After being down with the flu all week, a trip to the Farmer’s Market this morning was just what I needed.  Back to the kitchen I go!

I just got home from the Saturday morning Farmer’s Market here in Fresno and I’m so excited about these beautiful tomatoes, berries, and nectarines that I just have to share them with you.  I’m eating blackberries and a sliced nectarine with Greek yogurt at the moment and I think this might be the best nectarine I’ve ever tasted!  The tomatoes will be used later in Matt’s Ultimate Summer Salad.

Are you visiting a Farmer’s Market this weekend?

I’m on the west coast now and I thought I would tempt you with some new farmer’s market photos! The Vineyard Farmer’s Market in Fresno, CA, gathers each Wednesday and Saturday under the cover of this beautiful greenery-draped arbor. My aunt and I woke up early and made it down to the market by around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Although I have yet to cook with them myself, I’m always drawn to these bunches of colorful carrots.

Lots of beautiful grapes, peaches, and nectarines to be found here!

I first discovered chocolate mint at the Union Square Greenmarket in New York City. It amazingly smells exactly like chocolate mint candy. I haven’t cooked with it yet but I’m doing some research on different ways to use this stuff and plan on writing about it soon!

My aunt Kathy grabbed some green beans while I questioned these girls about some of the stranger-looking vegetables they had on display. I now know what bitter melon looks like (the prickly cucumber-like things in between the two types of purple eggplant) but I don’t really have any desire to taste it! Aren’t those eggplant beautiful?

Mmmmm…fresh okra! According to the nice woman who was selling these, the dark-colored ones are a different variety but taste the same as the green. Those little plastic bags sitting on top of the peppers are filled with pieces of cactus.

Update: Not so sure about okra? Check out the post over at Tastes Like Home and maybe you’ll change your mind!

In case you’ve never seen them fresh, these are what currants look like before they are dried and baked inside your favorite scones!

If you still haven’t checked out your own local farmer’s market yet, what are you waiting for? Remember, there are at least 10 reasons to buy local food!