There’s something we do in my family that I’ve come to learn not everyone does. We like to eat tomatoes like apples.

I like to start out by shaking just a smidge of pepper and salt on the spot I’m about to devour and then dig in! Now, the secret is this isn’t nearly as delectable a treat with a store-bought tomato as with a fresh one. Not even in the same ball park. So don’t try this with just any old tomato.

If you are fortunate enough to have a garden with tomatoes growing in it then, proceed by all means. But if you are without said garden and are craving said tomato, have no fear-farmer’s markets are here! They have started popping up in more and more communities each year and now that summer’s in the air they are coming out to provide scrumptious treats for the masses!

In St. Louis, MO, the Soulard market is the place to be on Saturday mornings! They’ve got all kinds of local produce and wares. They even have musicians on the outskirts of the market providing shopping music for the lazy-day consumers. There’s a butcher shop inside too! Just like the good old days!

In Paducah, KY, they’ve got anything you could need from bee pollen, to those great tomatoes, to plants from their garden for yours. As this is my first year here I haven’t gotten to experience the market in full throttle but I’m told wonderful things. Chefs come in periodically to do a cooking demonstration with some of the food found at the market. Every once in a while someone will come in and answer all of your plant tending questions. We even have a butterfly specialist that comes to share a bit of their knowledge with the public!

Whatever provisions you’re in search of make sure you start out looking at your local farmer’s market. These have spread across the Midwest like wildfire! Make sure to find out if/when/where your town’s market is because you’re bound to have one. And then, support it by bringing home some of the tastiest, most nutrient rich foods your taste buds have had in a long time!