Seasonal Sunday: May 1 - 7
By: Alisa Escanlar
Published: May 1, 2011

Seasonal Sunday greets the merry month of May with farmers’ markets bursting with colorful fruits, produce and flowers. It’s still a few weeks before summer, but we are already looking forward to juicy mangoes, pineapple, and watermelons. For this week’s seasonal cooking, the markets’ offer a bounty of plump tomatoes, artichokes, cucumbers, carrots, celery, strawberries, and cherries. We also spied on some fresh salmon, scallops, mussels, and oysters that are especially wonderful this season. Here is the round-up of some farmers markets to visit this coming week:
Northeast
In Maine, Gardiner Farmers’ Market starts its summer market this May 4th with fresh asparagus, peas, spinach and salad greens. The market opens Wednesdays from 2pm to 6pm.
In New York, summer squash, rhubarb and asparagus are just some of the vegetables you can buy at Clinton Bailey Farmers’ Market. The market opens Sundays to Fridays from 7am to 6pm and Saturdays from 6am to 6pm.
Southeast
In Georgia, you can find some arugula, asparagus, collards, plums and peaches at Sandy Springs Farmers Market. The market opens Saturdays from 830am to 12pm.
In South Carolina, broccoli, cauliflower and oranges are available at Summerville Farmers’ Market. The market opens Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
Northwest
In Washington, Tacoma Farmers Market at 6th Avenue opens this May 3rd. There will be some pink lady apples, strawberries and tomatoes from Collins Family Orchards. The market opens Tuesdays from 3pm to 7pm.
In Oregon, the Hollywood Farmers Market starts this May 7th.  Community farms will be offering their freshest produce like asparagus, beans, peas and strawberries. The market opens Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.
Midwest
In Minnesota, look out for the delicious strawberries and rhubarbs that Windland Fields will be bringing at Excelsior Farmers’ Market. The market opens Thursdays from 2pm to 6pm.
In Michigan, Chelsea Farmers Market starts this May 7th.  Heim Gardens and Greenhouses will be offering tomatoes, asparagus, strawberries, raspberries and much, much more. The market opens Saturdays from 8am to 12pm.
Southwest
In Arizona, Thomas Farm will offer organic and sustainably grown summer squash, peaches and apples at San Ramon Farmers Market. The market opens Saturdays from 9am to 1 pm.
In Texas, take your pick from fresh and delicious oranges, strawberries, and peaches at Bayou City Farmers Market. The market opens Saturdays from 8am to 12 noon.
I hope you all have a great week ahead! Here are some recipes to inspire you to cook with the season:
Baked Oysters With Savory Mushroom Herb Crust
Hot Charlotte Cocktail
Avocado Tomato & Mozzarella Panini
Photo by heathervescent of Flickr