A Trip to the Growers Market

Jeri, I, and our dogs went to the Growers Market this morning to gather some fresh produce.  This is generally a safe bet, as most of the growers at the market we visit use organic methods, which reduces the risk for sulfites.  The folks at the market we attend are always very friendly and many offer free samples of what they have to offer. Which of course we have to try; we would not want to risk offending anyone, ;0).  They welcome the dogs, and several even put out water dishes for the many visitors with dogs.  Overall, even though Jeri usually has to drag me kicking and screaming out the door, we usually enjoy the trip. 

We had a reminder today about the hazards of assumptions.  One of the growers, a very nice man, was offering samples of his fresh off the tree peaches, and Jeri tried one.  It was very flavorful and she bought a few.  About 15 minutes later, she was regretting the decision not to verify he was an organic grower, and reaching for her ever-present emergency supply of Benadryl. 

It turned out he was not, an organic grower.  The tipoff should have been the size of the peaches.  Organic produce tends to be smaller than non-organic, and these peaches were a decent size.  Should we have been upset with the grower?   I do not think so, he never stated he was an organic grower, we simply assumed he was because he was at the grower market.  There is an old Latin phrase dating back as far as 1523 that would apply here, “caveat emptor” which translates roughly to “let the buyer beware”. 

The lessons this week are simple.  Always remember to learn how the foods you consume are grown or processed.  Always have the medication your physician recommend handy, just in case, Always ensure the produce is washed before consuming. 

Jeri is doing fine; just a little tired, from the Benadryl.  As one may expect, she is frustrated by this allergy once again.  It makes it difficult for her to select food that she loves, because of the Sulfite allergy.

Check out your local growers market, they have some great deals on a wide range of products, and it supports your local economy.  They are becoming very popular for good reason; they offer about the freshest produce available short of growing it yourself, at reasonable prices, and they are a great way to get a little sunshine and fresh air.  They are easy to find, just use you search engine of choice and enter “growers market”.

Check back next week for more ways to survive Sulfites.

D