Farm Fresh and Local Produce - 6/9/07
Author: swampkitty05 // Category: Columbus, Eating Local, Farmer's Market, ProduceWe got up *really* early to go to the farmer’s markets this morning - like out the door by 8am early. Since Worthington still had a while before it opened, we hit the North Market first at around 8:30, and geez louise was it crowded. Super duper crowded, mostly with a line of people who were there for a reason I’m still not sure of. Add to it that the Spruce St side of the market and Front Street behind the market were closed for a festival, and it made for one crowded parking lot. But my main reason for going out today, and to the North Market in particular, was that I wanted a flat of strawberries from Rhodes so I could make some jam this weekend - and so I had a quart or two to eat out of hand while they’re still around. This is a pic of half of the flat I bought.
I saw broccoli for the first time this week at Wish Well Farms, so I picked up a couple of bunches for consumption in a few days.
They also had some lovely sugar peas on display, even though that’s not really my thing.
I got some lovely salad mix and spinach at Combs, and admired the pretty red currants.
Kevin at Just This Farm was there this weekend, and had garlic scapes and zucchini and tomatoes. I passed on the scapes - just didn’t get enough use of them last year (made them into a pesto, I don’t do many stir fries) to justify getting them this time - however, I can’t even look at a scape without thinking of this comic strip. Trust me, you want to click through and read it - it’s funny if you’re into foodie humor.
I did, however, get some of the zucchini. I love zucchini, especially in omelets.
Worthington was insanely busy too, thus the lack of pictures (couldn’t get close enough to take pictures) - there was a line 20-30 deep for strawberries there, which made very thankful I had gotten mine earlier. I did however pick up some Ruby Red popcorn for snacking on, and some chicken brats, and a Beefsteak tomato plant to replace the Brandywine tomato that we drowned.
We didn’t go to Clintonville at all, figuring we got all that we needed already at the other two markets. With such beautiful weather today, I’m going to be spending most of my afternoon grilling and gardening. Stay tuned for grilling pictures later on. If you’re local, enjoy the cool temps and sun - it doesn’t get much better than this!







June 9th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
So you think that before 8 a.m. is early huh?
I usually get to the market between 6.30 and 6.45, by 7.10 I am back home. We usually have to go early because any time after 8 you risk not getting a lot of stuff or the left-over stuff
The fresh produce in your pics are an inspiration to any cook.
June 9th, 2007 at 6:26 pm
I was shocked by and grumpy about the crowds this morning - but then I discovered that the line was for senior farmers’ market coupon distribution. Low-income seniors could apply to get $45 in coupons for farmer’s market produce this summer. Pretty cool program! I just wish I had known about that (and the street closures near the market) before heading out without coffee this morning!
http://www.lifecarealliance.org/12909.cfm
June 9th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
And at the other end of the spectrum from you and Cynthia, unless I’m really planning ahead I typically stroll into my local market somewhere around the crack of noon.
Well not quite *that* late, but my Saturdays are for sleeping in.
Fortunately for me, the local market’s still got a lot of high-quality produce after ten. But if I want eggs or herbs, or if we’re going to the city, we set an alarm.
Came home today with some yummy cherries and apriums I can’t keep my hands off. Your strawberries are GORGEOUS!
June 11th, 2007 at 7:14 am
I was pretty irritated by the crowd at North Market too - getting into the parking lot was a nightmare! But then I realized it was for the senior thing and felt a little less grumpy.
Last week, Crum’s was the only place at Worthingon with any strawberries, so I waited more than 10 min in line and was one of the last people to get any - this was 20 min after the market opened! This week was much better.
June 12th, 2007 at 7:07 am
i need to get to the north market. it looks like the vendors consistently have a better selection than worthington. i too stood in the line for strawberries and i have to admit, as good as they were, yours look better. mind if i ask how much a flat of strawberries was? your jam looks awesome!