Except it’s not the same thing.

Most supermarket produce comes from far away. Here in California we have many farms, from tiny to huge, but supermarkets favor huge and that’s a few hundred miles from here. Though some comes from Florida or other countries too.

When you ship produce from far away you make sure to grow varieties that ship well. Varieties that ship well tend not to taste great. And you pick them under ripe, so they won’t be mush when they arrive. Not only does ripe produce taste better, but it has more nutrients.

Most supermarket produce uses a lot of pesticides and herbicides and antifungals during the growing process, and some for shipping too. Some might even be genetically engineered. Organic produce avoids all that but, if it comes from a big farm, it is probably still the same boring varieties.

Our local farms grow heirloom varieties that are bred for flavor and nutrition, not shipping power or long post-picking life. And not uniformity or perfect outsides either.

The local produce tastes fantastic, and has a lot more nutrition than the supermarket varieties.

And here’s the kicker, it’s not more expensive. Sure, sometimes it is. And you have to buy in season and only what grows locally.  But if you shop carefully, you can do very well.

My favorite local farm is Green String Farm in Petaluma, California.

And this is what I bought today:

That’s 3 savoy cabbages (the one in the back is about 9″ across), 1 red cabbage, 3 big pieces of buttercup squash, 3 cauliflower, 1 large bag stuffed with collard greens (would be 3-4 bunches in the store), and 1 large bag stuffed with baby broccoli.

Total cost?  $20 even.

Can your supermarket do better?

©2012 Norwitz Notions. All Rights Reserved.

Peterson’s Farm
636 Gossage Ave, Petaluma, CA 94952
ettamarie@petersonsfarm.com
http://www.petersonsfarm.com/

The Peterson Farm as viewed from our driveway

Yes, we are lucky enough to live across the street from a small, working, chemical-free farm.  In a mere 6 acres, Ettamarie and Ray Peterson manage to raise hundreds of pumpkins (including several delicious varieties, not just ornamental ones), fresh eggs, glorious raw honey, and a few miscellaneous things depending on the season.

Naturally, we always get our Halloween pumpkins here.  This year they graced our Sukkah too.  They make good pie when they’re done being pretty.

Cyndi & Miriam pick out pumpkins

Neighbors wander in as needed for a carton of eggs or a jar of honey but this isn’t an attraction you can just drive over to: make an appointment first.  Mostly, they host school groups.  The joyous noise of children discovering their perfect pumpkin floats through our windows all October.

Peterson's Farm barn

There is a picnic area.

Peterson's Farm picnic area

And a large barn for workshops and classes.

Peterson's Farm Barn Interior

But what Peterson’s Farm is famous for is Ettamarie and her bees.  Here she is showing off a real hive inside a glass display case (there is a hose off to the right, through the window, that lets the bees go outside as desired).

Ettamarie Peterson & her bees

©2012 Norwitz Notions. All Rights Reserved.