We used to think that the “Southern Blend” greens mix from Trader Joe’s was pretty good…
It’s not.
After months without a taste of store-bought greens, let alone BAGGED produce, we did not know what we were in for: my god, we had no idea.
After our 10 day song and dance vacay up in the great northwest we were tired and in need of some serious restoration. Oh, who am I kidding. After the first few days M’s input into the meal discussions consisted of “soup and salad” accompanied by a faint and wistful, “I just want what we have at home.” It was awkward. Our companions’ blank stares were no doubt filled with memories of the french fry enthusiast of yore.
Anyways, we got back on Sunday afternoon, thereby missing our regular farmer’s market. After long deliberation, we had decided not to order the CSA box to be picked up at another location so that we could keep on schedule and not waste food (you’ve seen the pictures, that’s a lot of produce for two people to finish in 7 days, let alone 4). We opted to suck it up and shop at the store this week.
DUDE.
No wonder people aren’t as obsessed with greens as we are!?! Tasteless! Limp! A sham! It was a true disgrace to the glory of the mustard and collard. And who could blame them? After being trapped and shipped, those poor little dudes were – just like our post-travel plane and bus ride selves – no more than a hologram. (Don’t even get me started on the apples, but that was no shocker.)
It was a rough week, at least the greens part. All I can say is, thank heaven for soup: the ever humble and always noble dish.
I would like to add that the unbagged produce from a supermarket, as glistening and crisp as it may be, bares no mark to the freshness of farmer’s market jewels either. Time is everything, no?
Not everyone has the luxury of a year-round csa or farmer’s markets. But maybe you have access to farm stands or a small area to grow things (windowsill, container, yard, roof, abandoned pubic area) or areas to forage.
DO IT FOR THE TASTE MY FRIENDS. Do it for the mustard green, it deserves to be remembered for it’s true spice and vigor. Therein lies the happiness and life that you are incorporating it into your self for, don’t waste your chews.
