Friday, June 25, 2021

Foodie Friday - The Farmers Market Experience is Back


I got frustrated last summer and gave up on the local farmers markets.  They had one way in, one way out, and if you were not standing the exact right place, a place I couldn't find, the vendors would ignore you while waiting from someone to find X marks the spot, to be served.  It was silly.  

A couple of times recently, I have ventured back the local farmers markets and the experience is back.  I am still wearing a mask, one that says Fully Vaccinated on it, though the signs say I don't have to wear one if fully vaccinated.  All of the entrances and exits are open, no tape arrows, no silly rules about standing in the right spot to be helped. 

Most of the vendors are back, along with a few new ones. It has been a good early season here. The selection of fresh and relatively local produce is amazing.  The egg man appears to have given up.  He always had a bad chicken joke of the week.  

Simple Yellow Summer Squash 

1 onion, sliced, saute in butter and olive oil

Add 1/2 pound yellow summer squash sliced into 1/4 inch rounds 

One medium tomato cut into cubes 

salt and pepper, 

cover and cook for 15-20 minutes on low to medium heat stirring periodically.  

This is simple, and develops a much more complex flavor than the same squash steamed, boiled or grilled.  


16 comments:

  1. I know I for one am happy about it. Ours were never that guidelined, but then most here were outdoors, the indoor markets were never opened this time last year here for us. I live in the markets this time of year.

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    1. There is an indoor market up easy of the Capital, I haven't been there in a few years, parking is hard to find

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  2. So nice to see that photo. I love farmers markets. Simpler yellow summer squash recipe: One whole yellow summer squash.

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    1. Do you like it raw? (Get your minds out of the gutter people, do you like yellow summer squash uncooked?)

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    2. Yes, as a matter of fact, I DO like it raw. Besides, that’s just too many steps for MY simple recipe book.

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  3. That photo with the different colors of cauliflowers is amazing! I love farmer's markets. Can you walk to this one from where you live?

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    1. It is about a mile and a half, and we live on top of a very steep hill, not very walkable. There was a smaller one a ten minute walk from the condo, it has not reopened. (It was largely dependent on MetroRail traffic and the trains are still largely empty.)

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    2. Michael, my partner, took the train this past weekend to DC from Richmond to see a cousin of his. He told me the metro was totally empty.

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  4. I miss farmers markets -- I'll try to get to one later this summer when fresh produce is available.

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    1. I am surprised at how early local produce is here. I think a lot of them are using Polly tunnels to get a jump start on the growing season.

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  5. Our local Farmer's Market is lovely. Even during the pandemic, with social distancing and masks, it was run quite well and safely. We usually go every weekend for fresh produce and plants and such.

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    1. The markets are fun, and the producers can make a better margin

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  6. Thanks for the reminder. I'll make a trip tomorrow morning.

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    1. The highlight of my Saturday. I have a friend in Phoenix, where is the market?

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  7. The pandemic didn't slow down restaurant and beauty salon visits for me, but it did shutter the organic markets, which I didn't realize how much a part of my routine they were until they weren't. Each of the vendors seems to know me by name, even those I never buy from. It's so heartening to have Saturday mornings at the organic market back in my life. And tomorrow, my order of empanadas from the Argentine guy awaits.

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  8. my soul swoons
    I would eat so much better if something like this was nearby me.

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