Stocking Up

We love the farmer's markets that run spring through summer and into the fall. The problem, of course, is that the climate prevents a year-round harvest. Therefore, if we want local, organic produce, the only thing we can do is stock up. The problem is that we cannot afford to stock up the sufficient amount to get us through the winter, at least not on everything, and our own garden, because of many distractions, not the least of which is the lack of closing on the house, lacks substantial production because we never planted more than five tomato plants. Although the tomatoes are about the explode, for which we are grateful because we mow down the tomatoes, our garden will likely produce nothing else this year. We will likely take monthly trips to a Whole Foods again to acquire fresh, organic produce that we are unable to acquire locally. We have started to stock up on something that we believe we can build up enough of to get through the winter: local honey. This is a new discovery for us. If you have never had anything but honey purchased from a store, you likely have never tasted the real deal. Fresh, raw, local honey makes you want to slap your grandma, it's so good. The best part is that there are so many different kinds. The basic stuff one buys in the store is often clover honey, which, according to an NPR story I heard, likely has had the pollen removed, which removes the distinctive taste as well as the nutritional benefits. In this area, locally produced honey includes clover, thistle, wildflower, and tulip poplar. I have come to realize that I am not a big fan of the most commonly known honey: clover. The real stuff is just too flowery tasting for me, but every other flavor ROCKS! and possesses a distinct flavor profile. The tulip poplar, for example, is a dark, rich, sometimes molasses-y flavor. I have used all of this honeys as sugar substitutes to exceptional results. While the farmer's market runs for the never several weeks, we are determined to buy a three pound jar of honey every week until we are sure we have enough to make it through the winter. Local, raw honey: it is phenomenal stuff, and if you have never had the pleasure, it's one you don't want to miss.