What's In Season
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Did you know...
You can find dozens of varieties of your favorite vegetables and fruits at the Memphis Farmers Market? Our vendors grow lots of different varieties that you may not have heard of before. Be sure to visit with our vendors to learn about all the delicious varieties they sell!
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At Memphis Farmers Market, you’ll find a huge variety of products that all share a common characteristic – they’re all locally-grown, locally-raised, and locally-produced!
This is the reason you won’t find some of the common produce found in local grocery stores, such as bananas or citrus. These goods generally aren’t produced locally; they are transported to Memphis from other areas.
Here's our guide to what's in season at the Memphis Farmers Market throughout the season (note: dates are from the 2009 season). To get the list of products available each week for this season, subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter.
Products Available in April
April - Season Opening
We will have baked goods galore. Neola Farms Black Angus Beef, Barnes Farm raised pork and certified organic meats of all kinds from West Wind Farms. Bonnie Blue will be there with the best goat cheese in Tennessee and Cucina will have delicious artisan breads. Hungry yet... just wait to get your hands on the cool weather crops like the freshest baby lettuce you have ever had (at least since last season) and strawberries that smell as great as they taste.
April 25th - Trees Please, Celebrating Arbor Day
Look for more strawberries this week and a bounty of greens, loose leaf lettuces, arugula, mesclun mix, buttercrunch and bib lettuce heads. Find farm fresh eggs, hand made goat cheese, southern style baked goods, prepared salads, side dishes and fresh roasted coffee. Don't forget to pick up a bouquet of fresh cut flowers for inside the house and a few herb or vegetable plants for your kitchen garden.
Products Available in May
May 2nd, 9th Strawberries
Find even more strawberries this week as May 1st through 10th is peak strawberry season for local growers. Look for a bounty of greens, kale, chard, spinach, romaine lettuce, arugula, mesclun mix and limestone bib lettuce heads. Try mild spring onions, french radishes and broccoli rabe. Don't forget to pick up a bouquet of fresh cut flowers for inside the house and a few herb or vegetable plants for your kitchen garden.
Need a gift for Mom? Think about hand made herbal soaps, a recycled garden luminary, hand thrown pottery, or an engraved reusable bottle for water, olive oil or dish soap. Or grab Mom some sweet treats directly from the baker, a bouquet of fresh cut flowers or a rare single stem rose. Planting a kitchen garden? You'll only have a few more weeks to pick up vegetable plants or herbs and get them planted in the ground.
May 16th - Early Spring
Strawberry season is starting to wind down. This would be a great weekend to stock up on those sweet little gems. Consider freezing them to use in pies or fruit smoothies later in the year. Or better yet, try your hand at making jelly or jam. Look for new potatoes making an appearance this week as well as sugar snap and snow peas. Find bounty of greens, kale, chard, spinach, baby lettuce and mesclun mix. The spring onions and french radishes are very mild and delicious sauteed with their green tops. Round out your week with vitamin packed broccoli and sweet potatoes. Pick up some fresh baked bread and you're set. Look for goat cheese, goat milk soap and farm fresh eggs, beef and organic meats of all kinds. Don't forget to plant your herbs now for summer cooking. Get your basil growing so that when tomatoes come in, you are ready for that special tomato and basil salad that just screams summer.
May 23rd - Lettuce Salute You
There will still be strawberries at the Market this week. And, believe it or not, the first peaches have arrived. It is unusual to have both of these sweet treats available at the same time, so be sure to take advantage of this rare opportunity. Baby lettuces, lettuce heads, chard, spinach and mesclun are all great for fresh salads. The wonderful weather has folks spending a lot of time outdoors. So this week make dinner a snap. Throw a locally raised steak or pork chop on the grill, toss a salad of baby greens and toast up some locally baked sweet bread. Look for fresh from the farm new potatoes this week as well as sugar snap and snow peas, broccoli, sweet potatoes, mild spring onions, radishes and baby carrots. Hungry while shopping? Grab a bag of granola to snack on, pimento cheese, baba ganoush or one of the many fresh baked goods available.
May 30th - Spring and early Summer crops
Ahh, the last weekend of May...a really great time to visit the farmers market. It's the time of year that you can find spring and early summer crops at the same time. Baby lettuces, lettuce heads, chard, greens and mesclun are all still available. But you can also find zucchini and yellow squash. It's been a long winter without those summer veggies, so don't miss out on their petite size and remarkable tenderness. If you haven't tried the sugar snap peas, do it this week for sure. They have a short season and are just fabulous! Look for new potatoes as well as purple califlower, sweet potatoes, mild spring onions, radishes and baby carrots. Treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh cut flowers or a sweet treat straight from the baker. And...it's not too late to get that garden growing. Look for plants of all kinds including unique, heirloom varieties.
Products Available in June
June 6th
Who can believe it's already June? There will be lots of root veggies at the market this week like, beets, radishes, baby carrots, new potatoes and sweet potatoes. Pick up some mild spring onions to put directly on your salads...all of the taste and none of the heat. Looking for something different? Try kohlrabi, bok choy or purple califlower. These are cooler weather crops and won't be around for much longer.
Find "green house" tomatoes and petite summer squash as well as Flavor Rich peaches, a variety that is small in size but big in flavor. Your pantry should never be without local honey and delta pecans. Check out our fine artisans offering backyard birdhouses, hand thrown pottery, herbal soaps and garden art made from recycled metal.
It's the time of year that you can find spring and early summer crops at the same time. Baby lettuces, lettuce heads, chard, greens and mesclun are all still available. But you can also find zucchini and yellow squash. It's been a long winter without those summer veggies, so don't miss out on their petite size and remarkable tenderness. If you haven't tried the sugar snap peas, do it this week for sure. They have a short season and are just fabulous! Look for new potatoes as well as purple califlower, sweet potatoes, mild spring onions, radishes and baby carrots. Treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh cut flowers or a sweet treat straight from the baker.
And...it's not too late to get that garden growing. Look for plants of all kinds, including unique herbs like patchouli from several vendors. You'll find lots of fresh culinary herb varieties of basil, chives, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, tarragon and more.
There are still lots of veggie plants available including heirloom varieties, tomatoes, peppers and more.
June 13th
It's a honey of a week to visit the market! Look for a spread of new summer produce including peaches, blackberries, plums and even blueberries. Yellow squash and zucchini are in and, yes...green tomatoes! You know its summer in the South when you can sit on the back porch with a plate of fried green tomatoes and a tall glass of sweet tea. Find new potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, lettuces, greens, beets, radishes, carrots and green beans.After hearing about honeybees and honey from a honey vendor, you'll certainly want to grab a big jar of honey for your pantry. Enjoy it in honey vinaigrette dressing for your salad, as a topping for your biscuits, or simply eat it with a spoon.
Pick up an Angus steak or hamburger patties or consider one of the many organic cuts, all locally raised. Round out the meal with crusty artisan bread, Southern-style dinner rolls or a loaf of whole ground wheat bread. Treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, a cake or a pie from one of our awesome bakers.
June 20th
It's all about the flowers this week at the market...Flower Power! If you don't regularly treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, do it this week. The market is in full bloom and there are so many to choose, varieties from ageratum to zinnia. Find gobs of fresh fruit and veggies Saturday. There will be a few tomatoes, ripe ones, this week...look for those early. And, this will be the last week for the Savoy cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and many of the greens, so don't miss out.
As the tide of the season changes so does the produce. So, you will find lots of squash (some unusual varieties), many different green beans like Roma and Blue Lake, and plenty of fresh potted or cut herbs. The peaches this year are fabulous, as are the blackberries and blueberries.
Check out lots of locally produced artisan goods -fragrances of natural herbs cool garden candle holders made from recycled tin cans, rustic birdhouses, "green" reusable bottles from Ry-Hy Bottle Company and hand-thrown serving pieces.
June 27th
Vine ripened, sweet and juicy peaches... Simply walk by the Jones Orchard stall on Saturday and smell the sweetness. Tims Family Farm and Jesse Harris Produce also offer peaches at the MFM. Plan a really special summer treat this weekend...make homemade peach ice cream...yum, yum.
Speaking of juicy, tomatoes have arrived and they are tangy and delicious. Look for all sorts of vegetable options this week like green beans (several varieties), new potatoes, purple and sweet onions, banana peppers, Japanese eggplant and a few speckled peas. Find cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash, yellow summer squash and fruit too, blueberries, blackberries, plums and nectarines.
From the prepared food scene, pick up a piece of pie from Alcenia's along with a jar of her wonderful preserves. Grab a bag of Groovy granola or one of Groovy Foods herb infused oils for your salad. Cucina offers baguettes and loaves that won't make it home in one piece. Try the fresh roasted blends from McCarter Coffee this week and don't forget to pick up honey and pecans that you should always have on hand.
Products Available in July
July 4th
Blueberries are the focus and theme for the July 4th weekend at the market. Fresh blueberries are just delicious. And, with this being the season, you should buy an extra container to freeze for use later. Blueberries freeze really well if you do not wash them. Simply put them in a freezer bag and wash when you are ready to use. Then, pop a few out and throw them on your morning yogurt or cereal.
Look for even more tomatoes this week and all sorts of vegetables like green beans (several varieties), new potatoes, purple and sweet onions, banana peppers, hot peppers, Japanese eggplant and a few speckled peas. Find cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash, yellow summer squash and fruit too, peaches, blackberries, plums and nectarines.
Pick up some locally raised meats for grilling on the 4th like Black Angus beef, pork or certified organic cuts, all locally raised.
While shopping for your weekly menu, think about gifts you may need to purchase, perhaps a birthday or wedding gift. Why not purchase your gift from a local artisan? We have several artisans at the market who craft items from natural materials for use in the kitchen or garden.
July 11th
Aw Shucks, the corn is in! Yes, sweet corn is now available at the market. You should know that sweet corn has a very short season, so don't delay. In the heat of the summer, a corn and tomato salsa makes the perfect side dish or appetizer.
Look for many different varieties of tomatoes and all sorts of vegetables like green beans, new potatoes, purple and sweet onions, banana peppers, bell peppers, hot peppers, Japanese eggplant (white, green and purple), purple hull peas and speckled peas. Find cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash, yellow summer squash and fruit too, blueberries, peaches, blackberries, plums and cantaloupe.
Find goat cheese, goat milk soap, groovy granola, pure raw honey, fresh locally roasted coffee, pecans, fresh ground grits and cornmeal and prepared salads.
And, pick up some fresh cut or potted herbs that will add that special touch to your fresh summers meals and your window sill. Don't forget to stop by the MFM Market Café while you are shopping for refreshing iced coffee, iced tea or lemonade.
July 18th
Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes...it really is a good tomato year! There are many varieties to choose from. So many different tastes from one fruit (yes, I said fruit). Whatever your preference, big or small, tangy or sweet, firm or juicy, the market has got you covered. Our farmers grow many different types of tomatoes. It is best to ask about the varieties so that you get exactly what you want.
The weather has been good and with the recent bursts of rain, the produce is coming in like gangbusters. The market is full of vegetables such as green beans, new potatoes, purple and sweet onions, banana peppers, bell peppers, hot peppers, Japanese eggplant (white, green and purple), purple hull peas, speckled peas and even a few lady peas. Find cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash, yellow summer squash and fruit too, watermelon (seedless and yellow meat), blueberries, peaches, blackberries, plums and cantaloupe.
As we enter the height of produce season we also enter the height of the flower season. Too many to list, just come down and see for yourself. The colors are brilliant and the scents will delight. Speaking of delightful scents, there is word that the first tuberoses will be available this Saturday. Don't forget to stop by the Market Café while you are shopping for refreshing iced coffee, iced tea or lemonade.
July 25th - Wacky Watermelon Day
What wacky weather we are having...and the watermelons love it! Give those watermelons a nice soaking rain and the payback is luscious juicy fruit. Pick smaller seedless melons when you are on the go; large seeded varieties for afternoons spent on the back deck (spittin' seeds), and yellow meat watermelons for a little something different. The market is bursting with vegetables, fruit and flowers as we are in the height of the growing season right now.
Along with watermelons, find other fruit like blueberries, peaches, blackberries (almost done), plums, cantaloupe and even a few green apples. The peas are coming in a bit early too, crowder peas, purple hull peas and lady peas. And, it is so easy blanch and freeze peas so that you can enjoy them throughout the year. The flower bouquets are so colorful and beautiful that you will want to have one in every room of your home. Pick sunflowers, zinnias and gladiolas, but also add in unusual types of flowers that you can only find at a local market.
Look for all kinds of tomatoes. If you were lucky enough to sample several varieties at last week's tomato tasting, you now know your favorite and you can try some others too. There are plenty of different varieties at the market to choose from like traditional slicers to funky heirlooms. Find big gorgeous bell peppers, banana peppers and hot peppers. Look for Japanese eggplant (white, green and purple), green beans, pole beans, cucumbers, zucchini, patty pan squash and yellow summer squash. Get your "goat fix" with cheese and soap this week and don't miss out on all the wonderful baked goods from freshly baked breads to yummy cakes and pies.
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Did you know...
You can find as many as 12 different varieties of peas and beans at the Memphis Farmers Market? We have varieties such as purple hull, crowder, lima, cream, green, and asian varieties such as chinese long.
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Products Available in August
Aug. 1st - 15th - Peas, Please, Spill the beans
Peas please...yep, and there are lots of varieties of peas at the market. Lady peas are a favorite. They are tiny in size but very big in flavor. You can find purple hull peas, whipperwill peas, speckled peas, and white, black and red crowder peas. Pick and choose as you please but you absolutely must have peas! Find a full market with tomatoes, squash, eggplant, okra, beans, big gorgeous bell peppers, banana peppers and hot peppers, sweet corn (almost done!), onions, potatoes (new and sweet). Get fruit like peaches, apples, figs, watermelon, honey dew melon and cantaloupe. Looking for what's new at the market...a few farms have golden muscadines.
The market is spillin' over with beans and lots of other veggies.
The weather has just been great for produce and the offerings at the MFM show it. Yes, shop at the market this week and you will not have any trouble getting your "5-a-day", in fact, you will be hard pressed to decide which will be your "5-a-day." This is the time of year to have a night where dinner is all veggies. There is so much to choose from. Treat yourself to a little of everything. Find tomatoes, squash, eggplant, okra, beans, big gorgeous bell peppers, banana peppers and hot peppers, crowder peas, purple hull peas and lady peas, sweet corn, onions, potatoes (new and sweet). Get fruit like blueberries, peaches, early apples, plums, watermelon, honey dew melon and cantaloupe. Don't miss the local Shiitake mushrooms. And, the gladiolas are everywhere! If you haven't yet tried our local meat producers, what are you waiting for? You will be amazed at the quality, the flavor and the freshness.
Get some locally raised black angus beef, 100% outdoors humanely raised pork and organic cuts. Check out the fresh shrimp and other Gulf fish like Redfish and Speckled Trout (depends on the catch). And don't miss the farm fresh chicken and duck eggs. And, as always grab a bag of pecans and a bottle of honey. Those are the items that should always be staples in your pantry.
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Fresh local pepper varieties
Memphis Farmers Market vendors offer at least 14 different varieties of peppers! We've got the ones not so hot such as bell and banana, and the REALLY HOT ones such as cayenne, chili and habanero.
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Aug. 22nd - Hot, Hot, Hot Peppers
Some are hot...some are not! Peppers come in many shapes, sizes and tastes. Usually, the smaller the hotter...look out for the little orange, pumpkin looking peppers. They are Habaneras and will knock your socks off! Find a full market with tomatoes, peas, squash, eggplant, okra, beans, big gorgeous bell peppers, banana peppers and hot peppers, onions, potatoes (new and sweet). Get fruit like peaches, apples, figs, watermelon, honey dew melon and cantaloupe.This week look for farm fresh eggs, goat cheese, goat milk soap, locally roasted coffees, pecans, local honey and delicious baked goods.
Be sure to check out our local artisans. They offer a great variety of items for the kitchen or garden made from natural materials like backyard birdhouses and hand-crafted wooden bowls.
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Did you know...
You can find as many as 8 or 9 varieties of squash at the Memphis Farmers Market? We have varieties such as yellow, sunset, zephur, crook neck, star, patty pan, early white and more!z |
Aug. 29th - Salute to Squash
Squash...funny name, but many possibilities! There are various types of squash. The pumpkin is even considered part of the squash family. But right now, at the market, you will find summer squash. There is yellow crook neck, yellow straight neck, zucchini and patty-pan or scallop squash. Simply sautéed with butter, salt and pepper is the easiest and most delicious way to prepare squash, but you can also grill or roast it. However you prepare it, try it this week as MFM salutes squash.
Also find a market full of tomatoes, peas, eggplant, okra, beans, peppers, onions, potatoes (new and sweet). Get fruit like peaches, muscadines, apples, watermelon, cantaloupe and even a banana melon. New to the market this week: a new artisan vendor with bird baths and fountains for your backyard retreats. There is a new vendor who sells eggs, herbs and goat soap and also raises Alpaca, a longhaired animal from the camel family, related to the llama and similar in appearance.
Be sure to check out our talented local artisans. They offer a great variety of items for the kitchen or garden.
Products Available in September
Sept. 5th - American as Apple Pie
Don't you just love apples! Seriously, you can put apples into a salad and a pie...amazing. So this week, in keeping with the MFM American as Apple Pie theme, seek out and try local apples. You'll be glad you did. Believe it or not, it is September, which is an awesome time to visit the market. Transition months like May and September bridge the produce seasons, so you are able to find a wide variety of items available.
Find a market still full of tomatoes, peas, eggplant, okra, beans, peppers, onions, and potatoes (new and sweet). But now, greens, arugula and lettuces are reappearing. Get fruit like peaches, muscadines (last of these), apples, watermelon, cantaloupe and honey dew melon. Pick up goat cheese and pecans; put them in a salad with baby lettuce and apples with honey vinaigrette. Grill a nice cut of meat from one of our Black Angus Beef producers, and whip up some cheese grits or polenta. You'll be thrilled to have a created this delicious dinner with all local ingredients...Enjoy!
Be sure to check out our talented local artisans. They offer a great variety of items for the kitchen or garden. This week look for stepping stones, backyard fountains and birdbaths, hand crafted wooden bowls, bird houses, and goat milk soap. And, don't miss the beautiful container gardens. They are horticultural works of art!
Sept 12th - Basking in Basil
It's "pesto time"...basil is ready to harvest now, but it will certainly continue to produce for the coming weeks. If you grew your own this year, whatever you do, don't let it go to waste. Cut it back now to harvest the leaves. Or, you can purchase cut basil from several MFM vendors. Soon after harvesting, toss the leaves in your blender or food processor with garlic, nuts (pine nuts, pecans or almonds), parmesean cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper... zip, zip and you've made yourself some pesto. Freeze the prepared pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, place the cubes in freezer bags and they will last for months. When you are ready to use, it pull out a couple of cubes, add them to cooked pasta for a nice side dish or rub them on chicken breast before grilling...de-lish! If you love cooking with herbs but have a hard time keeping them alive, basil may be your answer because it's one of the easiest herbs to grow.
Even the novice cook can use it because it's easy to harvest. It grows well in a pot or in the ground with good soil, plenty of sun and plenty of water. And, it grows really fast too. At the Market, you'll find several varieties of basil including lemon, Thai, sweet basil and scented basil. Of course you can enjoy basil for cooking, but certain varieties are used in other ways, such as home remedies or repelling insects.
Look for fresh crisp pears and apples this week as well as a late round of tomatoes just starting to come in. You can still find summer squash, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, okra, green beans, peas, melons and cantaloupes and also get arugula, mesclun mix and tender baby lettuces, radishes, sweet potatoes and bok choy. Have you had local granola lately? Snack on that with a cup of MFM coffee while you shop for fresh cut flowers or grab a locally baked sweet roll. Try shopping for lunch with gourmet soups and some fabulous artisan bread. Don't forget to check out our artisan vendors with handmade herbal soaps, hand thrown pottery, handcrafted birdhouses and recycled metal works.
September 19th - September Sweets
In honor of September Sweets at the MFM, let's talk about the baked goodies we have available. After all, nothing will lift your spirits after a long dreary week like a giant sweet roll. On top of the healthiest bread your will ever eat, get some cinnamon rolls that will light up your world. And, all those fabulous pies and cakes made locally too...yum!
Check out theprepared food vendors for convenient dinner options. Grab a salad you can eat right away and take home an entree for an easy dinner night...now that's a sweet deal. Look for fresh crisp pears and apples this week. You can still find summer squash, eggplant, bell peppers, okra, peas and melons, yet the fall crops are starting to come in like, greens, bok choy, arugula, mesclun mix, tender baby lettuces, radishes and sweet potatoes.
Don't miss the amazing gourds. They will make a lovely fall centerpiece combined with local fresh cut flowers.
September 26th - Fall Foliage
It's officially FALL! What a great time to visit the market. Are you ready to pull those water-logged summer annuals and replace them with pretty little pansies? Get an early start decorating with pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and other fall favorites.
Even though you can still find a wide mix of summer produce, including tomatoes and squash, the cooler weather crops are abundant like, greens, bok choy (several varieties), arugula, mesclun mix, tender baby lettuces, radishes and sweet potatoes. Look for fresh crisp pears and apples. Find Berkshire Pork, Black Angus Beef, organic meats and farm fresh eggs.
This week would be a good time to step out and try something new. Have you ever tried homemade soaps? You will be amazed how the aroma is therapy! And, don't forget the staples...bread, pecans and honey.
Products Available in October
October 3rd - Pears, Apples, Pumpkins, Gourds and Other Fall Favorites
There's something about that chilly fall air that makes you want to bite into a crisp apple and perhaps dip it into a tub of melted caramel...yum. You can certainly find crispy local apples and pears at the market this week. It's a great time to visit the market. Get an early start decorating with pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and other fall favorites. And, start planting for the season now that the ground has dried out a bit. Tomatoes and watermelons are still available, but not for too long. You'll want to savor them over the next few weeks because when November rolls around, these summer flavors won't be found. Produce like peppers and squash, will continue to come in at a slower pace until first frost. However, the cooler weather crops are coming in like gangbusters. Find mustard greens, collard greens, kale, bok choy, arugula, mesclun mix, tender baby lettuces, radishes and sweet potatoes. The prepared foods vendors have so much to offer. Be sure to check them out this week. Find delicious goat cheese, baked goods, prepared pasta and sauces, herbal teas, granola, soups and salads.
October 10th - fruit trees and vines, fall decor, still time for tomatoes
It's already the second week of October...wow, this month flies by. You will not want to miss all of the fresh produce still available at the market. And, did you know here in the south, fall is the best time to plant fruit trees and vines. Check out the selection of dwarf fruit trees and muscadine vines perfect for backyard gardens. Ready to start gathering your fall decor, find several vendors with pumpkins (orange, green and white) and gourds of all shapes and sizes. Tomatoes and watermelons are still available, but not for too long. Little cherry tomatoes are really packed with flavor this time of year. You'll want to savor them over the next few weeks because when November rolls around, these summer flavors won't be found. Produce like peppers and squash, will continue to come in, but at a slower pace until first frost. However, the cooler weather crops are coming in like mustard greens, collard greens, kale, bok choy, lettuces, radishes and sweet potatoes.
It is a great time to check out the awesome MFM artisans. This week find a great display of handmade pottery, wonderful backyard bird cabins, hand turned wooden salad bowls, and re-usable eco-friendly glass bottles. Have you visited the local seafood vendors? October is prime fishing in the gulf and a great time to grab a pound or two of shrimp or the catch of the day.
October 17th - Buy a Pumpkin and Support St. Jude!
Good Gourd! There are only three weeks left for the 2009 season. You better head downtown this Saturday for a wonderful array of fresh local produce. And for the next three weeks at the market, buy a pumpkin and we'll donate a portion of the sale to St. Jude Children's Cancer Research!
The green leafy vegetables are really coming in right now. They are so good and so fresh, you can taste the rich vitamin and immunity boosting benefits. Simmer mustard greens in a pot with chicken or vegetable broth, a slice or two of bacon and a clove or two of garlic. After about 20 minutes, they're done, delicious and nutritious! They do cook down quite a bit, so you should probably get two bunches...they are even better the next day.
Tomatoes and watermelons are still coming in, apparently not wanting to give up. You'll want to savor them now, because they won't be around for long. Produce like peppers and squash, will continue to come in, but at a slower pace until first frost. However, the cooler weather crops are abundant like broccoli (maybe this week), greens, kale, bok choy, lettuces, radishes and sweet potatoes. And, during these last few weeks, you'll want to stock up on your staples. You'll need local honey, jams, jellies during the off season. Pecans freeze well as do the fresh baked breads. Grab extra Black Angus beef and the variety of organic meats. Boy, it's nice to have a selection in the freezer making dinner decisions easier.
October 24th - Only Two More Weeks! Composter Truckload Sale, Buy a Pumpkin to Support St. Jude, Stock Up on Your End of Season Staples
Two weeks left for the 2009 season! Head downtown this Saturday for an awesome selection of local products. Cool weather crops are abundant like broccoli, greens, kale, bok choy, lettuces, radishes and sweet potatoes. Did you know that stored properly, sweet potatoes will keep for months? You can get your local sweet potatoes now and plan ahead for the holidays. They're even sweeter when you know the grower! And, during these last few weeks, you'll want to stock up on your staples. You'll need local honey, jams, jellies during the off season. Pecans freeze well as do the fresh baked breads. If you bought extra beef last week, you'll want to do the same for pork this week. Be sure to leave enough room in the freezer for organic, grass-fed meats and poultry. It is time to start thinking about the holidays and gift giving. Feel good about gift giving this year with your purchases from a local producer. Keep those hard-earned dollars within the local community. This week look for hand-thrown pottery, handcrafted herbal soaps, handmade birdhouses, hand-turned wooded salad bowls, and items made with locally raised Alpaca fibers.
October 31st - Last Week of the Season! Stock-Up on Cool Weather Crops and Trick or Treat!
It's hard to believe that this is the last market of the season. The old saying is right...time does fly when you are having fun! And, we have had an incredibly fun year. Take time this Saturday to visit the market, you'll be so glad you did. Cool weather crops are plentiful like greens, kale, bok choy, lettuces, radishes and sweet potatoes. Cooked greens freeze really well. So, this weekend buy extra, take the time to clean, prepare and cook them. What a super easy and super healthy side dish to pull out of the freezer on any chilly evening. Look for apples, pears, pumpkins and gourds.
This is also a good time to think about your Thanksgiving menu. You can pre-order a turkey (along with a huge selection of organic meats), pick up a nice roast and grab some bacon and sausage. Stock your freezer! If you haven't already done so, you'll want to gather your staples too. You'll need local honey, jams and jellies during the off-season. Fresh baked breads will freeze well until the turkey-day feast as will the local goat cheese. Get the message? This week stock up, stock up, stock up! Fall is also a lovely time to decorate your home. Check out the colorful, dried hand- stained gourds and several farmers have fresh pumpkins. Grab a flat of pansies. You'll have a perfect planting weekend. And, bring the kids. We'll be celebrating Halloween this Saturday will some fun tricks and treats!