Rhubarb Regrets

Note to Farmers' Market vendors: Could I get that rhubarb jam in a three ounce jar?

While I was in Iowa for a family visit I did a round of some area Farmers' Markets. And as you might imagine in the heart of agrarian America, there were many to choose from. I restrained my bring-home purchases to one kohlrabi, a root vegetable I haven't enjoyed since my childhood, and the iconic midwestern fruit stalk, rendered into jam by an Amish farmer.

But then along came airport security. I'd carefully put my tiny bottles of mouthwash, toothpaste and contact lenses solution into my one quart zip lock bag...but had totally forgotten about the jam. There were lots of sympathetic smiles from the TSA folk, but ultimately a rule is a rule, and it went into the trash. I wonder how many other culinary delights have met that fate? I comfort myself with the fact that even unconsumed, my purchase had supported a local farmer. And the act of finding it was in itself an adventure.