The Turnip Truck

Everyone who knows anything about me knows that I'm not one to just jump onto any bandwagon. That's why I have taken my time, researched, and debated about this one. I have read about it on several other blogs and took the time to visit myself with the family.

On Woodland Street in East Nashville there is a very unassuming building called The Turnip Truck. Its a natural market. They carry a lot of organic food, local produce, meats, cheeses, etc. We visited for the first time for their weekly Farmer's Market that runs from 4-7 pm on Wednesdays. I had read about this event in Nashville Parent magazine. Its a small market of about 20 vendors, including some clothing and body products, who are mostly organic. There was live music on the lines of a four-piece bluegrass band complete with banjo and standing bass. I believe the music changes every week. Though we didn't see it there is also supposed to be kids' entertainment.

I'll sidestep my opinion on the organic issue to say that I fully believe in supporting local farmers and farmers in general. The produce and meat are always fresher giving them a longer counter life because they didn't travel 3000 miles from the San Fernando Valley in a truck.

Since Elisha insisted on nursing while we were there I didn't get to go into the actual store. Thad and the two older kids did. They reported back to me on various prices, etc while I stayed in the car feeding the baby. All I got to experience personally was the outdoor market so these tips pretty much only apply to that.

A few cautions:

1. The prices are sometimes as much as 200% higher than grocery store prices on produce (green beans averaged $3/lb). The prices on "organic" meats is exponentially higher (what I would define as "crazy high" and unnecessarily so.) The cheeses were reasonable for boutique style farm fresh cheese.

2. If you political persuasion is central or anywhere near the right side of the aisle, you'll be in the minority by a long shot! Be prepared for the bumper stickers and t-shirts that bespeak the evils of capitalism while their owners gladly take your money for sometimes over-priced goods. Its up to you how many feathers you choose to ruffle.

3. Parking is limited. The lost probably holds 30-50 cars but there is plenty of street level parking.

4. Organic or not, always wash your produce! I know it sounds like a given that shouldn't have to be repeated but consider how many times you have to tell your kids to wash their hands after going to the bathroom.

5. Cash works best. I did see at least one vendor that took cards. Cash is also a great negotiating point. Don't be afraid to haggle. Be reasonable, though. Bringing in a harvest is hard work and they do deserve a fair wage. This only applies to the weekly market outdoors.

6. Shop each booth before choosing. Prices vary widely and some offer samples. Also, carefully examine all produce the same way you would at the grocery store. Check for bruising, worm holes, etc. Ripeness is usually not an issue since most things are picked no more than a couple of day before selling.

All in all, it was enjoyable and we got some great tasting food. My personal favorite: Delvin Farms Sugarshaw Melon. At $4.50 each these sweet, juicy melons win hands down over their sad grocery store cousins.