Thursday, June 23, 2011

I call it the Compound's Amish 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 they have become a favorite marketing method for many farmers throughout the United States, and a weekly ritual for many shoppers. ~ Farmer Market Defined.

I have mentioned that I live in an area where there are several Amish communities within driving distances of less than an hour. There are more Amish stores available to me if I want to drive less than two hours away.  However, nestled quietly in a itty-bitty town (meaning only 3 stores about 10 minutes away) not very far from the military compound is an Amish Farmers Market. The local Amish community all in the area of the quiet military compoud all contribute to this little market.  

Today, we spent the morning gathering our fruit and vegetables while talking to this little guy, whose name is Christian. Look closely, he is sitting in the sweet corn bin.















The Children really enjoy going into the Farmer's Market. They secretly have their reasons for doing so though.  The little Gentleman's job is to help me fill up a bag of green beans and he is always adding more tomatos to my little bundle.

















The Little Man is to pick out peaches and the potatoes.



























The Little Lady holds the Little Miss so I can gather the corn. You can often find her trying to get glimpses of the horses in the back where they park their buggies.

Both girls are forever admiring the beaded jewelry that the little Amish Children make to sale at the market.






















I admire all the preserves and bake goods! I could do this all on my own but when you have it all done around the corner it is easy just to slip in and pick up what I need. Eventually, I will have to get out my canning items but the past several years I have enjoyed the opportunity to cheat!
















Beloved probably thinks that I have forgotten how to make Ultimate SWEET salsa!
But, I am sure I haven't!

7 comments:

  1. Ultimate sweet salsa?! That sounds really good. I'm in the process of learning how to can. We're part of a CSA group this year and will have lots of organic produce to put up for the fall. I'm excited to get started.

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  2. What a fun adventure!! I would love it if you would send me your recipe for the ultimate sweet salsa.
    XOXO

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  3. Oh! That looks like such a fun market! I'd like to have a little chat w/ Christian as well! How much do they charge for his advise?

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  4. Oh yes! I would also like your recipe for ultimate sweet salsa! Sounds delicious!

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  5. That store looks so appealing! Everything looks so fresh and healthy, I wish it was near where we live, I would definitely be visiting it!

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  6. I wish we had a place to go shopping at like that. We don't though, and also don't have enough land to grow our own veg./fruits so we usually just receive some from people in our church or have to buy grocery store products.

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  7. I am a little bit envious. I would love to have this 10 minutes from my house. Nothing is 10 minutes from my house. Would you share your utimate sweet salsa recipe? I love making our own salsa. Enjoy your day and God bless.

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