Sunny Days | August 12, 2019

Fresh & Local:

Sunny Days

While other parts of the country are entering into their major harvest season, you might be wondering why some of our stalwart vendors like Mr. Timmy or Ms. Isabel aren’t at all their usual spots or why some of the markets have taken a break. Louisianans’ typically enjoy an almost year-round growing season that ironically comes to an end right at the height of summer, limiting the amount and variety of produce grown, as well as the number of vendors in attendance at any given market.

Don’t worry. Just because you don’t see your favorite vendor at the market doesn’t mean they aren’t working hard preparing for the next growing season. This is a great time to get to know a new vendor or find your new favorite product - try a luffa (yes, it’s also a food!), cushaw squash or a yard long bean. Remember when other parts of the country are waiting with bated breath for berry season, Louisianans’ are enjoying strawberries as early (or as late as) November!

Picks of the Week:

WIC FMNP Doubling

This year, as part of our efforts to make fresh, local produce more affordable for families, we are doubling Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) recipients. These once-yearly coupons can be used with certified local farmers to purchase local fruits and vegetables for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and families with young children, thereby increasing the spending power of families, while also supporting local farmers. Most CCFM produce growers can accept these. Just look for vendors with a yellow placard at their tents.

Daughters of Charity will be at the Tuesday, Uptown market from 9-1pm distributing WIC FMNP booklets to families who receive WIC. Stop by the welcome tent at any of our markets with your WIC FMNP booklet after you’ve spent your coupons and our staff will give you $20 in additional vouchers to spend on fresh produce, valid through August.

Stop and Smell the Flowers

This is it folks - peach season is coming to an end. We all know tender stone fruit does not stand a chance against this okra weather. Stop by the Markets this week for one last call and enjoy this farewell haiku to peaches.

Harvest is over
Sweet, juicy, pink and fuzzy
Can’t wait ‘til next year

- Cristina Berthelot, Market Manager

You’re One in a Mirliton!

That’s why we need you! Want to get more involved in the markets and our food access programming? Summer is a great time to volunteer at markets - it’s hot, but markets are busy and cheerful places to be. Come hang out and talk about your favorite seasonal recipes while you work alongside staff to set up and break down market and beverage service, lead children’s activities, as well as engage with customers and vendors. See the inside workings of our various fresh food access programs, and while you’re here, pick up all the fresh fruits and veggies (and seafood, meat, dairy, bread, etc.) you need.

Check out our calendar of available volunteer opportunities and sign up for a spot directly through the calendar. Check back often as we also use this calendar to post volunteer opportunities at various events we attend around town and host ourselves. We are always posting new shifts for market events - see you at market :)

Vendor of the Week:

Ollie’s Hot Tamales

Jonesing for Ollie’s Hot Tamales or their authentic hogshead cheese? Wondering where you can find them during Ochsner and Rivertown’s summer break? Bucktown is your answer! These hand-rolled hot tamales all started as a holiday family tradition, then became a roadside food cart and evolved into the thriving local business it is now! Find mother-daughter duo Claire and Wendi on Friday from 3p -7p at our Bucktown Market. Swing by and pick up a dozen of your favorite tamales, a pound of hogshead cheese or stuffed peppers!

Tuesday’s Green Plate Special:

Chef Indigo

Greetings and much love from Chef Indigo, a plant-based chef, yogi, and our August Green Plate Special. Chef Indigo has been specializing in the art of food for a little over 7 years and focuses on educational programs teaching children how to cook by giving them valuable information on staying uplifted, aware, and healthy in the best ways possible, for example with walnut chimichurri tacos - yum! Chef Indigo believes that he is here to help people elevate mentally, spiritually, and physically. Catch him every Tuesday at the Uptown Market in August!

Recipe of the Week:

Watermelon Gazpacho

If you are anything like us, we are going out of our way to keep our ovens turned off this summer. Instead, cool off with this watermelon gazpacho recipe from Gimmie Some Oven. Almost every ingredient can be found at the market these days including Indian Springs Farmers Association watermelons, VEGGI Co-Op mint, River Queen Greens basil, Amorphous Garden tomatoes, and Poche Family Farm peppers, amongst plenty of others.

What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook or even Twitter and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!