| Farmer's Markets with Stories to Tell |
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| July 17, 2008 |
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Sure, farmer's markets have local produce, plants and products. But there is so much more - authentic Florida stories that go with every booth. It is great to save money (prices are less than the stores) and buy local. Plus, the stories behind the tables are just as interesting as the brightly colored peaches and potted plants.
I visited the farmers market at Circle Square Commons on State Road 200 in Ocala and met Grandma Rie. She makes Bodacious Biscotti. It is famous for what is not in it - no added fats. Grandma Rie is from Dunnellon. She has made biscotti for her family for decades, made from an old family Italian recipe, and now has taken it to a business.
When I dip a piece of her biscotti into a cup of coffee, I go into a swoon. It is that good. Did I mention Grandma Rie is 73 years old and started this business this year? Go Grandma! I've written up her story on my personal blog.
You will find these stories at every farmer's market. To know where to find farmer's markets are around the state, check out the Department of Agriculture's Florida Community Farmers Markets.
In Tallahassee, the Downtown Marketplace takes over several downtown park areas on Saturdays from March through mid-December. I enjoy going to this market. You can buy fresh squash and peaches, like I did one day, then talk with an artist about how she makes her jewelry, all the while listening to a foot-stomping, get-down, live bluegrass band.
Did I mention going to a farmer's markets is fun?
Farmer's markets typically operate one day a week. Mark the day and carpool with friends. In these challenging economic times, a visit to a local farmer's market is rewarding in more ways than one. See you there!
Let's get real and find authentic Florida
Lucy Beebe Tobias
Authentic Florida Expert |
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| Marie Buchman(Grandma Rie) and her husband Ralph with Bodacious Biscotti at the Farmer's Market, Circle Square Commons, Ocala |
| Credit: Lucy Beebe Tobias, VISIT FLORIDA Authentic Florida Expert |
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