A Taste of Slow Food Nations

The Slow Food movement is what vegetable gardeners have been promoting since the first gardens were planted: eating seasonal produce that's local and organic.

Vendors sold their edible wares, but gave some away, too. Visitors to this booth were encouraged to try a free sample of sunchokes or squashes.

The Mobile Farmers Market was filled with products made, produced and harvested by the Tribal members of the Native Food Network (nativefoodnetwork.com). 

A special children's garden included a series of raised beds filled with herbs, fruits, vegetables and flowers. One bed featured rows of small corn plants placed close to a grinder and bowl of corn. The display helps kids make the connection between plants and the foods they eat.

The booth of Slow Food in Hawai'i featured samples of Taro, a plant with a thick root that's boiled and eaten, similar to a potato. The Kona Coffee Farmers Association provided samples of Kona coffee, too.

Vegetable gardeners could get a few new ideas for their pickling efforts at The Real Dill booth.

The Taste Marketplace gave festival goers the chance to sample many different kinds of cheeses and meats, homegrown vegetables, spices, roasted crickets, chocolates, elderberry juices, fresh fruits, and other delicacies from across the country.