Kids Cuisine

I’ve always been a sucker for a farmer’s market. I love them all, from modest parking-lot tailgate markets to Nice, France’s massive Cours Selaya flower and produce market. I used to work a block from a daily farmer’s market and would walk there frequently to buy fresh local tomatoes, cheese and bread to make a sandwich at my desk. I never thought back in my childless days that something as humble as a local farmer’s market would be one of my kids’ favorite outings.

Now that I have three kids to take along, I get to enjoy the farmer’s market from the perspective of those young and fascinated minds. There are so many other activities for kids that are not enriching in any way and are so expensive, such as theme parks. With nothing more than a few bucks, you can take the kids to the farmer’s market and they will have a blast.

You also get a chance to nurture the foodie in them, and to encourage them to eat healthy, fresh produce instead of junk food. Kids love to look through the stalls and pick out something bright and colorful to taste. To a kid, the farmer’s market is just one big stimulation. There are pretty colors, lots of bustling people, and fun and friendly farmers to chat with.

It also is a chance to teach your kids about the connection between food and its source. The grocery store is so soulless, but at a farmer’s market you can tell them just where that apple was grown. They can ask the farmer directly just how you really pick out the best melon. You can also extend the fun into the evening by having your kids help you come up with and prepare a dinner to make with your farmer’s market finds.

So before summer comes to a close, take your kids to your nearest farmer’s market. They’ll have fun, you’ll have fun, and your dinner will be delicious!

Photo of Ottawa’s Byward Market, © Alistair Williamson.