Canuco Farms

It's a rare treat when I get to visit Union Square's Friday Greenmarket, but yesterday morning, up early and unable to fall back asleep, I took a jog over the bridge from Brooklyn to see if anyone else was up in Manhattan.  Besides commuters (not much conversation there!), I ran into--who else?--those other early birds, our hard-working farmers.  Hector, Kira's partner, was out setting up his stand with help from Catherine, a fellow New Paltz-ian at his stand, Canuco Farms.  We chatted a bit, I bought some sprouts, and then he gave me some dried stevia.  I've only seen it in its processed, packaged state as a sweetener, so oh boy! was I in for a treat.  The dried leaves couldn't look less appetizing, but they are good! Despite appearances, they're profoundly sweet and amazing in a glass of chamomile tea (Hector provided the dried flowers, as well).  Thanks, Hector!  Yet another reason to get up early and visit the market before work.