Worthington Farmers' Market

The Worthington Farmers' Market was probably the first farmers' market we had ever been to about nine years ago. We also visited other farmers' markets, and this turns out to be the one we like the most.

The Market is open from May to October on Saturdays from 9-noon. This year we went to the market first time on Saturday of May 29, 2010, which was already the fourth week of the summer season, even though the summer was not yet officially here. The market is conveniently located one block south of route 161 on High Street (RT. 23) in the downtown Worthington, Ohio business section.

They are an all Ohio Grown Produce market, featuring certified organic farmers and organically grown products. The Market is diversified with many kinds of products: vegetables, meats, fruits, large landscape plants, free-range chickens and eggs, cut flowers, herbs and perennials, and baked goods.

I bought eight plants of sweet basil, hoping they would grow better than last year. I also found the garlic scapes (from hard neck variety of garlic), and bought one bag for $3. Hmmm, I have to wait until tomorrow to stir-fry them with chicken breast meat. Yummy!

When our local supermarkets (Meijer's, Kroger) advertised their locally grown produce and labeled their exotic fruits with the country names, I didn't quite get it. I thought it was nice to show the kids that our foods were from all over the world. After reading the green books, I finally realized the labels are for the people to estimate the food mileage.

The average supermarket item is transported hundreds, if not thousands, of miles. The further the food travels, the greater the associated carbon emissions. To go green, you can buy local produce at the supermarket and the local farmers' market to reduce your food miles. Check labels to see how far the food has come, and choose seasonal fruits and vegetables that aren't from half a world away.