Happy Spring Equinox from Beaverton Farmers Market!
To Our Market Community,
This Saturday is the first day of Spring!
Market Master, Ginger Rapport, was securing a new trellis in one of her garden boxes when a neighbor walking by commented that he had just planted his peas, a little late, and admired the new trellis she was securing. They talked gardening for a few minutes and he walked away exclaiming that “this was such an exciting time of the year”.
It is true for so many reasons!! You don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy the longer days and warmer temperatures ahead. Last Saturday’s sunny weather and our busy market aisles told us how much everyone is feeling the need for a little dose of vitamin D right about now.
If you are not a gardener, this might be the year to change that. A.J. Willington, editor of CNN’s Good Stuff newsletter, explains the feeling, even as a novice gardener, “to going out every morning and checking on some seeds or bulbs you’re lovingly nourishing, like a child hoping Christmas has finally come. And when those tiny green shoots start to appear? Ah, bliss! Ah, the miracle of life! Ah, the arrival of another long-awaited spring!”. This is the excitement that Ginger’s neighbor was talking about.
To help you experience your own Spring thrills, no matter if you are a novice or an experienced gardener, you will appreciate these “how-to” video’s from Ginger Edwards (the market’s other Ginger) of North Fork 53 farm in Nehalem. You know Ginger and her husband, Brigham’s, farm for their many excellent hand blended teas.
Ginger is also an experienced organic farmer whose videos on “Getting a Garden Bed Ready for Spring” and “Soil Amending” are must watch videos at this time of the year. If you are interested in planting in raised beds, there is something there for you as well. You can find all of Ginger’s videos here and make sure to give yourself some time because you will want to watch them all!
Warm Regards,
The Beaverton Farmers Market
We will see you all this Saturday at the Market, from 10AM-1:30PM!
This Vegetable Is Pretty Rad(ish)!
Speaking of spring, you’ll find no shortage of spring produce to titillate your taste buds. Oftentimes we love the produce of spring more than summer produce because it’s such a juxtaposition from winter produce, which can be earthy and rich.; spring’s produce is bright, vibrant and crisp. One of our favorite veggies in abundance in the Market is radishes. Right now you can find french breakfast, red, and black radishes. Served raw, radishes can add peppery zip to salads and cut through fattier dishes for balance. Roasting radishes adds a more subtle peppery flavor to dishes with the consistency of potatoes.
Several years ago, Marketing Director, Kate Laubernds, had the most delightful loaded toast at Milk Glass Market in Portland. She loved it so much she has since recreated the dish every spring at home. If something is not in the market yet you can also sub for more herbs, or other spring produce like shaved carrots or fennel. You can also top with a handful of chopped nuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
Spring Bounty and Lox Burrata Toast
(serves 4 toasts)
Ingredients
3-4 red or breakfast radishes, shaved thin with a peeler or mandolin
1 cup sugar snap peas, sliced thin along the bias
3 scallions, white and green parts sliced thin
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (mint, basil, and chives), chopped
zest and juice from ½ of a lemon
3 tablespoon avocado oil plus more for finish
salt and pepper
4 oz of burrata divided into 4 portions
6 oz of lox divided into 4 portions
4 thick slices of fresh bread, french country loaf or ciabatta, toasted
Preparation
In a small bowl whisk together lemon zest, juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
In a medium bowl toss the first 4 ingredients with dressing and set aside.
Spread burrata over the slices of toast and top with lox. Add a handful of the spring salad mix to the top. Drizzle with more avocado oil and season with flake salt and pepper.
We’re excited to have another returning flower vendor back in the market this week, Early Mom!
Also joining us is Side Kick Provisions and Felton and Mary’s!
