True or False: Stone Fruits in the Deep South | August 16, 2021

Fresh & Local:

True or False: Stone Fruits in the Deep South

Can farmers grow stone fruits like plums, nectarines or cherries in the Deep South? Stone fruits are a tricky crop here in southeast Louisiana and in many of our sister states where USDA hardiness zones are 9+ (read, subtropical to tropical). With our warm temperatures and sandy soils, most stone fruit trees will not produce fruit here, as a certain amount of chilling time is needed to be able to set fruit. Cherry Creek Orchards is the CCFM’s primary peach, nectarine and plum vendor and hails from Pontotoc, MS in the far north of the state. You’ll see a handful of peaches from several other market vendors as well, but their production is not as robust in more southern climes.

Fruits like apples and pears can also require those colder temperatures but this time of year, you’ll start to see a few hardy varieties of apples that can tolerate the warmer weather, in addition to asian pears on offer by Amorphous Gardens and cooking pears, available primarily from J&D Blueberry and Indian Springs Farmers Association. Cooking pears may not be winning any beauty contests, but taste just as good simmered and stewed, and in deserts.

Picks of the Week:

Crescent City Farmers Market featured on Steppin’ Out

Market supporter extraordinaire, Poppy Tooker, recently featured Market Umbrella and the Crescent City Farmers Market on an episode of Steppin’ Out on WYES. In this segment, Market Umbrella’s quick pivots and adaptations in response to the pandemic are discussed as well as changes in the restaurant industry here in New Orleans over the last year - including many who are regular market shoppers featuring menus full of local food! You can watch the segment here (CCFM enters the discussion right before the 13:00 minute mark).

Vote for Crescent City Farmers Market in the 2021 Farmers Market Celebration

In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, the American Farmland Trust Association and Farmers Market Coalition are hosting a nationwide competition amongst Farmers Markets. The Farmers Market that gets the most votes can win up to $2,500! That’s extra money for us to use on programs that support our farmers and community members and improve our markets. Help spread the word by encouraging your friends and family to vote for Crescent City Farmers Market. One entry per email. Vote here and share this photo on Facebook and Instagram. The competition runs until September 19th, 2021.

Meet Our New Staff!

We are excited to welcome three new staff members to Market Umbrella, completing our team! Jody Deffes joined us last week as the new Director of Finance, and Paige Guillory is coming on to help Kasey as our Programs Manager. Francesca Jones, our new Market Coordinator, has already made a few market appearances in City Park. Please join us in welcoming them to the market family when you see them out and about at market, and learn more about each of them - and the rest of our staff - here!

Vendor of the Week:

Amorphous Gardens

If you’ve been to our Sunday market, you might have noticed Amorphous Gardens’ rich display of fresh, seasonal produce and the line of customers at their table! Having started their farming journey in 2010, Jonathan, his wife Sevanna (both pictured), and their 3 children farm everything themselves and are proudly committed to producing heirloom/open pollinated vegetables and herbs, without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Being a regular at the markets for 5 years now, Amorphous Gardens is especially appreciative of the market community and support they have consistently received! Find Amorphous Gardens at our Sunday market in City Park and make sure to pre-order through WhatsGood or get to market early to ensure you are getting this season’s freshest and most sustainably grown produce!

Recipes of the Week:

Cooking Pears

Cooking pears have once again made an appearance at market.These hard-variety pears can seem daunting to tackle in the kitchen, but the fruit can star in numerous dishes and desserts. For a no-bake option, simply slice and pair (no pun intended) with cheeses and cured meats, or dice up and add to a salad for a sweet crunch. You can always bake them into puff pastry and brush with egg and sugar for an easy breakfast tart. Sierra, our market manager, likes to add the remaining juice from cooked down or macerated pears to her cocktails. This article details a few fun ways to incorporate pears into this week’s cooking, along with a few helpful tips on extending shelf life and how to pick the perfect fruit.

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!