I believe it goes without saying that nutrition ranks high within our familial culture. It is an integral part of our parenting and a source of continued learning for all of us. Serving sizes, protein parings and daily allowances are common knowledge. In my opinion, understanding nutrition is an important life skill. One area of nutrition that is consistent in its stature is food sourcing. Understanding how and where our food is sourced is of the utmost importance.
Since the kids were very young we've had a lovely ritual in place. During Spring Break, we take a trip down to Froberg’s Farm for annual strawberry picking. It is there, among friends, where their nutritional curiosities had been fertilized and the seeds in regards to sourcing began to take root. Froeberg's is a working farm, located a stone’s throw from our backyard. During the beginning of the season, families and groups of friends descend upon the grounds for gritty exploration and fun. Some of our best Spring Break memories were spent amongst the muddy patches, buckets in hand, searching for the biggest red berry. With the promise of endless berry delicacies and the indulgence of the quintessential fried pie, there is no better plan in place than a trip Froberg's. As the years have passed our little pickers have grown. Fortunately, so has their food intelligence. Their curiosities have extended beyond the berry.
Recently, we visited Canino’s Produce, Houston’s Farmer’s Market. While we’ve frequented farmer’s markets, the experience in this particular space was a first. A fifty year old original, Canino’s is a sprawling 20,000 square feet. With everything from fresh greens, to quinoa, to a bevy of herbs, it is a feast for the eyes. The sheer size could be daunting to a newcomer. Open seven days a week, this farmer’s market is teaming with dedicated vendors, ready to converse and answer any questions you may have. They are forthcoming with sourcing. Canino's serves as a produce outlet for local farms including our beloved Froberg's. It is here that Joshua and Kingsley learned valuable lessons in the grocers industries, up charging and the concept middle men. It is here where the kids saw the literal fruits of the farmer's labor and established a more firm understanding of how the nutrition gets to their tables.
We spent a considerable amount of time just taking it all in. It is a mosh pit of humble consumers, wild retailers and anxious chefs in for their daily grabs. We met and talked with vendors who were warm and welcoming. They spoke with a deep sense of pride and encouraged the curiosity of my children. I saw the wheels turning in their heads as they figured out the financial element to direct buying. How could you get an entire box of mangos here for $5, yet they are ofter 2 for $5 at the grocery store? They offered tastes of both the familiar and lesser known varieties, in the hopes of a greater understanding of their passion, and a sale. It was hot, aromatic, bustling, strange but beautiful. A truly different experience for the kids who'd previously put no higher premium than on their local well lit grocer.
It has been announced that the Canino Farmer's Market will soon undergo a ten million dollar renovation. It is poised to compete on a global level, improving in design and usability. While I'm excited about the promise of tomorrow, I felt it imperative that my kids experience it as is. Organic, raw and natural in it's state. It has only provided an unparalleled experience to build upon the seeds that our early days of strawberry picking with friends provided us. Nutrition is a continued and deeply valued education for us as a family. We appreciate all of the opportunities that life continues to afford with open accessibility to the front lines. It is my greatest hope that the fruits of this labor present itself as a greater examination of how they are feeding their own families. Finally, a deeper appreciation for the farmers and the earth from which it comes.
Froberg's Farm
3601 Hwy 6
Alvin, TX 77511
281.585.3531
frobergsfarm.com
Canino Produce: Houston's Farmer's Market
2520 Airline Dr.
Houston, TX 77009
713.862.4027
caninoproduce.com
