Florida Water

New Orleans, LA –

Hi, this is Richard McCarthy with the WWNO Farmers Market Minute How do farmers market vendors stay cool? By and large, they don't; however, there is a trick of the trade worth sharing: Florida water. A 19th century floral concoction combining alcohol with essential oils, this nearly forgotten product can be found at pharmacies. Pour a little into a bucket of ice water. With the fresh scent, it's ideal for soaking bandanas for the back of your neck. Apparently both Florida water and its Indonesian cousin Kananga water were used widely to cleanse one's house of spirits throughout the Caribbean. Also associated with good luck for gambling, Florida water gained the name in tribute to the restorative powers of the mythical fountain of youth. I can't say it'll make you younger, but you'll feel cooler. And that's a start.

For the Farmers Market Minute, this is Richard McCarthy.