"Do I miss snow?" No! As Arctic air marches southward, the northern climates now stark, frozen and tucked neatly into their beds of sweet and cozy winter time dreams, I will explore the land of a "southern winter." Yesterday's visit to the local Farmer's Market, yields a bounty of winter produce that beckons all to begin their New Year's resolution of healthier lifestyle prematurely. The luscious vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables are most definitely a feast of mesmerizing proportions for the senses. Ruby Red grapefruits, enormous in size with a delightfully sweet taste, will not only tingle but refresh the palette. One can see the patron "tapping" melons, sampling all the vendors products which they cheerfully share, while everyone seems to be breathing in the freshness of the multitude of aromas present. Even fresh baked breads are available, local honey, roasted peanuts and nuts, of all types, making their annual holiday appearance. These weekly bounties will be available throughout the winter and spring months in the land of the sun! When super hot tropical days reappear, these markets, although smaller, still yield a plentiful harvest of goodness.
Did I mention, the first crop of sweetness is now available from this strawberry mecca in central Florida. Just in time for the holiday season and without a frost in sight, these berries are now being harvested in gigantic proportions and are ready to dazzle the holiday tables! Yesterday's purchase, already fifty percent consumed, were just the perfect touch of "dessert" and instant energy for a round of afternoon golf! As the new year rolls in, the harvesting revs up, continuing through much of February, depending on weather!
Everything citrus, also in full swing, creating hues of golds, oranges and greens, a great visual delight as well. On a cool morning we can smell the oranges being processed for juice, even through the processing plant is about ten miles away. In another month, when the trees have been striped of their bounty, the delicate and heavenly aromatic smells of orange blossoms returns. So easy to understand the craziness of the honey bees pollinating the massive groves covering the landscape of central Florida. Orange blossoms are almost overpowering, yet the senses seem to yearn for more!
Although tomatoes are plentiful, more red than Santa's suit or the rosy cheeks of child playing in the cold snowy climates, the taste is good, but the acidic soils of New England produce a far better tasting product. Once you've eaten a homegrown Connecticut tomato, nothing else will do! So some things are missed but as I downed the second ear of Silver Queen corn, I allowed my thoughts to re-group, re-assess that thought and come to a definite conclusion; family and friends are missed, food, not so much and cold and snow,NEVER!
Did I mention, the first crop of sweetness is now available from this strawberry mecca in central Florida. Just in time for the holiday season and without a frost in sight, these berries are now being harvested in gigantic proportions and are ready to dazzle the holiday tables! Yesterday's purchase, already fifty percent consumed, were just the perfect touch of "dessert" and instant energy for a round of afternoon golf! As the new year rolls in, the harvesting revs up, continuing through much of February, depending on weather!
Everything citrus, also in full swing, creating hues of golds, oranges and greens, a great visual delight as well. On a cool morning we can smell the oranges being processed for juice, even through the processing plant is about ten miles away. In another month, when the trees have been striped of their bounty, the delicate and heavenly aromatic smells of orange blossoms returns. So easy to understand the craziness of the honey bees pollinating the massive groves covering the landscape of central Florida. Orange blossoms are almost overpowering, yet the senses seem to yearn for more!
Although tomatoes are plentiful, more red than Santa's suit or the rosy cheeks of child playing in the cold snowy climates, the taste is good, but the acidic soils of New England produce a far better tasting product. Once you've eaten a homegrown Connecticut tomato, nothing else will do! So some things are missed but as I downed the second ear of Silver Queen corn, I allowed my thoughts to re-group, re-assess that thought and come to a definite conclusion; family and friends are missed, food, not so much and cold and snow,NEVER!
I second that thought!
ReplyDeleteWith a report of eleven degrees back in Connecticut this morning, I say, "keep the 'maters, give me the warmth!
ReplyDelete