Life’s little pleasures come from the fields
Sometimes there is so much bad news around that it’s hard to feel the joy. Pandemics, floods, fires, gun violence . . . every day there’s a new crisis on the front page.
So may we suggest an outing? The destination: No place more exotic than your local grocery story or, if you are feeling like a morning out, a farmer’s market. The reason: To luxuriate in the colorful and sweet flavors of Colorado’s August harvest.
That’s right, folks. It’s that time of year — Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford cantaloupe, Palisade peaches. They are all bursting forth.
There were no fires or freezes that killed the crop, so each and every one of us can partake in the simple pleasures of a perfectly ripe, juicy peach; a just-tender cob of corn, so flavorsome it requires no adornment (though a pat of butter never hurts!); or a thick slice of cold melon, juice trickling down one’s chin.
We are also in the beginning of Hatch green chile season, another regional delicacy. It’s time for the roadside stands, and the aroma of the chilis being roasted in those rotating drums. It’s a great time to stock up, make batches of green chile and freeze the batches for enjoyment on cold autumn or winter nights coming up.
And please, do not pass up the o-so-heartfelt kids’ kool aid stands springing up around the city. The fare might not be as scrumptious, but the spirit is right in season.
As you let the flavors tingle your pallet, take a moment to express gratitude to the hard labor of our fellow Coloradans who, with the help of G-d, provide us with this much needed reminder of life’s joys.
Copyright © 2022 by the Intermountain Jewish News
