Eating locally this week!

Christian · 07-06-2007, 01:13 PM

A number of South Walton folks are talking more about eating locally and how we can get more local and regional foods available in our community. Hopefully this will lead to more sources for local foods, more folks eating locally, or perhaps even a farmer's market!

Eating local and regional foods helps keep our $ in our local community, reduces the environmental impact of shipping food from far-off lands, and local foods tend to be fresher, tastier, and more nutritious. How about some fresh, local tomatoes instead of those pink grocery store ones with a flounder gene spliced inside?!!!

Toward that end, I'm going to try to post each week a listing of local foods (mainly produce) available in our area. I figure there's always local seafood in our markets, though unfortunately even that is sometimes questionable. Let me know if you know of other sources, whether it's a U-pick-em farm, a local farmer with fresh eggs or beef, or even a cheesemaker. Here goes, for 7/6:

Perennials and Natives by a Girl Named Toni (west end 30 A next to Elmos) 622-1889
peaches, watermelon, blueberries, sweet potatoes, onions, new potatoes, bush beans, cantalope, purple hull peas, butter beans, white peas, tomatoes, lettuce, squash, zucchini, peppers, jalapenos, yellow corn, honey

For the Health of It, Blue Mountain Beach, 267-0558
arugula, red potatoes, daikon sprouts, cherry tomatoes, honey

Vote with your $ and tell our local shops we want local produce!

scottalderson · 07-06-2007, 02:59 PM

christian that is so cool that you are doing these posting. it pleases me greatly to have fresh local sources for wholesome and hopefully organic products. if i here of some more folks growin' and sellin' i will add to your list.

what are the chance of getting a local farmers market at least one day a week started around here? maybe we could use a parking lot somewhere to stage it. maybe saturday mornings from 8am to 1pm? hey maybe george hartley would let it happen at his vacant lot on 30a at the village market!

i think that would rock out!!

potatovixen · 07-06-2007, 03:18 PM

Christian! I'm glad to see this list, and hope to see it grow.

Hop · 07-06-2007, 04:48 PM

christian

Miss Kitty · 07-06-2007, 05:08 PM

and

!!! This is wonderful news and will make SoWal even better!!!

kurt · 07-06-2007, 05:37 PM

Christian!

He's the man. Thanks for posting!

Missplaced · 07-06-2007, 08:07 PM

When "Smiling Joe" originally posted on 6/29 calling for support of local/regional growers/producers, I asked where the farms in your area are? Not really sure if people don't know, or aren't interested, but 254 views yielded one reply from Joe merely referencing his hijacked post.

Farmer's markets, organic, specialty, and gourmet food growers and producers have a long history of being enthusiastically supported by our state and residents.

Maybe I'm only a cult of one, but these things interest me because we've been producing maple syrup for 20 years now, and unanswered questions drive me nuts. So just in case anyone else might be interested I found a goldmine of a website that looks like it has all the answers to my Florida agricultural questions!

http://www.florida-agriculture.com/c...rs_markets.htm
__________________________________________________ _______
It's hard to make fun of a farmer with your mouth full of food!

Hop · 07-06-2007, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Missplaced

When "Smiling Joe" originally posted on 6/29 calling for support of local/regional growers/producers, I asked where the farms in your area are? Not really sure if people don't know, or aren't interested, but 254 views yielded one reply from Joe merely referencing his hijacked post.

Farmer's markets, organic, specialty, and gourmet food growers and producers have a long history of being enthusiastically supported by our state and residents.

Maybe I'm only a cult of one, but these things interest me because we've been producing maple syrup for 20 years now, and unanswered questions drive me nuts. So just in case anyone else might be interested I found a goldmine of a website that looks like it has all the answers to my Florida agricultural questions!

http://www.florida-agriculture.com/c...rs_markets.htm
__________________________________________________ _______
It's hard to make fun of a farmer with your mouth full of food!

good to know...thanks...here's the Walton one:

Local Community Farmers' Markets

Walton County Farmers' Market

Market Location:
1588 U.S. Highway 331 South
DeFuniak Springs, Florida
Walton County

May through July
Monday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Contact Information:
Roland Wilkerson
3001 Brown Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 834-2084

WIC/FMNP coupons accepted at this marketgood to know...thanks...

scooterbug44 · 07-07-2007, 10:32 AM

I'm visiting relatives and just returned from the huge local farmer's market (200 plus stalls) w/ baby red potatoes, multicolored carrots, a mini strawberry rhubarb pie, asparagus, and some maple sugar candy treats. Last week I got a house plant for grandma, a cranberry orange scone, and sampled ostrich.

Would love to have a Sowal Farmer's market! The Defuniak one sounds great, but hard to hit if you work! A constant market may be hard to maintain, but even having a preapproved/permitted location for them to sell their wares would be great!

Smiling JOe · 07-07-2007, 01:47 PM

Along the lines of eating locally and healthy, I've often heard that berries were good anti-oxidents, and this article explains that a little more in detail regarding a couple of berries:
Berry Benefits
by Dr. Maoshing Ni
on Tue, Jul 03, 2007, 9:30 am PDT
(Full Article)

The summer season means berries are everywhere! Aside from their delicious taste, find out what they are doing to protect your health.

Berry Health Blast
Naturally sweet and intoxicatingly delicious, berries also pack a punch with a myriad of health benefits. The enticing red, purple, and blue skins of berries contain bioflavonoids such as anthocyanins.
These compounds are beneficial because they are antioxidants, which reduce free radical damage. The antioxidant content of berries is more potent than vitamins C and E. The anthocyanin in berries also helps to reduce inflammation - more effectively even than aspirin!

The blueberry wins extra points for being the berry with one of the highest level of antioxidants. Blueberries have neuroprotective properties that shield brain cells from damage caused by trauma, chemicals, and plaque; in other words, blueberries help slow down the age-related onset of memory loss, Alzheimer's, and senility.
In fact, research has found that rats bred to develop Alzheimer's do not develop the symptoms of the disease if blueberries are incorporated into their diet.

Cherries also contain these beneficial anthocyanin compounds, which stimulate your pancreas to produce insulin; for hundreds of years Chinese researchers have observed that cherries help keep diabetics healthy.
These compounds also protect you against cancer, arthritis, and heart disease because they lower cholesterol. So I recommend that you eat lots of cherries and other dark-colored fruits to maintain balanced blood sugar and enjoy a healthy long life!

peaboy · 07-09-2007, 11:20 AM

Charles Bush at Dragonfly farms just brought us local fresh picked, no chemicals or pesticides tomatoes (several varieties) zucchini squash, patty pan squash and arrugula.

We also just received a fresh batch of Kat Girls Local Blueberries.

Peace and Health

For The Health Of It
850-267-0558

kurt · 07-09-2007, 01:21 PM

I was there as peaboy was posting and met Charles and got some beautiful, healthy eats.

Toni · 07-09-2007, 04:23 PM

Hello, everyone Thanks for all of your support, I am very excited that my shop is the closest thing to a parking lot farmer's market, it has not been an easy task, I personally drive 80 miles one way, sometimes 3 times a week to assure we are eating as fresh and within 100 miles radius, We are planning a move to grayton by August 15th, we will still be open at our current location, no down time have to feed the people:)

Perennial & Natives by a girl named Toni
1-850-622-1889 Summer hours 8-5 Mon.- Saturday

DD · 07-09-2007, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girl named Toni

Hello, everyone Thanks for all of your support, I am very excited that my shop is the closest thing to a parking lot farmer's market, it has not been an easy task, I personally drive 80 miles one way, sometimes 3 times a week to assure we are eating as fresh and within 100 miles radius, We are planning a move to grayton by August 15th, we will still be open at our current location, no down time have to feed the people:)

Perennial & Natives by a girl named Toni
1-850-622-1889 Summer hours 8-5 Mon.- Saturday

Toni, you go girl!! I'll come visit ya in August.

Dune-AHH · 07-09-2007, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girl named Toni

Hello, everyone Thanks for all of your support, I am very excited that my shop is the closest thing to a parking lot farmer's market, it has not been an easy task, I personally drive 80 miles one way, sometimes 3 times a week to assure we are eating as fresh and within 100 miles radius, We are planning a move to grayton by August 15th, we will still be open at our current location, no down time have to feed the people:)

Perennial & Natives by a girl named Toni
1-850-622-1889 Summer hours 8-5 Mon.- Saturday

Toni ... an additonal location in Grayton!!???

Where?

seacrestkristi · 07-10-2007, 09:24 AM

christian. Thanks for starting this

thread!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girl named Toni

Hello, everyone Thanks for all of your support, I am very excited that my shop is the closest thing to a parking lot farmer's market, it has not been an easy task, I personally drive 80 miles one way, sometimes 3 times a week to assure we are eating as fresh and within 100 miles radius, We are planning a move to grayton by August 15th, we will still be open at our current location, no down time have to feed the people:)

Perennial & Natives by a girl named Toni
1-850-622-1889 Summer hours 8-5 Mon.- Saturday

Girl named Toni

I've been to your store a couple years ago.

all your flowers .

Glad to know you got produce too.

That will save me a drive soon. How much is your large basket of peaches?

Missplaced · 07-10-2007, 04:30 PM

Going mainstream, this can only be good! Interesting article on yahoo today

"The Musts and Myths of Organic and Locally Grown"

http://tinyurl.com/2rlbnm
__________________________
'Tis a gift to be simple
'Tis a gift to be free
'Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be

kurt · 07-13-2007, 08:32 AM

Sandestin market shops is advertising a farmer's market today, Saturday and Sunday at 8 AM in the courtyard - if anyone goes please report back. Thanks!

Smiling JOe · 07-13-2007, 08:47 AM

I went to the "farmers' market" at the Market Shops of Sandestin, a couple of weeks ago and there was one vendor selling Georgia peaches and tomatoes. Neither fruit was local. The lady selling the fruit said that she thought the tomatoe were coming out of South Florida. Apparently, her son is getting the fruit, she was just running the stand.

jdarg · 07-13-2007, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

I went to the "farmers' market" at the Market Shops of Sandestin, a couple of weeks ago and there was one vendor selling Georgia peaches and tomatoes. Neither fruit was local. The lady selling the fruit said that she thought the tomatoe were coming out of South Florida. Apparently, her son is getting the fruit, she was just running the stand.

Yeah, they had plastic/perfect looking strawberries and tomatoes back in the spring. It seems like they are doing the market more for "looks" than for actually providing quality homegrown prduce (which is not always perfect looking).

Smiling JOe · 07-13-2007, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdarg

Yeah, they had plastic/perfect looking strawberries and tomatoes back in the spring. It seems like they are doing the market more for "looks" than for actually providing quality homegrown prduce (which is not always perfect looking).

I thought the same thing. The fruit was too picture perfect. Also, the prices were more like those you might find placed on Certified Organic produce.

On another note, yesterday, while strolling throught the herb and flower garden in WaterColor, I stopped at the big Rosemary bush to get a whiff of freshness, and buried, almost in the middle of the bush, I saw a flag warning of pesticides on the plant.

That is just dangerous. WaterColor has all of these beautiful herbs in abundance, and I'm sure that some people are likely to take a small cutting to use when seasoning their food. If they are going to spray the plants with pesticides, the warning flags should be placed in a conspicuous location around the perimeter of the plant, not buried in the middle of the plant with the plant covering the sole warning flag.

Christian · 07-13-2007, 10:03 AM

Hey folks:

Here's the listing of local/regional produce available today. Remember that stock changes constantly, so be understanding if Toni doesn't have peaches; praise her and the others for working hard to get us fresh produce from local and regional sources.

Though we'd love for all of our food to come from our own backyards, I do include both locally-grown (NW Florida) and regionally-grown (FL, GA, and AL) or harvested foods on the list. This allows us access to a wider range of sources while still eating close to home--a vast improvement over foods shipped from CA and South America.

And for the time being we're not insisting on organically-grown foods. We hope that as more locals resolve to purchase local and regional foods, this will drive the market and gain us access to farmers and suppliers who we can help steer toward more sustainable agricultural practices.

Let's all resolve to eat more local foods and help drive the market to provide us with quality foods throughout the year!

Here we go for 7/13:

Perennials and Natives by a Girl Named Toni (west end 30 A next to Elmos) (moving to Grayton mid-August) 622-1889

okra, watermelon, blueberries, sweet potatoes, onions, new potatoes, bush beans, purple hull peas, butter beans, ziper peas, white peas, tomatoes, lettuce, squash, zucchini, peppers, jalapenos, yellow corn, honey, lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, eggplant

For the Health of It, Blue Mountain Beach, 267-0558

arugula, new potatoes, daikon sprouts, red tomatoes, orange tomatoes, yellow tomatoes (high vit. C variety), cherry tomatoes, honey, zucchini, scallopini squash

And a new addition for those who head east to Panama City and beyond, as I often do on weekends:

Alissa's Market, on Hwy. 98 (Tyndall Pky.) at "Hogpen Curve", about 1/2 mile before WalMart on right, E side of Panama City 522-7171
They carry almost exclusively product from the SE, including amazing FL citrus in the winter; also sell citrus plants--I got an amazing Kaffir lime tree there cheap!

peaches, cantalope, watermelon, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, honey, squash, okra, corn, plums, nectarines, peanuts, and more

potatovixen · 07-13-2007, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian

Alissa's Market, on Hwy. 98 (Tyndall Pky.) at "Hogpen Curve", about 1/2 mile before WalMart on right, E side of Panama City 522-7171
They carry almost exclusively product from the SE, including amazing FL citrus in the winter; also sell citrus plants--I got an amazing Kaffir lime tree there cheap!

Okay, this place is on my list now, if only for the Kaffir limes.

Smiling JOe · 07-13-2007, 02:59 PM

For the Health of It, located in Blue Mtn Beach, mostly has a focus on Organic foods. However, some of the organic foods which they sell, are also local and regionally grown. Ask Pete for the particulars, but today, they had several varieties of locally-grown Tomatoes, along with locally-grown Arugula and a few other items which I cannot recall.

Toni · 07-18-2007, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seacrestkristi

christian. Thanks for starting this

thread!

Girl named Toni

I've been to your store a couple years ago.

all your flowers .

Glad to know you got produce too.

That will save me a drive soon. How much is your large basket of peaches?

I sell them 2.50 a pd.

Toni · 07-21-2007, 10:12 AM

I have fresh herbs here with no pesticides, and you can cut them fresh or take them home and plant them. Have a great day. Toni

Toni · 07-21-2007, 10:16 AM

No not additional, just the 5th nursery that we will build, but this time, we will own the property so finally, We will be fixtures in the grayton community, and we are looking forward to riding our bikes to dinner:) Have a great day! Toni

Toni · 07-21-2007, 10:21 AM

Hello Christian, haven't heard from you this week, I have speckled butter beans and regular, lady peas, purple hull, zipper peas, fresh green beans, peppers all colors, jalpeno, zuch, yellow squash, cantalope, a few peaches, and tomatoes of course, watermelon, new potatoes, eggplant both japanese and black beauty. Thanks Toni

sunshine · 07-21-2007, 11:36 AM

Thanks Toni,
I was just about to call you to see what you had! I'll see you soon with shopping list in hand.

Christian · 07-22-2007, 11:35 AM

Yes, Toni, I'm behind on my eating locally list this week, what with sea turtles and coastal dune lakes keeping me busy! Thanks for posting your list--it all sounds great. Maybe we can get the produce suppliers like you set-up to post their offerings themselves every week on Sowal. I'll talk to the For the Health of It folks too; some of the little produce stands and farms around I'll still probably have to post for them as I don't think they're on-line.

kurt · 07-22-2007, 12:51 PM

We hit Toni up yesterday for beautiful produce and saw Sunshine there loading up. I told Toni that she was welcome to advertise on the forum and that she might want to start her own thread with current offerings updated as she is able.

Toni · 07-23-2007, 10:38 AM

Let me know what I need to do to have a thread, Thanks Toni

kurt · 07-23-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girl Named Toni

Let me know what I need to do to have a thread, Thanks Toni

Go to dining & food forum, same as the one we're in - click here to forum home -

**Internal Linking (Forums/Categories)

Click on the "new thread" button, fill in your subject and message and submit.

scooterbug44 · 07-24-2007, 01:52 PM

Just got some great stuff from Toni's. Great selection and prices.

I see a diet w/ many more fresh veggies in my future - grandma will be so happy!

HYDROSTAN · 07-27-2007, 06:55 AM

EAT-Rite Produce Co.
This weekends produce offerings

Eat-Rite Produce will have its mobile produce stand at Stinky's Fish Camp parking lot this weekend at 9 AM, FRI,SAT, SUN. Come out and visit. Just gathered a fresh load of Arugula, Spinach, Mesculin Greens, Sweet Corn, Black Beauty Eggplant, Japaneese Eggplant, Squash, Zuccini, Snap Beans, Fresh Shelled mixed Peas and Beans (easy to process and freeze) Okra, Collard Greens, Homegrown Tomatoes, Green Tomatoes, Vidalia Onions, New Florida Potatoes, Baking Potatoes, Valencia Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Buternut Squash, Walthrop Squash, GA Peaches and more. WE DO NOT SELL PRODUCE THAT HAS CHEMICAL HAS BEEN SPRAYED ON, PERIOD. Be sure to bring your plastic bags that you have a zillion of. We love to recycle them. Great Prices. Please support Local Farmers.

This weekend specials
Homegrown Tomatoes $1.49 LB
Blue Lake Bush Beans $1.49 LB
Fresh GA Peaches $1.69 LB

Cali · 07-27-2007, 08:32 AM

Fantastic! I wondered where you went Stan. Glad to see your still around supplying us with your delicous delights.

HYDROSTAN · 07-27-2007, 06:10 PM

Thanks, Come visit at Stinky's Parking Lot. Lots of produce sold today, still plenty left for Saturday. Grand Reopening sale on Saturday.

All PRODUCE 20% OFF ALREADY LOW PRICE
if you mention you read it on SOWAL.
Stan

Toni · 08-07-2007, 09:57 AM

Just a quick note, I have officially closed this location, took up our pavers and just to be safe, I will see everyone in Grayton next Thursday, so much to be done, same great stuff, so excited that we get our own space on the planet in Historic Grayton Beach. Thanks Toni, Ray and Lotto!

truluv · 08-07-2007, 03:04 PM

Toni rocks

asquared · 02-27-2008, 06:13 PM

Does anyone know how to reach Charles Bush with Dragonfly Farms in Defuniak Springs?

peaboy · 02-27-2008, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asquared

Does anyone know how to reach Charles Bush with Dragonfly Farms in Defuniak Springs?

Charles brings his fine produce to our business throughout the week. If you want to give us a call during business time, Monday - Saturday, 9:30 - 5:30, we can get you his contact numbers.

I am not at my business at the moment, or would do so now for you.

Ed
For The Health of It
Natural Food Store
Massage Therapy
Juice & Smoothie Bar
850.267.0558
www.shopforthehealthofit.com
2217 west scenic 30a
santa rosa beach

asquared · 02-27-2008, 10:20 PM

Thanks much Ed...will call you on Thursday!

florida girl · 02-28-2008, 12:14 AM

It's rather amusing talking about Farmer's Markets when, who's farming? Usually, it's a cooperative of a number of farmer's getting together sharing the cost of the building, etc, which is great for all. However, it usually requires a collection of farmers! The only thing most here are interested in is tourism! Agriculture is not an encouraged occupation.

HYDROSTAN · 02-28-2008, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by florida girl

It's rather amusing talking about Farmer's Markets when, who's farming? Usually, it's a cooperative of a number of farmer's getting together sharing the cost of the building, etc, which is great for all. However, it usually requires a collection of farmers! The only thing most here are interested in is tourism! Agriculture is not an encouraged occupation.

Maybe thats why they call it a farmer'S market as opposed to a farmer market. I don't understand your statement that agriculture is not an encouraged occupation. It is one of, if not the largest industry in the world. It is also a very honorable occupation. I bet if you couldn't get food you would be encouraging farming as an occupation. Where do you think the ingredients for booze comes from?

wrobert · 02-28-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HYDROSTAN

Thanks, Come visit at Stinky's Parking Lot. Lots of produce sold today, still plenty left for Saturday. Grand Reopening sale on Saturday.

All PRODUCE 20% OFF ALREADY LOW PRICE
if you mention you read it on SOWAL.

Stan

Okay I'll show my ignorance. Where is Stinky's parking lot located other than in front of Stinky's?

HYDROSTAN · 02-28-2008, 03:26 PM

Stinky's Fish Camp is on mile marker... ooops 200 Ft. east the Big Blue Dune Allen Sign on 30A. When will they put the lighted mile markers up?