Pickin', Sniffin' & Thumpin' at the Kirkwood Farmers' Market

Pickin’ peaches at the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market

Cyndy and I occasionally drive over to Kirkwood for lunch. We often make it a two-fer with a stop at Global Foods. A swing by the Farmers’ Market makes for a perfect trifecta.

Just Right

This week we focused on the fresh fruit and vegetables at the outdoor market located just east of the train station. The size of the place suits my shopping style. It’s not too large and crowded (like Soulard); not too small like some parking lot or roadside stalls.

The entry gets a bit artsy with this metal sculpture of a farmer. Hmm. . . though there’s something about him that looks like a Pilgrim.

The outdoor market has been around for 40-some years. Yes, they know a thing, or two, about farm produce. But they also sell plants, cut flowers, Christmas trees, Halloween pumpkins, firewood, baked goods, cheese, pickles, jellies, meats, nuts, soap and more.

“Are These Peaches Juicy?”

The first time I visited the market, I said to a clerk, “I want the juiciest peaches you’ve got. I want the juice to run up my arm when I bite into the peach.” He pointed out his favorite variety and said I could count on the juice to drip off my elbow. I placed a box in my cart.

Kirkwood market had peaches from both Georgia and Campbell. I have a special fondness for the Campbell peaches from south Missouri. Many a time during a campaign tour, I’ve stopped in the small, peachy town for a box or two of the summer fruit.

Cyndy finds that picking tomatoes is easily done when there’s lots to choose from.

So Much Garden Goodness

By the time Cyndy and I got through pinching peaches, thumping melons, and ogling tomatoes, our cart was full. I even picked up a few zucchinis, since I had more squash recipes stacked on my kitchen counter than I had zucchini.

Buying for Too Many; Cooking for Too Few

My kids say I still shop like I’m cooking for seven. I once cooked for that many on the farm, when the kids were all home and my father lived with us. At the time I had quite a large garden, that included tomatoes, onions, broccoli, potatoes, okra, onions, corn, melons, and strawberries. I learned to overplant, allowing some for the bugs, some for the deer, and the leftovers for the family.

Shopping for Fun and Food

Fairy Tale Eggplant. Aren’t these the cutest little veggie you’ve every seen! They’re headed for Pasta alla Norma, a dish I came to love when I was in Sicily.

I love this buzzy, little street market. Parking is easy, clerks are helpful and friendly, and food is fresh and well-stocked. I’m sure the place is a lot more hectic on weekends with even more vendors and shoppers. But Tuesday afternoon it was just right with plenty of space to social distance and no lines.

Many Hands and Hearts

There’s something about summer fresh vegetables and fruits that feeds both body and soul. During these uncertain times, whether eating in or eating out, I do it with a grateful heart. Food on our tables always comes from the labor of many hands and hearts.