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<\/a><\/p>\n(photos from last fall)<\/em><\/p>\n According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, the number of operating farmer\u2019s markets has increased by 16%<\/a> since 2009. Though the article focuses on Chicago, it\u2019s clear in my area that local food is becoming more and more valued by consumers.<\/p>\n Why are farmer\u2019s markets so popular? I think a lot of Americans are starting to change the way they think about food. And, as mentioned on Politics of the Plate, it\u2019s actually more affordable than the supermarket<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re living near Boston, check out Public Radio Kitchen\u2019s list of farmer\u2019s market opening dates<\/a>.<\/p>\n Daniel Klein has a really neat look into what goes into getting produce from farm to market<\/a> on Grist. Definitely worth watching if you\u2019ve got dreams of starting a farm (is that just me?) Cheap Healthy Good also has a great post about being a \u201cfarm tourist\u201d.<\/a><\/p>\n Check out one of the top 10 farmer\u2019s markets<\/a> in the United States, according to Apartment Therapy\u2019s Marketplace.<\/p>\n 7 Tips for Making the Most of the Farmers Market<\/a> on Serious Eats has some great tips for market beginners and reminders for market veterans.<\/p>\n By the same token, there\u2019s a list of 10 things not to say at the market<\/a> in the Chicago Tribune. I would love to see some additional ideas for the list in the comments below.<\/p>\n What to do with all that produce? Grist has a video that features a recipe for carrot top pesto<\/a> and creations with other unique ingredients. I love discovering ways to use up strange produce and the \u201cgarbage\u201d parts of vegetables. <\/p>\n Serious Eats has suggestions to help you get ready for berry season<\/a>. This year I\u2019m all about #9: Can It. I didn\u2019t make any jam or jelly last year and I\u2019m really looking forward to trying it.<\/p>\n If it\u2019s farmer\u2019s market season, that must mean it\u2019s time for CSAs too. I know I talk about mine ad nauseam, but I stand by it as one of the best investments we\u2019ve made lately. I\u2019m so excited for pick ups to start this week. I know there\u2019s a lot of people out there intrigued by CSAs, so I\u2019ve arranged to interview my farmers and share what I learn here. <\/p>\n Please send any questions about CSAs and\/or Mighty Food Farm<\/a> for myself and my farmers to answer this week to have them included in my interview. Thanks!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n