Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit obtained from the international farmer's market, and lychee (lychees?). This was my first time trying dragon fruit and I really liked it. The texture is very similar to kiwi but with a pear-like flavor. Unfortunately, they were very expensive.

Gai Lan

I purchased gai lan at the farmers market in Atlanta, as part of my goal to try new and exotic greens. Of course, once I tasted it, I realized that I probably have had it before in Thai restaurants.

Gai lan, also called Chinese broccoli or Chinese kale, is much more bitter than broccoli although, like like lots of other types of produce, selecting the perfect bunch of Gai Lan, is apparently an art form (that I have not yet mastered).

I sauteed my gai lan with ground pork and served over rice noodles, and seasoned with mushroom soy sauce. This has a different flavor than regular soy sauce although I don't know if I would describe it as mushroomy. I do like it though and have been putting it on everything lately. I added a few hot peppers for color. And because I bought way to many to eat in one lifetime, so am trying to find ways to use them up.

Buford Highway Farmer's Market

Israeli persimmons, longans from Asia, Korean cucumber, flowering chives, long beans, and way too many red Thai chilies (what was I thinking! )


Some of the bounty of international produce purchased on a recent trip to the Buford Farmer's Market just outside of Atlanta. This is probably my favorite area farmer's market because of the huge range of countries represented.

Interestingly, not all of this produce was imported. The Korean cucumbers, for example, were grown right here in the US.

The farmer's market provides an opportunity to experiment with new flavors or to reconnect with your former favorites. What may be an odd looking hairy fruit to me, is a fond childhood memory for someone else. The market is frequented by many of Atlanta's international residents as well as the culinarily curious.

Hey if anyone needs any Thai chilies, let me know!

Farmer's Market

Today was opening day for the Chattanooga Market, our local, weekly farmer's market featuring locally grown produce, handmade items, music, and food. It was good to see that it was sold out for vendor booths, and hopefully, will continue to sell out. There were some new food booths that I am looking forward to trying, including the Yellow Deli, which also has a restaurant in town that recently re-opened (thanks Tut-Tut for the tip). I have heard that the Yellow Deli has an extremely interesting history, and is well loved among late night party animals. I hope to venture a visit in the near future.

I much prefer getting my produce, which frequently was picked just the day before if not that morning, from the farmer herself. It's early in the growing season so mostly what is available so far (in our area) is only a few herbs and small plants. I purchased honey today directly from the lady who stole it from the bees herself. A friend told me that honey produced locally has the greatest health benefits. It's one of those things that I am just going to take her word for, since I am too lazy to research this for myself.

This train really, really takes you to the market

And you thought your place of employment was cramped for space.