Let me just say right off the bat that I am no fan of the 'organic' label. Why? I'm glad you asked. First of all, I feel that regulation is substandard to the point that the word 'organic' hardly has any meaning at all. Second, I'm not opposed to fertilizer, and I've never been able to figure out what the objection is there. Third, one could argue that organic farming processes are somewhat wasteful of energy due to smaller yields, and definitely wasteful of water. Apples, for instance, are sprayed with a pigment to ward off insects that takes three times the washing to get off the fruit. If you think organic farms aren't doing bizarre stuff to your food, think again. And fifth, I'm cheap. I see organic food as a luxury item, and nothing more. You can't convince me it tastes better, and I feel the most important moral decision you can make with your food is to buy local. Yet, there I was at 3rd and Arizona, in the all-organic market. Why?
Well, it all has to do with West Elm (more or less a 'sophisticated' Ikea), where Wonderwife and I were cashing in yet another wedding-present gift certificate, this time for a coffee table. Just to make things frustrating, most of West Elm's furniture has to be picked up at an off-site warehouse after you buy it, and said warehouse is only open every two hours. Thus, you always end up with a hour to kill, minimum. That's the only circumstance under which I can recommend this market, although I did find some nice surprises, like these krazy karrots:
How much would you pay for these tiny colorful wonders? Two dollars a pound? Three? Try four (remember, they are organic.) The booth-keeper was spraying these down with water as I stepped up to photograph them. Which brings me to rule number one of food photography - shoot anything that was just sprayed with water. After getting some static about the size of my camera (everyone does this) the booth-lady informed me that these same carrots are sold regular size at Trader Joes for about half the price. Really? Yes, really. I will say that these are hands down the tastiest carrots I've ever eaten. Still, the market did provide the predictable hippy-fascist absurdities:
Watermelon is a populist treat. There is no need for heirloom watermelon - it's just ridiculous. I want my watermelons huge and seedless, thank you. I wonder if you are supposed to fill these up with premium vodka? Is anything less an insult to the watermelon's proud lineage? On second thought, that might be a pimpy way to cap off your next dinner party - I've marinated this heirloom with Armadale. An did I mention it's organic? Here, have two slices.
Stay Tasty,
WW
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