Markets of Local Abundance

Food and Wine, Travel by Carol SapoznikPosted June 17 | 11:29 AMTags: Avignon, Bonnieux, cherries, chickens, Coustellet, fish market, Gordes, Isle-sur-Sorgue, massage, olive oil, olive oil soap, paella, produce markets, provence, Roussillon, spring garlic, strawberries

Each day in Provence there is a market to find the most fabulous ingredients. To quote the French, “Rather have a little bit of  great food than a lot of ‘not’ the freshest.  We support farmers we trust to provide us only the best.”  Loyalty at its finest.

There is a hierarchy as to positioning of vendors…location-location-location. Some have been in the same place for 30 years. New vendors are on side streets and have to make their way to the better spots. That takes time.  Sunday is Coustellet and Isle-sur-Sorgue, Tuesday Vaison-la-Romaine, Wednesday Gorde, Thursday Avignon, Friday Bonnieux and more.

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We shopped, ate all we bought, and loved watching the people enjoy  good conversation, seeing friends, and bringing your all important dog!

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Buying  good food for dinner already prepared- chickens and paella… P1000332

The lavender is not quite ready yet for full bloom…hopefully will be by the end of the week! And not to forget about the olives…

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And olive oil for tasting from many orchards from last harvest…

 

 

Screen Shot 2014-06-09 at 11.08.56 PMMore about the Olive Oil Connection:Extra Virgin Olive Oil has high amounts of vitamin E, and is a natural moisturizer for the body and for the face.  One method which I will try on the face is oil, parsley, and water to release parsley’s benefits.  Leave on for 5 minutes.  Extra Virgin Olive Oil is high in antioxidants and can stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, thus firmer and healthier skin…no wrinkles. Try a mask of avocado and olive oil too. Use Olive Oil by itself for a massage, especially feet.  Soap made from Olive Oil is a great way to engage the benefits easily.  Manicurists recommend as the best treatment for nails and cuticles.  Wear gloves at night. Are you hooked yet?