Farmer's Market Report: May 4th

Welcome to the Farmer's Market Report!

Lovely red french lettuce, turnips, carrots, baby bok choy, radishes, and eggs - these were all the wonderful things I brought home this week. Missed the strawberries, but there are local stands all over the backroads of my NC county, so I'll pick those up later this week. I'm planing a batch of strawberry ice cream!


Be sure to come back and visit later this week as I add recipes for Salad Dressing Mix, Roasted Carrots and Brussels Sprouts, Baby Bok Choy with Oyster Sauce, and Turnips Au Gratin.

The market has really picked up steam in the last week...the produce is coming in thick and so are the shoppers!

After my farmer's market run, I had to swing by the conventional grocery to get milk. Such a stark difference! The first thing I noticed was the smell - mostly refrigerant, but with some wafts of vegetables from the produce section and warm bread from the bakery. But nothing like the earthy, warm, rich fragrances from the onions, herbs, etc at the farmer's market. Then there were the shoppers. The shoppers at the farmer's market was comprised of some singles, but also lots of couples and families. At the conventional grocery, on the other hand, there were only lone shoppers - no couples, no families. Now, I know that couples and families do shop together at conventional groceries, but it the difference that morning highlighted how different the two are. The farmer's market is very community-oriented and can be a delightful family outing, unlike the conventional grocery.

So, how was your farmer's market this week? Can't wait to read about your visit to the farmer's market! Please be sure to read and follow the guidelines before submitting your post. Thanks!






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Farmer's Market Report: April 27th

Welcome to the Farmer's Market Report!

Radishes, Kale, Turnips, Spring Onions...and some greenhouse Tomatoes - we brought home a nice bag full. Did you find similar things at your market? I've got some ideas for using these, do you?

On our way to the market, we have been stopping by our local coffee shop. It is a great way to break large bills into smaller ones, and who doesn't need caffeine at 7:30 on Saturday morning? Then we walked the block or two down to the market.

We had a heads up that the "Tomato Guy" had his first crop of greenhouse-grown tomatoes. I debated purchasing these because it is most definitely NOT tomato season...but they are local and they are GOOD. So, I caved and we brought home two lovely red ones and a nice fat green one. He was down to his last box (there was a line to get tomatoes!) by the time we left at 8:00.

The market was much busier today than last week and the farmers seemed to have a bit more produce.

Some recipes I plan to try this week (and blog about): Green Tomato Casserole, Scandinavian Radish Salad, Kale & White Bean Soup, Roasted Potatoes and Turnips, and a Spring Onion Quiche. Be sure to check back for those recipes!

Here's a question: Do you have a favorite farmer from whom you purchase most of your produce, or do you purchase a little from a number of different farmers? I feel a little obligated to make purchases from a number of different farmers, but I do have my favorites. I usually buy the most from them. How about you? What makes a farmer a favorite for you?

Can't wait to read about your visit to the farmer's market! Please be sure to read and follow the guidelines before submitting your post. Thanks!


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Farmer's Market Report - Coming Monday!

Don't miss the Farmer's Market Report this Monday, April 27th. The "Mr Linky" will be up early that morning, so get your posts ready to submit.

I can't wait to read about YOUR trip to the farmer's market this week!

Farmer's Market Report: April 20th - OPENING DAY 2009

Welcome to the Farmer's Market Report 2009 Season!

How was your Farmer's Market this week?
Get a great deal?
Find a wonderful new vegetable?
What delicious dish will you be making with your find?
Got a funny story to tell?
What did you bring home?

Well, our market morning didn't start quite as early as we'd liked, but we still managed to get to the market by 7:45. We made our initial tour and saw, as expected, mostly greens and early onions. We opted to wait on the onions for the week and instead purchased spinach, kale, a really nice spring salad mix, eggs from my favorite "egg lady" and a Lenten Rose plant.



My attention was attracted by one farmer selling carrots; however, he was out - they go quickly. We talked for a minute and he assured me he expected to have more next week. He gave me his card and suggested I email him and he'd be happy to set some aside for me. Isn't that nice? See how talking with your farmers is a good thing?


During the day there is almost always a cooking demonstration. Today, the chef featured in the cooking demo also gave a market tour detailing how he suggested using the various greens and other vegetables.

Last night, we ate the salad mix with a nice bunch of thinly sliced fennel - and some thrown in leftover shrimp. Delicious!


We didn't buy enough of the greens to go for more than one recipe - we'll correct that mistake next week. But I do have enough to make a lovely Sausage and Greens Soup (made with lamb stock from my Easter Lamb Roast).



So, what did you find at your farmer's market? Blog about your experience at the farmer's market this week, then use the Mr. Linky to add your post's URL.

A few guidelines, if you please:

1) Mention the Farmer's Market Report in your post.
2) Link back to this edition of the Farmer's Market Report from your post.
3) Link directly to your Farmer's Market post, not your main page.
4) If you wish, you can give a couple words in the "name" field to help describe your post or give your general location. (ex. Kerry - Charlotte, NC or Kerry - heirloom tomatoes)
5) Feel free to use the graphic above, but please only use in it conjunction with this event or this blog.
6) I reserve the right to delete any links that are inappropriate or entirely off the subject.

Have fun!

Farmer's Market Report RETURNS!

Hi, friends! Are your farmer's markets starting back up yet? Ours started last weekend and I can't wait to go this Saturday! Early spring greens are in ...and soon we'll have strawberries. I can taste the salads already.

Well, you know what this means, right? It is time to bring back the Farmer's Market Report! Each week, I'll offer you a chance to enter a report post from your most recent farmer's market visit. (Here are some from last year.)

So, head out to your farmer's market this week or weekend, blog about what you saw, smelled, found, tasted, and cooked and then come back here on Monday morning (starting this Monday, April 20th) and submit your post to the Mr. Linky. I can't wait to see what is happening at farmer's markets across the country!

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WFMW- Repost: 8 Steps to a Successful Farmer's Market Trip

Recently, many families have become aware of the importance of eating organically, sustainably, and locally. This means many people are looking to the farmers market for their grocery needs.

But I've seen a few families wandering around aimlessly or arriving late only to find most of the produce gone. To avoid this, I've got 7 simple steps that WORK FOR ME and will help you have a successful trip at the farmer's market.

I bet some of you will be able to add to these, too...leave a comment if you've got other suggestions!

1. Get up EARLY! If this means you have to go to bed early, do it. Know what you are wearing, what you are bringing to the farmer's market, and, do not underestimate the importance of this one, how you will get caffeine. Plan to arrive when the market opens - or even a few minutes before (which might give you time to take care of #4 before the market even opens).

2. Have cash. I go to the ATM the day before and generally take $40 with me, sometimes more if I know I have a lot to purchase (like when I was buying a heap of peaches a few weeks ago). Try to break large bills into smaller ones (5s and 1s are best). But if you don't have time to break your bills, consider making a large purchase from one of the farmers first and breaking your bill that way. (I break my bills by getting a cup of coffee on my way and they are usually happy to make change.)

3. Bring a big bag, basket or small hand cart. Many farmers will have plastic bags on hand, but it can get very cumbersome to pick out produce and dig your cash out of your pocket while holding all those heavy bags. A big bag can be hung on your shoulder freeing up your hands. A basket can be set on the ground and obviously a small hand cart is a breeze to roll around.

4. Take a tour. When you first arrive at the farmer's market, take a quick tour around to see what is available from the farmers. This also gives you a chance to quickly compare prices a bit. Once you've made a full circuit, then start shopping.

There are some caveats here - 1) if you are worried about the availability of an item (for me it is eggs), go to those farmers first. 2) if you have a very large farmers market (more than, say, 30 farmers) you might prefer to skip the tour and instead head for the back of the market and work your way to the front. However, even for a large market it can be wise to make a simple tour of the main "aisle" just to see what is available.

5. Talk with the farmers! Get to know your farmers and let them get to know you. Ask them questions about the produce they are selling, what their future harvest might hold, where they farm, etc. Enjoy your time with them. And if there is something you particularly liked from a previous purchase, let them know! (Conversely, if there was something you didn't like, let them know that, too.) And let them know you support their efforts to continue supplying local food.

6. Remember, this is NOT a grocery store. Vegetables will not be sprayed with wax to be shiny. Some vegetables may have little "friends" with them (bugs). Vegetables may be less "regular" than what you are used to finding in a store. This is NORMAL! Super shiny, no bugs, pefectly uniform is NOT NORMAL. The farmer's market is real stuff and real stuff is, well, real.

7. Make a plan for your purchases. When you get home be ready to go to work.

• Figure out how you'll use what you've purchased. Do you need shrimp to go in that Shrimp Gumbo you are planning to make with your fresh okra? How about a new Fig Tart recipe for those figs?
  
• Wash and trim any vegetables that need it. Give that spinach the long cold soak it may need to get rid of all the sand in its leaves. Chop up those carrots into "matchsticks" and store in an container for the kids's snacks.
  
• Provide the proper storage to keep everything fresh. Does that cantaloupe need a day or two more to ripen on the counter? How about a good container to keep the lettuce from wilting in the refrigerator?

8. Yours to share! Do you have an additional tip for a successful farmer's market? Let's hear it! Leave a comment with your tip.

So, are you planning a trip to your farmer's market this week? Let me hear about it! Come back Monday, April 20th and participate in the first "Farmer's Market Report" of the 2009 season.

This post was submitted to Works For Me Wednesday at We Are That Family.

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Farmer's Market Report - Sept 20th

Welcome to another edition of the Farmer's Market Report. Are you new to the report? You can learn more about it here.

Today was an absolutely perfect farmer's market day here in NC. The weather this morning was breezy, sunny, cool (58F), and had a touch of that fall smell in the air. The market was quieter than the height of summer - which is unfortunate for the farmers, and the absentee shoppers, because there's still plenty of wonderful produce to be had. However, I enjoy the quieter atmosphere.

There was nice harp music playing (live!) and a local wood carver, too.

I picked up:
- Okra (1 1/2 lb)
- Black-eyed peas (two bags - probably a pound)
- 6 "old-fashioned" pears (that is what the farmer called them)
- Muscadine and Scuppernong grapes
- and 3 organic chocolate chip muffins (you'll notice the kids barely let me get a picture of them - there was only one left by the time I pulled out my camera!)

I would have grabbed more peas, but there were only two bags left. In fact, I only bought one to begin with (not to be greedy), and then went back for the second. The okra and peas will probably go into a hearty tomato-based soup (maybe with some frozen corn) to be served with homemade corn bread. Other ideas for the okra and/or black-eyed peas?

What did you find at your farmer's market today?

Submit your post below (a direct link to your post, not your main page). Don't forget, to add a link back to this Farmer's Market Report in your post. And if this is your first time, be sure to read the guidelines.



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Farmer's Market Report - Sept 13th

A nice farmer's market trip today - didn't pick up too much, though because I've got plenty on hand right now, but did get:

• A huge head of Bok choy
• Some muscadine grapes- I'll buy these every week until they are gone.
• Soap from the soap lady and her stain stick, which is comes highly recommended.
• And a large jar of local honey

While we were there, we (my Dear Neighbor and I) watched a weaving demonstration. Each week the farmer's market organizers bring in local craftsmen to exhibit their work. They also have various local chefs who come give cooking demonstrations and often live music. So, although a damp day, it was a nice one!

How was your farmer's market this week? Submit your post below (a direct link to your post, not your main page). Don't forget, to add a mention and a link back to the Farmer's Market Report in your post. And if this is your first time, be sure to read the guidelines.



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Farmer's Market Report - Sept 6th

Well, no rain this morning, but the ground at the Farmer's Market was a little squishy. Crowd was definitely down, but still tons of gorgeous produce. I picked up:

• My whole, organic chicken from the "Chicken Club" (like a CSA).


• Butternut squash - for a butternut-apple bake, I think.


• Muscadine grapes - a southern grape and my favorite!


• Tomatoes - some lovely green stripey ones, should make delicious sandwiches.


• Wax beans - I've never had these before, so I thought we'd give them a try.


• Some wonderful goat cheese to enjoy with my figs again and maybe in a quiche.

Come by on Monday for "Menu Plan Monday". I'll post my menu plan for the week to use this yummy haul!

Can't wait to see what you all found today!

Use the Mr Linky below, but please read the guidelines first. Be sure to link back to this page, mention the Farmer's Market Report in your post, and link to your post page (not your homepage).



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Reminder - Farmer's Market Report

Don't forget - tomorrow is the Farmer's Market Report!

It is looking to be a bit wet at my Farmer's Market as Hannah treks across the coast of North Carolina. Here in the Piedmont, we won't get severe weather, but will probably have some wind and rain. Despite that our Farmer's Market promises to still be open - I'll be there!

How about you - are you are Farmer's Market shopper? If so, maybe you'd like to publish a "Farmer's Market Report" about your trip to the Farmer's Market this week and then submit it to the "Farmer's Market Report" Mr Linky tomorrow morning. Even if you don't submit, I bet you'll enjoy living vicariously through some other bloggers.

This week's Mr Linky will be up tomorrow morning around 10AM, so come on by and visit!

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Farmer's Market Report - Aug 30th

Company in town, no Farmer's Market trip today for me. So, I'll have to live vicariously through you guys! What did you find at your markets this week?

Use the Mr Linky below, but please read the guidelines first. Be sure to link back to this page, mention the Farmer's Market Report in your post, and link to your post page (not your homepage).

Don't miss next week's Farmer's Market Report - subscribe via email or RSS.

The Farmer's Market Report - August 23rd

I saw a sign on one of the farmer's tables today that said they'd have tomatoes until OCTOBER 31!!! Wow, that makes me happy. Of course, that is precluding bad weather or an early frost. But here in the piedmont of North Carlina, that is unlikely.

Our Farmer's Market goes until November and possibly longer depending on the farmers. I've noticed the past week that the organizers of the market are really pushing that fact. Last year, I was not a confirmed farmer's marketeer, so I missed out on the late harvest. I am looking forward to it this year!

How long does your market last?

So, what found this week -

• I was hoping to pick up some cataloupes, but there were none to be found. Still watermelons, but I decided against one.


• Picked up some Bosky Acres goat cheese - my hubby will LOVE this. And I think I'm going to try it with our figs (from our side yard fig tree) and some balsamic.


• Tomatoes are still coming in strong, so I grabbed a nice selection - a Pink Lady and some Mecklenburgs.


• Eggplant is looked lovely, so I grabbed a couple of those. Next week I'm going to try the "Violetta"- it's that pretty pale purple striped variety. The farmer told me it is a bit sweeter than regular eggplant. Sounds promising!


• But NO EGGS. Oh I was so disappointed! My egg lady wasn't there this week. I even had finally gathered up some egg cartons to return to her and she wasn't there. Hopefully next week.


• The "Peach Guys" are still bringing in loads of peaches, so I grabbed a bag. These guys make me laugh - definitely lovely South Carolina gentlemen. Most of the farmers come in their grungies, but these two look like they just stepped off the golf course.
  
• And my favorite PITA!

Want to share what you found at your farmer's market? Use the Mr Linky below, but please read the guidelines first. Be sure to link back to this page, mention the Farmer's Market Report in your post, and link to your post page (not your homepage).

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Farmer's Market Report - Aug 16th

How was your Farmer's Market this week?
Get a great deal?
Find a wonderful new vegetable?
What delicious dish will you be making with your find?
Got a funny story to tell?
What did you bring home?


Today I was late getting to the Farmer's Market, again! Talking with one of my favorite farmers, I heard that the market was slow today despite perfect weather (sunny and 70 at 8:30am). We all agreed that it was probably due to late-risers after the Olympics. (I stayed up late watching the Olympics, how about you?) Did you notice it was a bit slower than usual at your market?

Well, it worked out well for me! Usually the eggs are totally gone by 7:45, but this morning, I was able to bring home 2 dozen eventhough I didn't get there until 8:30. I also found my favorite homemade pita (doesn't even compare with store-bought), slicing tomatoes, eggplant, and some basil. My fridge is quite full, so I didn't need much, but I couldn't pass up these summertime "staples".

Today, I'm going to make to following:
- a basil, cucumber and tomato salad
- eggplant dip (much like baba ganoush)
- a yummy tomato sandwich!

Check back for the recipes later today.

I can't wait to see what you've got going on at your Farmer's Market!


Blog about your experience at the farmer's market this week, then come back there and add your post URL to the Mr. Linky below. Be sure to link directly to your post, not your main page. A few guidelines, if you please:

1) Mention the Farmer's Market Report in your post.

2) Link back to this edition of the Farmer's Market Report from your post.

3) Link directly to your Farmer's Market post, not your main page.

4) If you wish, you can give a couple words in the "name" field to help describe your post or give your general location. (ex. Kerry - Charlotte, NC or Kerry - heirloom tomatoes)

5) Feel free to use the graphic above, but please only use in it conjunction with this event.

6) I reserve the right to delete any links that are inappropriate or entirely off the subject.

Leave your post's URL in the Mr. Linky below.

Farmer's Market Report - Aug 9th

How was your Farmer's Market this week?
Get a great deal?
Find a wonderful new vegetable?
Got a funny story to tell?
What did you bring home?

Blog about your experience at the farmer's market this week, then come back there and leave add your post URL to the Mr. Linky below. Be sure to link directly to your post, not your main page.

Today, our farmer's market was much quieter than usual. I think everyone stayed up late watching the Olympic Opening Ceremony and had to sleep in! I stayed up late, but got up anyway. My family is heading out of town for a few days (just hubby and kids...I'm home alone!), so I really didn't need much at all. However, I am part of a "Chicken Club", and today was our next pick up day for our "harvest", so I had to go get my bird. I get one bird at each harvest - fresh, free range, organically-fed. It is unbelievable how good these chickens are - even better than the ones I get from Trader Joe's.

It was a perfect day to look at some of the other vendors at our farmer's market - specifically the baker and a soap-maker. So, I enjoyed a blueberry scone for my breakfast from the baker and got the most fragrant and lovely soap (Lavender - Tea Tree) from the soap maker. I love that our farmer's market has more than just produce!

Although I wasn't purchasing produce today, there was a lot of it and so beautiful! Figs, pears, tomatoes, lettuce, squash, peppers, cantaloupes, watermelons, beets, corn and lots more. Our little farmer's market sure does provide some wonderful produce!

I can't wait to hear what your found at your farmer's market! Leave your post's URL in the Mr. Linky below!

The Farmer's Market Report - Information and Guidelines

How was your Farmer's Market this week?
Get a great deal?
Find a wonderful new vegetable?
What delicious dish will you be making with your find?
Got a funny story to tell?
What did you bring home?

I started the "Farmer's Market Report" to encourage communication between bloggers trying to eat locally and/or seasonally.

Each week the Report features food finds, recipes, stories and photos inspired by farmer's markets - all across the country (and sometimes further). Want to participate?

Blog about your experience at the farmer's market this week, then use the most recent post's Mr. Linky to add your post's URL.

A few guidelines, if you please:
1) Mention the Farmer's Market Report in your post.

2) Link back to this edition of the Farmer's Market Report from your post.

3) Link directly to your Farmer's Market post, not your main page.

4) If you wish, you can give a couple words in the "name" field to help describe your post or give your general location. (ex. Kerry - Charlotte, NC or Kerry - heirloom tomatoes)

5) Feel free to use the graphic above, but please only use in it conjunction with this event or this blog.

6) I reserve the right to delete any links that are inappropriate or entirely off the subject.

Have fun!

7 Steps to a Productive Farmers Market Trip

Recently, many families have become aware of the importance of eating organically, sustainably, and locally. This means many people are looking to the farmers market for their grocery needs. And for many people, Saturday is their farmer's market day.

But I've seen a few families wandering around aimlessly or arriving late only to find most of the produce gone. To avoid this, I've got 7 simple steps that I think will help you have a productive trip. I bet some of you will be able to add to these, too...leave a comment if you've got other suggestions!

1. Get up EARLY! If this means you have to go to bed early, do it. Know what you are wearing, what you are bringing to the farmer's market, and, do not underestimate the importance of this one, how you will get caffeine. Plan to arrive when the market opens - or even a few minutes before (which might give you time to take care of #4 before the market even opens).

2. Have cash. I go to the ATM the day before and generally take $40 with me, sometimes more if I know I have a lot to purchase (like when I was buying a heap of peaches a few weeks ago). Try to break large bills into smaller ones (5s and 1s are best). But if you don't have time to break your bills, consider making a large purchase from one of the farmers first and breaking your bill that way. (I break my bills by getting a cup of coffee on my way and they are usually happy to make change.)

3. Bring a big bag, basket or small hand cart. Many farmers will have plastic bags on hand, but it can get very cumbersome to pick out produce and dig your cash out of your pocket while holding all those heavy bags. A big bag can be hung on your shoulder freeing up your hands. A basket can be set on the ground and obviously a small hand cart is a breeze to roll around.

4. Take a tour. When you first arrive at the farmer's market, take a quick tour around to see what is available from the farmers. This also gives you a chance to quickly compare prices a bit. Once you've made a full circuit, then start shopping.

There are some caveats here - 1) if you are worried about the availability of an item (for me it is eggs), go to those farmers first. 2) if you have a very large farmers market (more than, say, 30 farmers) you might prefer to skip the tour and instead head for the back of the market and work your way to the front. However, even for a large market it can be wise to make a simple tour of the main "aisle" just to see what is available.

5. Talk with the farmers! Get to know your farmers and let them get to know you. Ask them questions about the produce they are selling, what their future harvest might hold, where they farm, etc. Enjoy your time with them. And if there is something you particularly liked from a previous purchase, let them know! (Conversely, if there was something you didn't like, let them know that, too.) And let them know you support their efforts to continue supplying local food.

6. Remember, this is NOT a grocery store. Vegetables will not be sprayed with wax to be shiny. Some vegetables may have little "friends" with them (bugs). Vegetables may be less "regular" than what you are used to finding in a store. This is NORMAL! Super shiny, no bugs, pefectly uniform is NOT NORMAL. The farmer's market is real stuff and real stuff is, well, real.

7. Make a plan for your purchases. When you get home be ready to go to work.

• Figure out how you'll use what you've purchased. Do you need shrimp to go in that Shrimp Gumbo you are planning to make with your fresh okra? How about a new Fig Tart recipe for those figs?
  
• Wash and trim any vegetables that need it. Give that spinach the long cold soak it may need to get rid of all the sand in its leaves. Chop up those carrots into "matchsticks" and store in an container for the kids's snacks.
  
• Provide the proper storage to keep everything fresh. Does that cantaloupe need a day or two more to ripen on the counter? How about a good container to keep the lettuce from wilting in the refrigerator?

So, are you planning a trip to your farmer's market tomorrow or have you gone recently? Let me hear about it! Come back tomorrow and participate in the "Farmer's Market Report". (I'll have a Mr. Linky set up.)

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