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From Market Basket to Table
Spring has arrived in Australia and with it comes an abundance of beautiful fresh produce and the irresistible temptation to cook, entertain and eat a little differently.
But have you ever considered that the way we shop for our food can be an expression of good manners?
In this episode of Manners and Other Matters, I am taking you shopping.
Not for another handbag, I promise, but for beautiful fresh food.
Begin with what is in season
There is something wonderfully simple about allowing the seasons to influence what we eat.
Although we can now buy many fruits and vegetables throughout the year, shopping seasonally encourages us to notice what is particularly good now.
Rather than arriving at a farmers’ market with an entirely rigid list, look around. What is abundant? What smells wonderful? What has just arrived?
And talk to the people who grow and sell your food.
A good greengrocer, fishmonger, butcher, cheesemaker or producer can often tell you what is at its best, how to prepare it and even what to substitute when the ingredient in your recipe is unavailable.
The etiquette of the fresh food market
Markets are wonderfully social places, which is part of their charm.
Greet the stallholder before launching into your order.
If you are uncertain whether you should handle delicate produce yourself, ask. In many European markets, particularly those I visit in France, the stallholder will select the produce for you and may even ask when you intend to eat it so they can choose accordingly.
If samples are offered, certainly enjoy one, but remember that the tasting plate is not intended to become breakfast.
Be conscious, too, of other shoppers. A delightful conversation with a producer is part of the market experience, but if a queue is forming behind you, it may be time to move along.
Should we bargain at a farmers’ market?
This depends very much upon the culture.
In most Australian fresh food markets, however, the displayed price is the price.
Local producers have invested considerable time, skill and effort in bringing their food to market. Respecting the price can also be a way of respecting that work.
I am fortunate to have several favourite producers on the road between Perth and our beach house, including growers from whom I buy tomatoes, garlic, duck eggs, avocados and citrus.
Over time, those simple transactions have become relationships. And occasionally an extra ripe avocado finds its way into my basket.
That is not bargaining. That is generosity.
Supermarket etiquette still matters
Not every shopping expedition involves a charming French market basket.
Sometimes we simply need milk and washing powder.
The supermarket is one of the best places to observe everyday etiquette because many people are sharing a relatively confined space while trying to accomplish the same task.
Keep your trolley to one side rather than abandoning it diagonally across an aisle.
If someone is standing in front of something you need, a simple, “Excuse me, may I just reach past you?” is preferable to reaching across their body.
Keep telephone conversations discreet and, when you reach a staffed checkout, put the telephone away and acknowledge the person serving you.
And please return your trolley.
Nobody will applaud you for doing it, but it makes life easier for the next person. That is precisely what good manners are about.
Respect the food itself
Good manners can extend to the way we treat food.
If you change your mind about an item, return it to its proper place, particularly if it is refrigerated or frozen.
Avoid squeezing every peach or avocado on display.
And sampling a grape from the bunch before paying for it is not appropriate unless tasting has specifically been invited.
Buy thoughtfully and waste less
An overflowing refrigerator is not necessarily a sign of abundance.
Food ultimately destined for the bin benefits nobody.
Buy what you realistically need, use what you already have and allow leftovers to inspire another meal.
Some of the most satisfying cooking can come from looking at what remains in the refrigerator and asking, “What can I make with this?”
From basket to table
Perhaps the loveliest thing about seasonal cooking is that beautiful ingredients often require very little intervention.
Fresh vegetables, herbs, citrus, asparagus, peas, beautiful leaves and seasonal fruit can become wonderfully elegant food without requiring an entire day in the kitchen.
Elegant living is not about making everything elaborate.
It is about paying attention.
Choose beautiful ingredients. Prepare them with care. Set the table, even when there are only two of you. Sit down rather than eating distractedly. Talk to one another.
And whenever possible, share food with someone you love.
Those small rituals can elevate an ordinary meal into something memorable.
In this episode
I discuss seasonal food shopping, farmers’ market etiquette, supermarket manners, respecting local producers, thoughtful food buying, reducing food waste, simple seasonal cooking and the pleasure of gathering around the table.
If you would like my favourite seasonal recipes please email me at l.percy@thepercinstitute.com
If you would like my personal assistance with entertaining, dining etiquette, modern manners or elegant living, please contact me through The Percy Institute
Discover More About Modern Manners
At The Percy Institute, I believe etiquette isn’t about outdated rules. It’s about confidence, kindness, respect and consideration for others.
Whether we’re dining with friends, meeting someone for the first time, communicating in the workplace or even taking our four-legged companions out into the world, those principles remain remarkably consistent.
Explore my contemporary etiquette programmes and The Art of an Elegant Life Masterclass through The Percy Institute
The Percy Institute
For upcoming events, courses, masterclasses and more information about modern manners and elegant living, visit: https://thepercyinstitute.com
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