The farmers market is a fantastic place to enjoy beautiful weather and delicious food. No matter what size , nowhere is the sense of community stronger, than a busy market.
When you are shopping, look for foods that you love and buy extra to keep for the freezer or pantry. It may seem a small thing, but soon you will have plenty of fresh, wholesome food, when the season ends and prices rise.
This week, if you live in the Northeast, enjoy the early season foods, like strawberries, asparagus and lettuces. Throw in some Balsamic vinegar and you have a fantastic salad. Finish off the meal with a dessert made from rhubarb. Take advantage of the bounty, it freezes very well for future treats.
If you live in a the Southeast regions of the US, blueberries are in season! Enjoy these beauties in sweet and savory ways, then freeze them on a cookie sheet (so they won't stick together) and eat them all winter long! Also available, are sweet potatoes, cabbage and broccoli. The bright colors are perfect for added pizzazz to dinner. Lamb is in season now, so if you are near a producer, check out the availability!
In the Midwest, radishes, spinach and turnips are coming on strong. The peas and chards are being harvested, so enjoy them before the heat of summer stops them from producing. Don't forget to look for fresh nettles while you can. They dry quickly and will be welcome all year round to add color and flavor to all your dishes.
If you live in the Northwest region of the US, you can add berries to your farmers market shopping list. Fresh raspberries and strawberries are always welcome on the dinner table, and now is the time to get them. Eat all you can fresh, then freeze them for winter. Fresh Pacific Halibut and Alaskan Pollack are in season, these both pair very well with all the fresh bounty. Don't forget that amazing Copper River Salmon!
In the Southwest, include peaches and cherries to your basket. They are at their juicy best right now. Both of them freeze well, and you can enjoy these fruits all winter long, if you buy them while they are abundant. There is no comparison between a fresh picked or a store bought stone fruit.
Why don't you take a photo of what you bought at this week's farmers market? Send it to me, along with your location and you may see it right here next week!
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