Fruit Salad Season | July 12, 2021

Fresh & Local:

Family Affair

Did you know that watermelons and cucumbers are related? So, think of this time of year at the market as a family reunion!

Even though they might have you feeling more of a fall feel than summer sentiment, gourds like acorn and butternut squash are also plentiful this time of year. They can be great for simple side dishes if you don’t mind turning on the heat.

However, the stars of the summer show may very well be the beautiful watermelons and cucumbers available now at CCFM markets. They are great for munching, and for refreshing and simple salads. With blueberry season getting close to wrapping up, and peaches still in full swing, now is a great time to transform your market goodies into a show-stopping fruit salad. Enjoy!

Picks of the Week:

Watermelons, Cucumbers, Squash Oh My!

Did you know that some of the most commonly grown summer produce are actually related? That’s right, scientifically known as the Cucurbitaceae family this group includes cucumbers, squash, melons, pumpkins, and gourds. Also known as cucurbits, these plants generally like to take up space when vining out across the garden. If you are growing in a smaller space, cucurbits are available in bush varieties too. These plants grow best in nutrient rich well drained soil when temps are consistently warm. Available in a multitude of shapes and sizes and a rainbow of colors, cucurbits are fun to cultivate whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned grower. Some popular cucurbits grown in Southern Louisiana are Mirlitons, cucumbers, luffa gourds, summer squash, and watermelons.

Back to Market

One silver lining of sorts in the first year of the pandemic lockdown was the spotlight on home cooking and baking, fueled in part by social media activity plus consumers spending far more time at home in work-from-home arrangements. Another takeaway is the pandemic’s reminders of wellness, immunity and prevention. The sheer number of farmers markets has surged in recent years, from just under 2,000 in 1994 to more than 8,600 markets currently registered in the USDA Farmers Market Directory, as demand for such foods is driving the trend. Supporting local producers helps boost the health of any community, while the shared experience of spending time again with farmers and fellow shoppers will be a welcome change of pace. Crescent City Farmers Markets are highlighted in CleanEating.com’s “50 Best Farmers Markets in the U.S.” feature; you can read the full article here.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program and WIC at Market Pop-up

In an effort to increase access to healthy fresh foods and support local agriculture, the USDA and Louisiana Department of Forestry & Agriculture work together to administer the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Through this program state agencies distribute a booklet of vouchers worth $24 that can be spent with Louisiana farmers at roadside produce stands, CSAs and area farmers markets including all the Crescent City Farmers Market locations. These vouchers are good for fresh produce, herbs, and honey and can be accepted by any FMNP certified produce vendor. The FMNP program is available to families who participate in the WIC program. Jefferson PHU WIC clinic will be visiting the market to distribute vouchers on July 13, July 22, and August 8. Follow the link to find out more or to check your eligibility at WIC FMNP. These FMNP vouchers are also available for seniors. For more information visit Senior FMNP.

Vendor of the Week:

Indian Springs Farmers Association

Indian Springs Farmers Association has been a cornerstone vendor at our Tuesday market since CCFM’s inception in 1995. This cooperative is a joint venture of 30+ small farms from Mississippi that collaborate in growing and distributing their produce. Cultivating and hauling in a delicious display of seasonal produce, farmers Ben Burkett, Byron Travis and Terrence Travis specialize in growing many of your favorite Southern vegetables. Read more about Indian Springs Farmers Association and their partnership with our partner Top Box Foods here. And don’t forget to place a pre-order for your Crescent City Farmers Market fresh produce box-- delivered to your home from Top Box Foods. The CCFM Box will contain an assortment of 8-12 local, fresh fruits and vegetables featuring produce from the Indian Springs Farmers Association.

Recipes of the Week:

Watermelon and Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese

As Creole Tomato season comes to an end and watermelons roll in on the back of our farmers’ trucks, we wanted to share a recipe that highlighted this special time in our season, where both fruits are ripe and abundant! With the summer heat rolling in, you won’t be finding much lettuce for your salads at the market. Using watermelons and tomatoes can be a fresh and tasty way to make sure you are getting your salad fix during this time of year while also supporting our local farmers and producers in the summer months. Add cucumbers for an extra crunch, spice up your salad with some local, fresh cayenne peppers from Poché Family Farm, and try goat feta cheese from Huckleberry Fred Creamery or fresh cheese from T&R Diary.

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!