Today I want to spend a few minutes to celebrate one of the luxuries and benefits of living in the four-state area – the local produce stand.

I’m not talking about a once a week “farmer’s market” – set up in some parking lot or old warehouse building.  Sure those are great, but I’m speaking now about hard working local farmers who offer up fresh and local produce on a day-to-day basis – usually right on site at their farms and homes.

You may be thinking – “I can’t think of one close to me.”

Sure you can.

They are pretty easy to spot.  Look for a roadside tent or wooden display cases at the end of a long country lane.  There are signs (often handmade) advertising the weekly availability of fruits and vegetables.  Quite often, they are run by local Mennonites (some of the hardest working people on the planet).  Look for girls in long dresses and white caps or young barefoot boys in suspenders and button shirts manning the operation.

You probably pass by one every day and barely take notice – but you really should.  Not only is it a chance to eat seasonally with some of the best local ingredients available, but your support of local farmers means that the money you spend at the local produce stand stays local, helping the farmer earn a living and keep alive a lifestyle that is harder and harder to maintain in this day and age.  Make no mistake, farming is hard work – and it takes time.

Think of this.  Would you rather eat a tomato that has been locally grown?  One that has been given time to ripen on the vine, slowly gathering all of that juicy, delicious, summer flavor – picked at its ruby-red prime (probably that morning)?

Or, would you rather eat a tomato that was grown on an industrial sized farm, slathered with pesticides and chemicals, picked green and flavorless, and then shipped hundreds (if not thousands) of miles to your local grocer (turning red along the way)?

I know which one I want.  My “go to” produce stand is operated by Mrs. Williams, a local Mennonite lady that offers fresh produce out of her garage along Route 68, just outside of Clear Spring, MD.  A sweeter or kinder woman you will never meet, and her whole family takes part in the operation.  It’s a joy to walk into Mrs. Williams’ garage, for you never know what may be found.  It might be fresh baby peas, colorful squash, a dozen brown eggs, delicious sweet corn, or a fresh baked pie.  I’ll grab a fresh tomato, put my nose into it, and take a deep whiff – it’s intoxicating.   I’m not even going to tell you how delicious her homemade potato chips are.

The next time you’re out driving on an errand, make it a point to stop at a local produce stand and take a look around.  Say “hello” to the owners.  Strike up a conversation.  Ask about what’s available (and what’s coming up in the near future). Make a purchase (even if it’s just a small one).  Who knows?  You may discover that the best fruits and vegetables you’ve ever tasted have been hiding right in front of you all along.