Make the Most of Your Bentley Farm Stand Visit

As many of you already know, Student Affairs, the Center for Health and Wellness, and the Office of Sustainability have teamed up to provide a small farmer’s market for us Bentley students – and we’re lovin’ it!
 
Located on the Student Center patio every Tuesday from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m., the farmer’s market has been the most talked-about addition to our campus this fall.
 
This past week, everything from peppers and onions, to corn and apple cider have been available at the farm stand.  All of their prices put Shaw’s to shame! Nagog Hill Farm is the featured farm that is providing all of these fresh local fruits and vegetables for students; we support local farmers, while eating the best produce – I’d say that’s a win/win.
 

For your next trip to the farm stand, here are some tips to make the most out of your visit:
 
Bring reusable bags.
 
It’s not just eco-friendly, it’s smart. Farmer’s markets don’t have grocery carts to carry your purchases; your reusable bag can double as a basket while you’re shopping around the different tables.
 
 
Buy something you haven’t tried before.
 
I have to say, I usually know my veggies. Being a vegetarian, they are such a staple in my diet. During my trip to the farm stand last week, though, I came across a type of a vegetable I had never seen before: Japanese eggplant. I love eggplant, but Japanese eggplant? I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I went ahead and purchased a few, and ended up loving them! Next time you hit the farm stand, buy something you’ve never tried before. You might be surprised.
 
 
Research recipes when you get home.
 
This is my favorite part about the farm stand. You have all of these amazing fruits and vegetables, so why not find an interesting recipe that you’ve never made before? After purchasing Japanese eggplant, I went back to my apartment and searched for recipes that included my new-found ingredient.
 
My go-to website for recipe making is GoJee; it is an extremely helpful recipe building site. You type in what ingredients you have, what you’re allergic to, what you don’t like, etc., and it will provide you with recipes that fit your criteria.
 
Buy only what you can eat.
 
You don’t need to go crazy; the market will be back next week. There’s nothing worse than spending money on produce and then not using it before it goes bad. Make a conscious effort to cook what you buy, and be realistic when you’re at the farm stand; I know everything looks fantastic, but you don’t want your food to go to waste.
 
What do you plan on buying at the farm stand this week? Comment below with any recipes you find!