A New Discovery -- CitySeed Farmer's Market in Wooster Square

If you are a pizza fan, you'd probably heard of the little Italy in New Haven -- rumor has it that pizza originated from here. However, unless you are in tune with natural/local/healthy living, you probably is not aware that it also hosts one of the best farmer's market in town. As a new comer to the scene, I was disappointed that last week was the end of the seasonal Uncommon Farmer's Market at Yale, so I did a little research online, and stumbled upon this awesome weekly event.

I was able to find about a dozen reviews, but nothing very recent. Overall, it seems high end, good quality and a little bit on the expensive side. Well, I was very intrigued. It is less than a 20-minute-walk away, and the weather has been gorgeous  -- really, there is no reason NOT to check it out.

And I am glad I did.

Tons of fresh seasonal produce, organic dairy product, artisan bread, high quality meat and seafood, and even some food trucks and soup stands. I am usually a picky eater and a bit shy on tryinge new food -- if I am not confident about the ingredients. But here, I couldn't not resist the temptation of all kinds of yummy treats. Starting with a roasted beet soup (surprisingly delicious!!!), and a coconut vegetable soup (vegan), my pallet was awakened. Along the way, I tried 5 or 6 kinds of cheese, one that left a big impression was a Wasabi goat cheese served on a slice of apple. It took me a while to figure out what the spiciness came from. Another interesting offering was the goat yogurt-- very smooth and creamy, with subtle sweetness. I also realized that instead of the traditional cracker/bread/apple & cheese, cucumber could be a very good combination to spread creamy cheese on, especially in the summer -- what an enjoyment to have a tasty juicy bite. I just wish that I brought more cash!

It turns out that this farmer's market is a bit more expensive than the one I am used to. Most of the things are 50% more expensive. Yet if you choose carefully, there are still some good deals to be found.

After careful (but not too careful) comparison, here is what I brought home. $3 worth of fruits (apples at $1.5/lb, various variety; plums $2/lb), rainbow chard and kale both at $1.5/bundle (and each a bit over half pound in weight), I spent $1 each on the eggplant, the jalapeno peppers ($3/lb) and mixed salad green ($5/ half pound). Last but not the least, though D has started to think that I'm beet-crazy, how could I resist the bundle of golden&red beets at 3 bucks!

So, total count, $12 dollars, not a bad way to start our week off :) Did I mention that I also ran into an old friend working there? She was busying selling yummy baked goods so I only got the chance to say hi and gave a hug, but it was nice to reconnect.

One more thing that's worth mentioning: there is a recent campaign to buy at least 10% of your grocery from local CT providers. You should totally sign up if you can!