Just in Time for Muscadine Wine | September 18, 2023

Fresh & Local:

Just in Time for Muscadine Wine

The first appearance of muscadine grapes at Crescent City Farmers Market reminds us that early-autumn crops and their vendors’ return to market are just around the corner. Only in season from late August to mid-September, these “grapes of the south” are incredibly disease-resistant and are usually found flourishing in the wild, but are also cultivated commercially. They come in dark purple or a greenish pink and grow on vines like any grape. The term muscadine usually refers to the dark purple ones, while the lighter ones are sometimes referred to as scuppernongs or bronze muscadine.

Their taste is musky-sweet (hence the name), and they’re unlike the grapes you’re used to since their skin is thick and slightly bitter, and you’ll find a few large seeds nestled inside. For this reason, they’re often used to make other things like jelly or wine, and if eaten fresh, many people will squeeze out the soft center to eat, spit out the seeds, and discard the peel. Muscadines are a true superfood full of grape flavor and heart-healthy antioxidants; it has been gathered for centuries in our region to make jams, jellies, preserves, and wine. Muscadines can be enjoyed fresh and freeze well, allowing you to save the season and preserve their nutritional value. Find them at all CCFM markets while the season lasts.

Picks of the Week:

Market Umbrella receives $250,000 to Expand New Orleans Market Match Program

Market Umbrella is proud to announce it recently received $250,000 in funding to address food insecurity and healthy food access! The New Orleans Health Department selected Market Umbrella as one of six community-based organizations as sub-recipients to collectively receive $1.5 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) process. With the funding, we plan to expand our current New Orleans Market Match program to include small local or non-traditional retailers in New Orleans. To learn more about the award and the other organizations selected, click here.

Come Real-cyle with us every Sunday!

Learn more about the behind the scenes work of Realcycle and how they give your food waste and recyclables another life here in their news feature with weekly CCFM shopper and news anchor, Shelby Latino! Since joining the Sunday City Park market, CCFM shoppers have diverted thousands of pounds of waste from landfills through Realcycle waste drop-offs. Realcycle is a local waste solution company that provides free compost and recycling collection at Sunday Markets. Carts are available on-site to bring over recyclables and compost. Please check that waste meets the guidelines below to help things run smoothly. We appreciate your help to minimize landfill use!

Acceptable recycling:

• Cardboard (broken down)
• Aluminum
• Glass
• No plastic or trash please

Acceptable compost materials:

• Food waste
• Leaves
• Wood chips
• Clippings
• Coffee ground
• No oily foods, meat, or dairy please

We're Hiring a Communications Manager

We are in the market for a new Communications Manager! This full-time staff member is responsible for leading the communications activities of Market Umbrella and the Crescent City Farmers Markets. To view the job description and to apply, click here.

Vendor of the Week:

LA Serendipity Vineyards

Jan and Ernie Langlinais of Bush, Louisiana have grown and bottled locally-made wines since 2008. LA Serendipity is one of only five vineyards in Louisiana that grows grapes and bottles wines on-site. Hardly a leisurely retirement, the couple researched dutifully and learned through experience during their first years on the farm. Their hard work and dedication pay off in their delicately grown Blanc Du Bois grapes and their bottled LA Serendipity Blanc and LA Sparkling Pet-Nat. Sample the crisp, sweet, and citrusy wines at LA Serendipity Vineyards’ table at the Sunday City Park Market.

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Recipe of the Week:

Muscadine Focaccia

This recipe by Amber Wilson is sure to impress any muscadine devotee. Now that we’re in the heart of the season, why not pick yourself up some fresh muscadines from the market and give this straightforward focaccia a shot? Pick up some ricotta and honey too to take this heavenly bread to the next level!