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iLunchbox Blog

Farmer's Markets

 Beth Ann
Posted by Beth Ann Bentley on May 26 2008
iLunchbox Blog >> Beth Ann

If you read my first blog, you know that I live in Northern California.  For my family and I that means fresh fruits and vegetables are in season year round.  We also have a local farmers market open year round.  But if I lived in Minnesota, Colorado or the Dakotas, that might not be the case.  However, spring is here and farmers markets are opening up all over the country.  So why do you care? 

Farmers markets are a great way to find out what is available in your area each month of the year.  It is also a great way for your children to meet farmers and see different fruits and vegetables. Finally, it is also a great way to connect with your local farmers.  Buying locally stimulates your local economy, reduces the carbon footprint of your food, and is a great family outing. 

Many farmers markets have vendors that sell jams, sauces, breads, flowers, and more.  Some even have live entertainment, wine tasting, and community events, etc.  Check with your local Chamber of Commerce to find out if your town has a Farmer’s Market and when it is open.  Or check out the National Directory of Farmers Markets to see if one is listed in your area.

So what will you find in season this spring?  Apricots, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, chives, collard greens, English peas, fava beans, fennel, Fiddlehead ferns, green beans, honeydew, mango, morel mushrooms, mustard greens, arugula, oranges, limes, pea pods, pineapple, ramps, rhubarb, snow peas, sorrel, spinach, spring baby lettuce, strawberries, raspberries, sweet corn, sugar snap peas, Swiss chard, Vidalia onions, and watercress. 

Here are a few ideas for you and your family to use all these great fruits and vegetables:

  • Honeydew melon and mangos cut into chunks or scooped into balls with the juice of 1/2 a lime on top.
  • Sugar Snap Peas, just as they are.  Kids love these as a substitute for baby carrots.
  • Fruit salad of pinapple, raspberries and strawberries with a side or topping of yogurt.
  • Pasta Salad with peas, fava beans, and corn.  Snip fresh chives into the mayo and toss.
  • Spinach and Strawberry Salad
  • Pasta Primavera
  • Fennel Mango Salad
  • Strawberry Almond Parfait
 

 

 

 

 

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