Monday, September 17, 2007

Carroll Gardens Farmers Market And The $2 Tomato

oo



$ 10 for three tomatoes and a dozen eggs? Yeah, that sounds about right!
That is exactly how much I paid yesterday at the Carroll Gardens Fresh Market. Yes, the tomatoes where the heirloom type. Yes, the eggs were organic. But you have to admit, that is a bit steep.
I came home from the market with my ridiculously light shopping bag, feeling slightly stupid. I am trying to buy my produce at the market, but I am starting to feel as though I am being taken to the cleaners every time I shop there.
I have to say: the tomato tasted incredible, as it should for a $ 2.00 tomato ( the lb. price was over $6.00). But who are we kidding here. I think that we have learned to accept such lousy produce at the supermarket, that we feel the sun-ripened verity is worth any premium. I don't mind paying a bit more but lets stay real here.

Am I the only one who finds the prices outrageous? What do you say, dear reader.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are supporting local farmers, sis, not corporate entities buying produce for pennies from farmers - who in return see themselves forced to use hormones, fertilizers to produce as fast and abundantly as possible in order to make a buck. Brightly red tomatoes land on the shelves before they had a chance to ripen. Hence the nonexistent flavor. There is much more to it. Farmers being pushed into the overproduction of corn used to fatten up swines and in the production of ethanol among other things. Most packaged goods in your supermarket contain corn in one way or another. The damage to the environment (pollutants from chemicals, waste products etc.)is atrocious (read my book 'Omnivore's Dilemma')and makes me feel better about buying fresh produce directly from the organic source. Should not eat that many eggs anyways ;-)
Tania

Kelly said...

Having taken all of this into consideration, $2.oo cannot possibly be justified for a tomato. Even for an organic heirloom. Its a tomato for crying out loud.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you, it is too expensive, even if they are organic products.
Salut! Violaine

Anonymous said...

I didn't buy the tomatoes, but a bunch of carrotts were only $2 and the potatoes were great and a lot less expensive than Fairway and the apples were
also good. I'm trying to support the green market lets hope other people will also

Katia said...

I will take your advice and go for the carrots and the potatoes next Sunday. I am with you, I want to support the market and would much rather shop there than at Fairway.

Anonymous said...

I WANT to like this market, but the selection and prices aren't doing it for me. I have to compare it to OTHER Farmer's Markets, not the supermarket. Union Square is great, of course. And Grand Army Plaza is far better, even the one in Downtown Brooklyn best this. I hope it improves!