Spring is definitely in the air and we're pumped — not only for a newly sparkling kitchen (thanks to Spring cleaning!), but also, in particular, for the colorful and diverse produce that the season brings with it.
Perhaps you're as enthusiastic about the new crop as we are, and you know your vernal vegetables and fruits inside and out. Can you spot the Spring produce at farmers markets? Let's find out when you take this quiz.
If you're a fan of leafy greens like arugula, keep an eye out for purslane. It's reasonably priced, with a creamy consistency and spinach-like flavor, and it's available at farmers markets between April and November. Never heard of the plant? It has roots in Middle Eastern, Asian, Mediterranean, and Mexican cuisine, which is proof that the flavor is versatile enough to use in a myriad of foods.
Purslane's stalks have clusters of rounded, jade-green leaves, making it easily distinguishable from other greens. When selecting purslane (which is also sometimes known as verdolaga), look for bright green and plump leaves. While some farmers may choose to bunch the stalks like basil or fresh spinach, more than likely you'll see a heap of purslane, loosely tangled and stacked high in a basket to bag yourself.
Like other delicate salad greens, purslane tastes best when it's raw. For a few more suggestions of how to cook with it, keep reading.
While honeydew is categorized as a Winter melon, it's actually at its tasty peak during the Summer months. The sweet, refreshing flesh of honeydew pairs perfectly with the warmer weather, and because of its cooling effect on the palate, it's one of the favorites at the farmers market that I look forward to all week long.
When choosing, make sure to select honeydews that are nearly spherical and feel heavy, with a waxy skin. After you cut your melon, make sure you remove all the skin and scoop all the seeds out of the pumpkin-like center. Whether you cut it into cubes, slices, or take a melon baller to get a little fancy, this sweet tasty fruit is one of the best early-Summer treats straight from the Earth. Looking for a little recipe inspiration? Keep reading for honeydew melon recipes.
When the colors of Autumn beg us to return to the golden hues of root vegetables, the first in line to blossom is the beet. From the crimson-red sugar beet to the pink-and-white striped Chioggia, these root vegetables come in a range of stunning, jewel-toned hues. They add a punch of color — and a sweet, mildly buttery flavor when cooked — to just about any course and are at their most tender during the Fall months, peaking in October. To find out how to select, store, and enjoy these versatile veggies, keep reading.
This past Sunday kicked off National Farmers Market Week. And what better time to celebrate, given the berries, stone fruit, tomatoes, corn, and other amazing offerings that are at their best right now? Hopefully you'll have a chance to head out to a nearby market — one of our top eight, perhaps? — and buy the season's bounty until your bags are bursting at the seams.
But before you do so, I'd like to offer some pointers on how to be a better shopper at the farmers market. If you follow these tips, you'll save money and time, avoid the crowds, and simply have a more enjoyable experience overall. Shop savvier when you keep reading.
The USDA has declared this week, August 7th through 13th, National Farmers Market Week. According to the USDA, more than 1,000 farmers markets have opened in the past year — up 17 percent from 2010. There's good reason to get behind them and the whole farm-to-table experience: they're sustainable, community-driven, and personal. But perhaps most importantly, they're fun!
While all farmers markets have a way with engaging the senses, here are some of our top picks from across the country. Keep reading for greenmarkets worth seeking out.
Source: Flickr User ahl
Last week, the Santa Monica City Council approved an ordinance that prohibits the distribution of plastic carrying bags (the flimsy, translucent kind with handles) in most places, including farmers markets. The city hopes that the new ordinance will encourage people to make purchases with canvas totes, saved plastic bags, and other reusable carriers. Although the city will initially offer a "share a bag" program for farmers market shoppers, eventually, those who forget to bring theirs will have no choice but to buy a reusable bag on site. What do you think of this idea: is it progressive, or unrealistic? Let's hear what you think.
Do you frequent the farmers market? Then be like pinkflake2 and snap a picture of the beautiful fruits and vegetables you come across.
When you get home, upload it to the upload it in the Savory Sights group in the YumSugar Community. Your photo could be featured here!
YumSugar member 21inSF couldn't resist snapping a photo of blush-colored nectarines at the farmers market. Do you have an image of something delicious that you recently made or enjoyed? If so, be sure to upload it in the Savory Sights group in our YumSugar Community!
