The Market is Open!

Good Morning Market,

Hope you’ve had a relaxing and safe holiday weekend full of good food, friends, family, and fun. I always have a tough time accepting the end of a beautiful weekend; the joy of Sunday looming with the threat of Monday. The daily grind really isn’t so bad though, especially not when you can still find the time to throw all that good stuff in the mix. I’m a bit biased, but the market really is something I look forward to, especially now that the taste of Summer brings new flavors each week, including…

• Two new cuts of lamb from McSwain Ranch. Their ground lamb would make a lean and nutritious burger or taco, while there’s more options than you’d think for preparing some delicious lamb liver.

• A big welcome back to the wonderful folks at Rattle’s Garden. They’ve got absolutely beautiful certified organic white clara eggplant, fairy-tale asian eggplant, and sungold cherry tomatoes.

• I’m a believer that local fruit is one of the easiest ways to convince folks that local really does taste better. The sweetness, tartness, flavors, and personality of an Arkansas strawberry or cantaloupe just can’t be beat. I must say that the freestone peaches from Barnhill Orchards are about as juicy and tasty as I’ve ever had. Snag yourself a basket of these Summer gems under specials.

• Loads of Arkansas-grown teas from Food for Thought Farm, including anise hyssop, basil, lemon monarda bergamot, catnip, lemon balm, lemongrass, and yellow dock root. All grown in their sustainable food forest, check out advice on recipes and uses under their product listings in Herbs & Spices.

• Peach jalapeno fromage blanc is just one of the amazing cheeses listed from White River Creamery. This low-fat, low-calorie cheese has more good probiotics than yogurt and should be great on just about anything.

• Anybody can be a gardener with Garden Wall Pockets from Maison Terre! Made from donated materials, and locally designed and crafted, these wall pockets are ideal for growing in small spaces. The three-section wall pocket will hold smaller ornamentals and herbs, while the two-section wall pocket will hold larger ornamentals and vegetables, including vines, such as cucumbers. Use nails, hooks, screws, or ties to attach them to masonry, wooden, or chain link fences. Proceeds from sales go to Cereus Solutions Sustainability Center. They’ve also got mixed organic edible flowers, the uses of which can only be limited by your imagination.

We’re excited to announce that the University District Neighborhoods Association is hosting a Vegetable Swap & Trade next Saturday, July 12th from 8am-noon in the parking lots of Curran Conway Park. Gardeners from throughout Pulaski County are invited to swap and trade vegetables, fruits, eggs, flowers, and plants from their gardens’ bounties with other gardeners. All items are to be swapped or traded with no cash being exchanged. The event will allow gardeners to visit, gather information on new items, share gardening tips and recipes, and share the excesses of their gardens. The best part is, any leftover vegetables can be donated to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance at the end of the swap & trade.

Hope to see you there and that you have a great conclusion to your holiday weekend!

- Alex Handfinger
Director of Operations

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