It’s hard to believe, but we’re almost 1/3 of the way through the farmer’s market season. This Friday marks the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. Many people call this the start of summer, but from a farmer’s point of view summer is already well underway. These long days are exhausting and beautiful for our local growers, as they work hard to keep grass mowed, crops weeded and trellised, and (believe it or not) start to prepare for winter plantings.
The weather has been kind to our farmers recently, and each week we’re seeing new crops at the market. Cherries are well and truly here (and so juicy and sweet)! The earliest blueberries are here, along with raspberries and strawberries. I saw peas, cauliflower, and zucchini at market last week, and I hear word that there will be at least a few cucumbers this Friday. My personal favorite vegetable, basil, has joined the party, and it will just get more and more abundant. I’ve been making strawberry basil smoothies this week and it’s my new favorite thing!
For those of you chomping at the bit, tomatoes and peaches are still weeks away. But there’s so much amazing early summer produce to be had in the mean time. This is a great time of year to experiment with something you haven’t eaten before: ask our friendly farmers how they would prepare something you’ve never tried!
And as always, it’s not just about the produce. We’ve got preserved foods like pickles, jams, and dried fruit. We have goat’s cheese, smoked salmon, pasture raised meats and eggs. We’ve got hot prepared food, baked prepared food, packaged prepared foods, and fresh roasted coffee. We’ve got jewelry and textiles and candles and pottery. This week we are joined by KMUN Radio, the 4th of July Parade committee selling posters, and NCRD with kids’ activities. We’ve got live music and face painting!
Music this week is by Eric Sappington. Eric Sappington is a singer, songwriter and visual artist. He is a self-taught musician that plays 6- and 12-string guitars and harmonica. He has written and performed his own music for over 25 years – creating over 500 original compositions in various musical styles. He is the band leader and creative force behind MERCURY COAST. Eric’s visual art can be found on Instagram at ericsappingtonart.
See you at the market, Friday, 4-7, 635 Manzanita Ave!
