Local Farmer's Markets:
Brownsville, Harlingen, South Padre Island, McAllen
If someone asks me if the valley is growing, I'd say yes it is. I'm not talking about more strip malls, or an abundance of chain restaurants that at one time could only find driving at least 200 miles north of the RGV. If they ask has the valley improved its quality of life, I’d honestly answer yes and in more ways than one, however one very important way it has improved and grown is by showcasing the beautiful foods grown by our local farmers.
Pictured above is a dish made with all organic ingredients, albeit the tamales shown which are made from pure olive oil instead of heavy heart clogging lard http://www.anitasbville.com/. Farmer's Markets are open on Saturday mornings - check face book or your local newspaper to see when they are open for business. Fresh organic fruits, veggies, meats, eggs, herbs and more are usually the star of any Farmer's Market. Go when you can, even if it's once a month you will definitely see the difference in taste, texture, flavor and aroma in everything you cook. Not only that, but fresh food tastes better because it IS better. Give it a try.
In one week, I made a farm fresh pico de gallo, eggs Florentine, stir fry using fresh veggies, and fresh salads for sides to all of my meals, and all it took was one trip to the market. It might sound elitist of me to encourage "fresh" "organic" food, but honestly, it's delicious and so good for you. Our ancestors did not have to worry about shopping organic because they were already eating organic foods - they did not have to worry about digesting hormones because all of their animals were grass fed (or the majority) They were in charge of their own foods, and we need to gain back control and take care of our foods. The food industry has made people sick, killed people, and without lament or care (watch Food Inc. for a good example of where our food comes from).
First step to eating better: shop local at least once a month and then you can go from there. You might or might not be inspired to continue, but hopefully you will. Even if you are inspired to now grow your own cilantro instead of going to HEB and purchase cilantro shipped from California. Start somewhere and you will be happy that you did.
