Consumer Review - Pike Place Market

I visited the Pike Place Market over last weekend and really enjoyed cooking with the produce I found this week. As usual, much of what I purchased was not on my grocery list. I prefer to walk around and pluck up whatever looks freshest or interesting, then change my meal plan accordingly. One of the finds, a Romanesco broccoli, which I was able to find a picture of below, I had never seen before and that was the only reason I got it. I steamed it with diced potatoes and it was fabulous. Tasting much sweeter and more mild than regular broccoli. I also found an heirloom tomato; half of which I added to a salad and the other While checking out one of the workers who was handing out samples cut me a piece of mango and I was sold.

One of the best parts about the market is the prices. As long as you are not spending much money on gas driving there, you will save quite a bit. All of my produce for the week cost eighteen dollars and it will likely last almost two weeks with all the impulse additions as I still have some left for this week. Most of the produce, meat and seafood sold there is local, and if you aren't sure just ask. Most the employees selling the produce on the weekends are also the ones tending to the fields during the week. Also, do not be to wary of farms are not advertised as organic, ask how they grow their produce and they will tell you. Many smaller farms cannot afford the yearly 'organic certification' charge but still grow their foods in an organic manner.