South Louisiana’s climate allows growing seasons all year long. No matter the time of year there is always something being harvested. The farmers markets in the area offer an array of vegetables and fruits on a regular basis. As we travel north, the farmers markets we find are generally seasonal. In our travels this is one aspect we have to continually remember as we search for local produce.
Many markets sell June through August while others are April through September. Because we try to purchase most of our fresh items through farmers markets, this becomes not only difficult but also frustrating. Along the way, we have shopped at many of “the last weekend” of such and such market. None more so than the market in Mountain View, MO. It was a chilly, overcast Saturday morning in October and we were off to the market. Since it was the last market for the season, pickings were slim. Fresh apples were available and what a treat. We purchased homemade jams from a native of Louisiana. A sweet pumpkin bread also ended up in our basket.
Probably the most unique and most appreciated aspect of this market, was the “Thank You Meal”. It is a tradition of the farmers who sell in this local market that on the last market day, they prepare various dishes as a thank you for their customers. We were lucky enough to share in this festivity. We visited with the farmers, learned about the area, and enjoyed many homemade foods. These included biscuits, gravy, chili, cornbread, chicken and dumplings, pasta salad, and a table full of sweet treats.
The fresh produce may have been slim, but the fellowship and food was brimming over with hospitality. Thank you farmers of Mountain View, MO for an unexpected treat and warm welcome.
