Informed purchasing

It has been a long while since I have written here. I am sorry for that. So many things have happened since my last post. I have moved, gone on vacation, gotten engaged, been to another market, and learned how to make many new treats for people to buy at the farmers' market. However, I also felt it was time to move on from the "today we made x-y-z thing" posts. So today, I'm going to share a little nugget of knowledge I have acquired since becoming a part of the farmers' market community.

One of the reasons people choose to support their local farmers' market is because they understand the importance of knowing exactly where the goods they are purchasing came from. Unfortunately, information a customer at a farmers' market has access varies from market to market. Our primary market at UtGU is very good about keeping the lines of communication open between vendors and customers. Another market in the area...not so much. When a person buys something from UtGU and other vendors at our primary market, they have the opportunity to meet the grower/cook/creator of the goods they are buying, and they can easily find out exactly what goes into the product they are buying. I find I am taking this aspect of our primary market more and more seriously with each passing week.

I don't think I would be breaking new ground if I talked about the fair trade aspect of buying locally and directly from the producers at a farmers' market, so I'll let it be. We know that the likelihood of unfair working conditions is far lower in this community. Also, if it were so, at least everyone could direct the evil eye at that vendor, because we would know all about it. (<--small joke.) We also know about the environmental impact of shipping, as well as the standards of living for livestock raised locally on small farms versus that which is nationally shipped. We know about the benefits of eating wholesome, natural foods. The point of this is not to promote these ideals, but rather to promote the integrity of upholding these ideals.

I appreciate if a customer is not sure what we mean by "blueberry simple syrup", they can easily find out by asking and we can honestly and knowledgeably answer, because we made it! I appreciate that there is no chance of anyone purchasing cakes with "ganache" made from microwaved Cool Whip with the belief that they are purchasing something made from wholesome cream (unfortunately that example is based on a true story). I appreciate that the fact that I can say, "Oh yeah, that bread was baked yesterday, right here in town". Not in some undisclosed factory where it was stored in a place any sort of vermin could get to. I appreciate that people freely purchase goods without excessive packaging (which, by the way, does not always guarantee food safety). I appreciate that so many people are actively involved in community that fosters the success of ethical business practices. I appreciate the dignity consumers feel when they know we aren't assuming they don't know any better, and that if they have a concern we will take it seriously.

I always say this: What goes on a person's dinner plate is one of the best measurements of their life condition. Just imagine how well thought out our customers' other choices are when you consider how conscious they are about buying something as simple as tomatoes, bread and eggs.