Why a Farmers’ Market?

Farmers' markets are one of the oldest forms of direct marketing by small farmers. From the traditional "mercados" in the Peruvian Andes to the unique street markets in Asia, growers all over the world gather weekly to sell their produce directly to the public. In the last decade farmers’ markets have become a favorite method for many farmers throughout the United States, and a weekly ritual for many shoppers.  Shopping at a farmers' market is a great way to meet local farmers and get fresh, flavorful produce. [Paraphrased from Wikipedia]

While the reasons to shop at a farmers’ market are numerous, one of the most important is what happens to our local economy.  When you purchase from a local farmer at a farmers’ market, approximately 90% of the money stays in the community.  By contrast, when you shop at a well-known chain box store, approximately 7% stays in the community.  That is not a typo, only 7¢ out of every dollar remains in the South Baldwin County communities when you shop at that big, impersonal store that shall not be named.  However, when spend your money at Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market, 90¢ out of every dollar stays here.  Ninety cents versus seven cents.  Hmm, that’s a no-brainer for me to decide where I want to shop for my food.

Further, research by Farmers Markets of America found that food prices at farmers’ markets are lower than supermarkets 91% of the time. In surveying consumers who favor farmers’ markets, the following were listed as the top reasons for shopping:

• Fresher foods
• Seasonal foods
• Healthier foods
• Better variety of foods (Examples: organic food; pasture-raised meats; free-range eggs and poultry; handmade cheeses, jams, and breads; foods that cannot be transported and therefore disfavored by grocery store chains)
• A place to meet neighbors and chat
• A place to enjoy an outside walk while getting groceries
• A way to contribute personally to the community

Food quality, better prices, and a great social atmosphere!  Is it any wonder that people become regulars!  See you at the Market.

Saturday Night Farmers’ Market Pizza

This is one of my favorite foods for which to shop when I’m at the Market.  I buy lots of veggies that go great on a pizza – mushrooms, onions, carrots, zucchini, squash, peppers, cherry tomatoes, and anything else that fits my imagination as I shop around the market.  If you must have meat on your pizza, see the note at the end.

Crust

1 cup of all-purpose flour

½ cup of whole wheat flour

½ teaspoon of sea salt

4 tablespoons of olive oil

3 teaspoons of powdered yeast

½ cup of warm water

Dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand for 10-15 minutes.  In a mixing bowl, combine the dissolved year with the other ingredients.  Knead dough for 15 minutes adding flour or water to achieve a smooth, elastic, and not sticky dough ball.  Put the dough ball in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and place in a warm place.  Allow 1 hour to rise.

Pizza topping ingredients

Small can of tomato sauce (I prefer Muir Glen)

~ 1 cup of shredded soft cheeses such as Farmers Cheese (Forland) or mozzarella (AA Farms)

~ ¼ cup of shredded hard cheese such as Montasio (AA Farms)

Combination of diced vegetables all of which are available from numerous vendors:  zucchini, squash, onions, carrots, peppers, cherry tomatoes

Diced shitake mushrooms (Terry Underwood)

Fresh basil leaves (available from several vendors)

Directions

1.On an oiled pizza pan, stretch the dough to cover the pan.

2.Spread tomato sauce over the dough

3.Add combination of toppings

4.Add basil leaves

5.Add cheeses

6.Cook in preheated oven at 500°for 25-30 minutes.

7.Let sit for 2 minutes before slicing.

8.Enjoy!

NOTE:  For those who must have meat on their pizza, purchase Italian Sausage from George Family Farm.  Remove the skin, break into pieces, and brown in a pan.  Remove the excess fat.  Use the sausage as a topping along with whatever vegetables you select.