Atherton Mill

Lynn Caldwell, manager of Atherton Mill, shared with us the ins and outs of finding local produce and bringing it to your table. A native of Charlotte, she found her green Zen in Seattle where she apprenticed at a farm. Bringing her fresh ideas back to Charlotte, Lynn started a “tailgate market”, selling fresh produce from the back of a truck. The concept eventually turned into Atherton Mill, a Charlotte market dedicated to the idea of selling locally produced products. Most of the products sold at Atherton Mill are “producer only” in that they are sold by the people who grew/made them. The Mill offers a variety of products with the intent of giving the shopper a market-like selection of the essentials and more.

What are the advantages of eating local? Reduced carbon foot print, having a relationship with the people who produce what you eat, and supporting the local economy are nice ideas, but amazingly fresh produce is the real bonus. Even though the market sells what is in season, there is always food available at the Mill. Poultry, seafood, sweets, chocolates, bread, cheese, grains, rice, pancake mixes, and of course fresh fruits and veggies are just a small selection of what is available. Lynn’s definition of a local producer is someone who can have a relationship with their customer and uses a product that is created locally.  Lynn challenged us to be aware of where our food comes from, how it is produced, who is affected by the way it is produced, and in general be more conscious about what we put in our bodies.

Looking for a place to let someone else cook “local” for you? Check out Halycon, Savor on Morehead, Fern, Bistro La Bon, Carpe Diem, Zada Jane’s, Passion 8 Bistro, Barrington’s, and Good Food on Montford. You can also check out Lynn on WFAE’s WFAEats blog.

Real local produce: tomatoes from Erin's garden. Thanks Erin for hosting!