If asked I'd be hard pressed to name a vegetable I didn't like. Even those that most turn up their noses to, I love 'em. Brussel sprouts, spinach, asparagus, lima beans, green beans. Mmmm. Delish. And I love the old stand-bys too like peppers, tomatoes (yes, I realize it's a fruit) and mushrooms.
My parents fostered my love for vegetables. Growing up, we always made sure that we had dinner as a family every night. And that dinner almost always included a vegetable and a salad. My dad called the salad "rabbit food." And he relished it, big chunky pieces of crunchy carrots, juicy tomatoes and crisp lettuce.
We also always had a big garden where my mother planted rows of radishes, carrots, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and lettuce. Throughout the summer, she'd send us out to the garden at night to pick what we needed for dinner. And at the end of the season, we'd harvest tubs of veggies.
Not having my mother's green thumb (or patience) and living in a townhome that's not conducive to vegetable gardening, the closest I can get to home-grown veggies is at a farmer's market. I figure it's still home grown, just not at my home. Wandering around the farmer's market Tuesday afternoon in Cedar Rapids, I loved seeing all the bright luscious veggies. There were tomatoes the size of softballs in reds, yellows and greens and asparagus stalks as long as my arm.
After talking with farmer's market shoppers Tuesday I soon realized that I'm not the only one that loves my veggies. Four people named asparagus as their favorite vegetable. One woman's theory: it's only in season for such a sort time that we cherish the time we have to enjoy it. Interesting. Three more said sweet corn, which is to be expected in Iowa. I also got a brussel sprout answer. I guess it makes sense, though, farmer's markets would attract the veggie lovers among us.
Next week Jeff will catch up with folks in the Czech Village for Houby days. Beyond the obvious question: What's a Houby? He'll be asking about everyone's family heritage. Til then ...