Okay so today I figured I’d check out that Northcutt Family Market everyone keeps buzzing about, see if their “fresh” stuff lives up to the hype. I mean, gotta figure out where to get decent produce around here, right? Grabbed my reusable bags – trying to be good – and headed over early, hoping to beat the Saturday crowd.
The First Look Inside
Pulling into the parking lot felt pretty busy already, like I maybe didn’t beat the rush after all. Walked in and boom, the smell hit me first – that mix of damp earth and just… green things. Way better than some supermarkets that smell like fridge air. My eyes went straight to the fruit section piled high. Seemed promising.
Started scanning for stuff that looked legit fresh. I always poke and prod, no shame. Ended up picking up a few contenders:
- These insane looking beefsteak tomatoes: Seriously, huge and a deep red, not that pale pink supermarket kind. Felt heavy and the skin was tight – good sign. Grabbed two big ones.
- Local Blueberries: Little pint baskets stacked up. Not giant berries, kinda small actually, but super dark blue with that powdery look, no mushy ones hiding at the bottom. Sweet smell too. Tossed one in my basket.
- Bunched Basil: Found it near other herbs. Roots still kinda damp, leaves perky and deep green, zero black spots. Smelled incredible right through the plastic sleeve – instant pesto vibes. Definitely needed that.
- New Potatoes: Small bag near the onions. Skin looked thin, almost papery, not wrinkled at all. Figured good for roasting whole.
- Sweet Corn: Okay, this was a gamble. Outside said “Local – Pick Today”. Husks were bright green and felt damp/cool? Peeked a tiny bit at the top – kernels looked plump. Got three ears.
Getting It Home & The Real Test
Got back, unpacked everything. Basil went straight into a glass of water on the counter – keeps it happy. Then it was time to cook. Chopped up one of those beefsteaks for a sandwich lunch. Wow. Firm but juicy, sweet with just enough tang. Night and day difference from last week’s mealy disappointment.
For dinner, I went simple: Roasted the new potatoes (tossed in olive oil, salt, pepper – easy). They came out creamy inside, crisp skin, tasted way more… potato-y? Used the basil for a quick sauce with olive oil and garlic over pasta. Fragrance filled the kitchen.
The blueberries? Straight into a bowl after washing. Burst in your mouth sweet. Ate half the pint just standing at the counter. Saved the rest for oatmeal tomorrow.
Verdict on Northcutt?
Look, I’m no expert, just someone who cooks and hates wasting money on crap produce. This trip actually felt worth it. Yeah, you gotta look around, poke a bit, maybe pick stuff up and smell it – like choosing the basil. But those tomatoes? The basil? The berries? All stellar. Corn, not quite candy-sweet but miles better than what’s been sitting somewhere for weeks.
So, would I go back? For sure. Found some genuine winners there that actually taste like they’re supposed to. Northcutt definitely gets points from me for freshness on those items. Just don’t forget your bags!
