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Weekly Market Notes Library

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Weekly Market Notes for May 16, 2013

Hello Market Friends:

No more customers rolling down the hill! We are spreading out onto the summer path and calling it official: all outdoor markets from here to November! Along with the rush of blooms and leaves opening, every market brings something new now, as seasonal vendors return, new ones begin, fresh green things come in from the farms, and friendly-faced customers we haven't seen for a while magically reappear. Here are a few of our not-to-be-missed spring crop sensations:

• Woolerdale Organic Farm has abundant ASPARAGUS, and you can choose slender, regular or thick stalk bundles according to your preference.
• It's RHUBARB time! Blythe from Growing Spaces will be bringing lots.
• Forbes Wild Foods should have more WILD LEEKS. Don't delay, the season is a fleeting one.
• If you didn't get some of Ted Thorpe's ARUGULA last week, be sure to this time; it couldn't be better.

I can't get enough of these special spring foods, so I've been experimenting with preparing them in all kinds of ways. Here's an easy dip recipe that you can customize as you like:

Asparagus-Wild Leek Dip

• 6 stalks asparagus
• 6 wild leeks, including greens
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons capers

If desired, add:

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, thick yogurt or soft goat cheese

Puree all until smooth. Add:

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

and blend just until seeds are partially chopped. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with crackers or raw vegetables.

Several of our farms have beautiful baby kale, too, so I'm looking forward to trying Lucy Waverman's new kale salad recipe from the Globe.

Lots more vendor news:

Exact Edge is back! Bring out your dull and your rusty, and Denzil will send you home with sharp and shiny knives and garden tools that are ever so satisfying to use. You'll find him just north of the doors into the rinkhouse.

A warm welcome to Henry and Sarah Bakker of Field Sparrow Farms, joining us with pastured Berkshire pork and beef, and pastured chickens (in season) from their Amish neighbours.

In response to ravenous customer demand, Ali (Fish Shak) will be making MORE of his great veggie fritters. Special feature this week is an all-steamed fish and veggie sandwich with Akiwenzies' fish.

Country Meadows news: “After the snow flurries and hail on the weekend, let's hope that was Old Man Winter's last hurrah!! Looks like great weather on the way for planting the "tender vegetable plants", so the heirloom tomato plants and basil will be at the market, as well as lots of other herbs and vegetable plants. Also there will be a nice selection of our Berkshire pork cuts and there will be bacon.” Linda and Angelos

“Earth and City is offering three different kinds of flatbreads this week! In addition to the classic onion flatbreads, we also have a new caraway bread, and a carrot-apple-raisin bread. All flatbreads are gluten-free and grain-free, all made with flax and sunflower seeds. They're a perfect pairing with any of our delicious dips.” Cassandra

Sosnickis' contribution: “Beautiful weather and LOTS is getting done in the fields! We are shipping our vegetable seedlings, so as I see the greenhouse getting empty, we just fill it up again with new seedings of fall broccoli and kale! Field Lettuces are growing beautifully and being hoed for weeds already, greenhouse Radish, Bok Choy etc. are growing beautifully. Our STRAWBERRIES look fantastic!! Potatoes are all in, Our PEA crop is one of the biggest ever, same with our GARLIC patch!! We'll be back as soon as we can as Ben is keeping very busy in the fields and with the greenhouses.” Jessie & Ben

Sandy has been joining Nick at Berettas' table, so they can offer you tasty samples and ideas for long-weekend barbeques.

Jutta Mason writes: "For those of you who had trouble seeing the "cost accounting" picture-show in the market news two weeks ago, here is the 6-minute video version: publiccommons.ca/library/widgets/9261?instanceid=23086&path=5685-,8524-22491&perpage=30 It explains the changes in city procedures that have been blocking the park cooks from buying from the farmers' market, and buying organic groceries from suppliers. Hopefully a few of those problems -- especially regarding farmers' market purchases -- are on their way to being worked out, maybe even this month."

Neighbours who are working to raise awareness of the hazards of Line 9 will have an information table this week, and we hope to have some fine fiddle music.

See you at the market!

Anne Freeman

P.S. Something to mark on your calendar!

The Toronto Farmers' Market Network (http://www.tfmn.ca) presents a screening of Symphony of the Soil, made by filmmaker, Debra Koons Garcia of 'The Future of Food'. This recently released documentary has not been widely seen, so this is a unique opportunity. For details on the film visit http://www.symphonyofthesoil.com.

• What: Symphony of the Soil
• When: Wed. May 29th, 7pm
• Where: Royal Theatre, 608 College St.
• Tickets at the door: $10, discount for kids

'Drawing from ancient knowledge and cutting edge science, Symphony of the Soil is an artistic exploration of a miraculous substance, soil. By understanding the elaborate relationships and mutuality between soil, water, the atmosphere, plants and animals, we come to appreciate the complex and dynamic nature of this precious resource. The film examines our human relationship with soil, the use and misuse of soil in agriculture, deforestation and development, and the latest scientific research on soil's key role in ameliorating the most challenging environmental issues of our time. Filmed on four continents, featuring esteemed scientists and working farmers and ranchers, Symphony of the Soil is an intriguing presentation that highlights the possibilities of healthy soil creating healthy plants creating healthy humans living on a healthy planet.'

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