Given my desire to avoid cyclosporiasis, I’m re-committed to buying produce that has been grown close by, rather than packaged and shipped. I used to subscribe to Community Supported Agriculture vegetable share programs (a.k.a. CSAs), but because I travel often, it doesn’t make sense for me to reserve a weekly box. Instead, I seek out farmers without the delivery. I like the chill vibe at Amqui Station in Madison. I have not yet made it to the Gay Farmers Market in East Nashville, but the next one is Aug. 23, and I plan to be there.
Caveat: I am not a medical professional; I am just a writer who likes salads. If you are immunocompromised or have concerns about your risk factors for cyclosporiasis, talk to your doctor. There’s also information from the CDC here, and I think Consumer Reports gives unbiased, straightforward info.
I mentioned Hamby’s in the Old Hickory neighborhood newsletter (hot tip: if you missed a Keep It Local newsletter, you can find them archived here). Hamby’s is an Amish market, with produce grown by Amish farmers around the South, like South Carolina peaches and truly the single best ear of corn I have eaten.
Formerly known as Hendersonville Produce, Gammon’s works with local farmers to stock a small selection of in-season produce, such as tomatoes and berries. There’s a coffee shop and a small cafe menu, too, so you can grab lunch while you shop for at-home cooking.
I didn't know much about The Produce Place, Nashville’s oldest natural and local food store, until last year when I wrote about the passing of its founder, Barry Burnette, for the Nashville Scene. Burnette was the real deal, and the Sylvan Park shop engenders extreme loyalty from its long-time customers.
This local chain of natural-food grocery stores has four locations in Nashville (East Nashville, West Nashville, The Gulch, and Midtown), making it easier to find organic fruits and vegetables wherever you live. The website lists the farmers they buy from.
