$30 at the organic market gets you....

Traders Point Creamery's Farmers Market was my destination yesterday morning. Visiting the Green Market is a treat for my family, in part because of the drive and in part because we take full advantage of the trip, visiting the cows and chickens (a treat in a 2 year old's eyes). We also take part in our usual tradition of visiting the Dairy Bar, relaxing with a cup of mango ice cream (for the toddler) and the best chocolate milkshake you will ever have (for the grown-ups).

As an experiment, I brought $30 with me to see what I could find at the organic market for my guests this weekend. Given the rising prices for food overall and also for organics, I was curious to see how I'd come out.

I was very surprised to find that not everything organic or natural was more expensive thn non-organic items at the grocery store.

Here's what I purchased:

• Organic eggs, $4 per dozen. Granted, I feel $2.50 per dozen that I pay in the stores is a bit much, but that extra $1.50 not to have to go stand in line in Kroger on a weekend was worth it.
• Fruit salsa, $5, was my splurge. I am very guilty of buying impulse items, and this was this week's purchase. However, my 2 year old loved it, and it made a great compliment to a simple lunch of crackers, cheese, and smoked salmon. I'll have to locate a similar recipe.
• Pork steaks. At $1.99 a pound, this was very comparable - and possibly cheaper! - than prices at the groceries. And having bought from this Mennonite farmer in the past, I know that the pork steaks are leaner and tastier than most pork chops I find in the store. We finally found dinner for six!
• Breakfast sausage, $3.50 a pound. Again, it's comparable in price to the stores, and would make a good accompaniment to my blueberry baked french toast for brunch.

After spending only $17 at the meat stand, I still had $4 left, more than enough to cover my milkshake at the Dairy Bar.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a variety of items that I didn't buy, simply because of space in the fridge or because I already had enough on hand. Already at the market: salad mixes, pastas, breads, handcrafted soaps, coffee and specialty items. Even though the growing season in Indianapolis doesn't officially start for another month, I can't wait to see what the summer holds, and I am glad to know the summer's bounty will be affordable, even if it's organic.