame.  I am…if you will pardon the pun…eating my words.

I suppose I should be grateful that I’ve been craving fruits and veggies instead of salty duck fat-fried tater tots with truffle oil from Prohibition Gastro House on Queen Street….oh wait…

Saltily (& sweetly),

Miss Minty