-Michael Symon
Good day Hivers! Nine here 😊! Accompany me on a delightful market day adventure especially if you're someone who lives solo or loves fresh quality veggies, fruits, and budget-friendly goods. This spot is just perfect for your needs!
Every Sunday since most of it is the shed for market day when my budget allows, I make it a point to visit the farmers' market. Why? It's simply the best place to find fresh, organic produce at pocket-friendly prices. As I've matured, my focus on health has grown, leading me to prioritize vegetables🥕 and fruits🍇 for a longer, healthier life. In today's fast-paced world, many of us resort to instant meals due to our busy schedules, especially the students👩🎓, and most of all the hardworking moms🤰.
Presently, I devote more time to scrutinizing my food for health reasons. As the renowned Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus said, "Prevention is better than cure." It's a reminder for us to be vigilant about the food we consume, striving to be as mindful as possible💡👀.
In connection to that, may I introduce to you my all-time favorite market which was introduced to me by my grandmother, the "Bagsakan". This Filipino term translates to a sudden "drop" or "delivery" meaning this place serves as a hub for all fresh produce vegetables, fruits, and more—directly dropped from the farms or other producers. It's essentially a spot where these goods, primarily sourced from farmers or direct suppliers, make their way.🤠
Before we delved into our grocery list, we decided to have breakfast first since it was around 7:30 in the morning, and our stomachs were empty. We needed that energy to navigate the day and carry the goods we intended to buy🍽. At that hour, the food displays were less abundant compared to earlier times. You see, at Bagsakan Market, buyers tend to arrive as early as 4 to 5 in the morning, particularly those aiming to resell freshly delivered items and secure the best quality goods. Fortunately, there were restaurants available where anyone could grab a meal for the day.🥘
Now that our stomachs are satisfied, it's time for our primary agenda, to purchase fresh goods. When I say fresh, I mean just that. Notice the vibrant greenery on display🍏🥒. And don't underestimate those products placed on the ground, they're the organically grown ones, mainly sourced directly from the seller's farm. Their stalls aren't fixed because the Bagsakan market has recently relocated, partly due to different reasons, some vendors are itinerant, while others are smaller-scale sellers. As mentioned, their main investment typically revolves around their farms, guaranteeing the organic quality of the goods they sell.👩🌾
Another benefit of being a regular customer with a specific vendor is the freedom to personally select and weigh your vegetables😉. That's the level of trust they have in you. Additionally, they often offer discounts for larger quantities or even for smaller purchases, especially if you're their 'suki'—their loyal and frequent buyer. Sometimes, they might even add a little extra for their regular customers.👍
Of course, we can't overlook the fruits. Their availability largely depends on the season. Given that they sell fresh produce, the fruits displayed are typically those in season for that particular time. Another advantage here is unlike in grocery stores or supermarkets, you have the opportunity to sample the fruit before purchasing it, ensuring that it meets your expectations in terms of sweetness or taste preference.🤝
Yes, of course, the dried fish! It's a staple in the grocery lists of moms and vegetable enthusiasts alike. Dried fish is fish that's fermented and sun-dried—some varieties are salty while others are not, depending on your choice. It pairs wonderfully with various vegetables or can be incorporated into Filipino morning recipes. I fondly recall my grandmother pairing it with coffee and rice for breakfast, or as an excellent match with chocolate rice, known as champorado, a favorite breakfast or snack among kids.
They also stock various miscellaneous items like dried Lomboy leaves, tobacco, fermented fish, and fermented scallops, along with other unexpected finds such as fans, personal hygiene products, and much more. One of the greatest advantages of buying at Bagsakan is the availability of almost all grocery necessities. However, it requires patience to explore and locate the specific items you need to purchase. It's advisable to bring a hat or an umbrella☂️, especially on sunny days since the market lacks ample shade from trees. It's better to be safe than sorry, ensuring you have the necessary cover to shield yourself from the sun's heat.☀️
Moreover, if you're a plant enthusiast (a 'plantita') or aspire to grow your own vegetables and fruits🌴, you've got ready-to-plant seedlings available🌱. It's a celebration for those with green thumbs or anyone looking to kickstart their own garden. There's no need to fret because, at Bagsakan, you've got your seedling needs covered. And if you're concerned about not knowing how to plant a specific seedling, they're more than willing to assist and provide guidance. They offer instructions on the dos and don'ts, along with guidance on how to nurture your seedlings. Additionally, you can share details about the type of soil in your area, and they can recommend seedlings suited for that soil type. Rest assured, there's no need to worry, they've got you covered.🌻
As the intense heat prevails in the area🕶, I find myself without a hat or umbrella. To stay hydrated with a healthy yet delicious drink🍹, and after checking off all the necessary items on my list, I feel I deserve a fresh buko (coconut)🌴. A tip, after drinking the water, you can ask the vendor to open it so you can enjoy the delicious flesh inside. It's such a refreshing reward after a tiring day of exploring. Here's to a quality, fresh, and tasty buko for all of us—cheers🌴, my hive community!
As the costs of groceries and essentials continue to rise, it's crucial for us, Hivers, to seek out places offering quality products at affordable prices. As someone on a tight budget but still striving for quality, the Bagsakan Market is one of those trusted spots I turn to.
That's all for today, thank you for reading my blog😉. I'd like to note that the collage pictures are credited to the Canva application.
Let's spread positive energy and support each other through whatever trials we encounter💛. Take care!😊😇