I enjoy growing my own fresh vegetables, but my skills are nowhere near the Japanese level. I’ll keep trying!

うちでは自宅菜園を作って、採れたて野菜を楽しんでいます。だけど、技術はご近所の日本の方にはまだまだ及びませんが、がんばってます。

So the next best thing is to visit my local farmers’ market or roadside stands. Now, I am not crazy about waking up super early on a Saturday or Sunday morning, getting quickly dressed, and racing off to the market to be in front before it opens;  however once you’re in the market, it is so worth it. I love how the Japanese plan, grow, and produce in seasonal cycles. Not like in America where you can find anything all year round, the Japanese prefer using fresh, seasonal foods for their meals, buying it the same day it will be cooked.

自宅菜園以外に新鮮な野菜を手に入れる方法といえば、直売所でのお買い物ですよね。　週末の朝に早起きして、着替えて、オープンの前から並んでっていうほど熱狂的ではないけど・・・。　だけど、一見の価値はあるわ。何を植えるか計画して、育て、季節ごとのサイクルで生産する日本の農業のスタイルは素晴しいと思います。一年中何でも揃うアメリカ式とは違い、日本では新鮮で旬の素材を食卓に出すことを好みますものね。

Most famer’s markets have an interesting and friendly atmosphere. Warning!..There are a lot of happy go-lucky morning people walking around with cheerful faces, warm greetings, and ready to shop!

多くの直売所はフレンドリーな雰囲気でいっぱい。　注意！たくさんの楽天的な朝方人間の皆さんが、にこにこ笑顔で、あたたかい歓迎と共にあなたのお買い物を待ち構えていますよ！

 I love the fact that the food is local and freshly picked. Second fact, you can get as much as you want, or they sell them in smaller amounts to fit your recipe needs. Third, the prices are not as high as you may think. Though they might be slighttly higher, you can’t beat the freshness, quality, and taste – yes, it’s that good, and good for your health! My kids can quickly tell the difference and prefer it over sweets and fatty snacks! That will make any mother happy!

地元で生産された食材はとても新鮮ですよね。それから、レシピに必要な分量だけ、少なくても多くてもそろえることができます。更に、イメージしている価格より安いんです。価格は新鮮さ、品質、そして、味には代えらませんよね。何といっても良い食材は健康のためにも良いのですから！　うちの子供たちもその違いには敏感だし、甘くて脂っこいお菓子よりこういった食材の方が好きです！　これってママをハッピーにしますよね！

Remember the best organic food is what’s grown closest to you. Support your local farmers, make some new morning friends, and enjoy shopping for your health!   Note: Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bags, save money and be friendly to mother Earth!

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JA南すおう直売所　遊気百菜　Yukihyakusai

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