Bell Peppers at the Farmer's Market
Yesterday I went to the Union Square greenmarket. What a sight to behold! There were a LOT of stalls, far more than at the Grand Army Plaza one in Brooklyn. Not that I would expect anything different of course!
People were selling all kinds of wonderful stuff. Lots of meats and root vegetables. Lots of baby greens. There was one guy selling sprouts. And a mushroom stall that was VERY popular. Lots of and lots of pies, breads, and other baked goods. There was a honey stall that looked amazing. Raw honey, honey on the comb, and all kinds of flavored honeys. Like different flavors of jam or something, but all honey. And 2009 New York State maple syrup! I didn’t buy any since I still have a few cups left, though I was sorely tempted. I found a stall that, in addition to meats and things, offered a fine selection of lacto-fermented foods. I ended up buying about a quart of beet kvass.
Beet Kvass is a very interesting thing. I’m going to try making some. Basically, imagine pickled beets. Its like the pickled beet juice - sour and a little bit thick with a beety flavor. I find it delicious, but I ate a lot of pickled beets as a kid and love that flavor. 
I also purchased eggs and cabbage. I felt stupid though, because I didn’t get the details on how the laying hens were raised. I normally try to talk with the people selling, but it was a big crowd and I just got nervous or something. I regretted it as soon as I walked away. Though hopefully they won’t be any worse than the free range eggs at the supermarket. They were at least free range, but it would be helpful to know if that means the legal definition (which isn’t very helpful) or if he really meant what we would THINK free range means, a big outdoor yard, access to sunlight and grass and bugs and things in addition to chicken feed.
Oh well, a lesson for next time.
In other news, I should probably try my homemade cream cheese and see if it is any good! I have to admit, I’m a little nervous! I’d never made anything like it before.
Also, I need to see how my water kefir is doing!
