Georgetown Farmers Market. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

PLEASE CALL OLYMPIA 1-800-562-6000 TODAY!

TO PROTECT THE FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAMS

Imagine a program that not only helps feed low-income seniors and families with young children, but also educates them about how to choose a more nutritious diet. How about a program that encourages people to support local farmers by shopping at farmers markets? And what do you think about a federal plan that is designed to insert tax dollars back into local economies? One federal program accomplishes all of these: the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). But it has been eliminated at the state level in the Governor’s budget, and we need your help to restore it. Please, read on…

Federal/State Partnership Smart Use Of Scarce Tax Dollars

“I think this program is the best tax dollars spent. It gets the people to the best quality produce, at the lowest prices, with the knowledge that this is where the money is going,” wrote one farmer in a 2003 Senior FMNP survey conducted by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. “It supports small family farms, and it supports and creates community.”

There are two companion FMNP programs funded by the USDA, which also sets base rules for the programs. They are the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) FMNP and the Senior FMNP. USDA first launched WIC FMNP in 1989. WIC FMNP is designed as a companion to the larger Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which provides lower income families with young children with vouchers redeemable at approved retailers for certain types groceries defined as nutritional staples by USDA.  The much smaller WIC FMNP gives eligible WIC families checks that can be redeemed at their local farmers market for fresh produce purchased directly from local farmers. USDA launched the Senior FMNP, which helps low-income seniors, in 2000. While the larger WIC program is funded to the tune of billions of dollars nationally each year, the WIC & Senior FMNPs combined amount to less than $50 million nationally each year.

“[The Senior FMNP program] was great,” wrote one senior in response to the survey. “I was not eating nearly enough fruits and veggies because I couldn’t afford them. I feel healthier because of your help.”

In Washington, it works like this: Two state agencies manage the programs, the Department of Health (DOH) for WIC FMNP and the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) for Senior FMNP.  These agencies take the federal FMNP food dollars, convert them into checks redeemable only for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, and distribute these checks to their eligible WIC & Senior FMNP clients. WIC & Senior FMNP clients then give these checks to local family farmers at farmers markets in exchange for their produce. The farmer gets the full retail dollar. The FMNP client gets nutritious food direct from local farmers.

Purple cauliflower from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

The Benefits Are Many

“While the program provides a little extra sales revenue for me,” wrote another farmer, “I particularly like that it helps mothers, children and seniors eat more fruits and vegetables than they might otherwise consume.”

The benefits to FMNP clients, markets and farmers do not stop there.

• Clients get access to fresh produce that is usually only hours from its harvest.
• Clients get exposed to varieties of fruits and vegetables that are simply not available at large grocery stores.
• Clients often get recipes, storage tips and other information about the crops they purchase.
• Farmers often give FMNP clients more produce than the value of their FMNP checks.
• Year-after-year, survey data has shown that more than 90% of FMNP clients report spending more than their FMNP check allotment during their farmers market trips, and they say they will return in the future with cash.
• FMNP also gives farmers and markets an opportunity to educate FMNP clients, many of whom are also enrolled in the federal food stamp program, that they can redeem those at farmers markets, too.

“I thoroughly appreciated the coupons as with diabetes and cancer I am supposed to eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, which I always have, but on a limited income is very hard to afford at times now that I am no longer able to grow my own garden,” one senior wrote.

“There were lovely peaches at the market,” wrote another senior. “I purchased several boxes and canned them. I have been eating them 2 or 3 times a week. They taste wonderful. I wouldn’t have gotten them without the coupons. Thanks.”

The program benefits farmers as well.

• Farmers get appreciation for what they do.
• Farmers get immediate access to funds, without having to wait for a wholesaler’s check to arrive months later.
• Farmers get to feel like they are giving something back to the communities that support them.
• Farmers get a break from the isolation of the farm to interact with the community and other farmers while at the farmers market.

“I have spoken with many people who make healthier food choices when they shop at the farmers market,” commented one farmer. “People often try new vegetables, and form better eating habits when the checks are specifically for fruits and vegetables. This is an excellent program. It provides opportunities for people to better their diets and the diets of their children. It also supports local agriculture, which is invaluable to the local economy.”

Farmers markets also get a healthy dose of diversity as well as expanded foot traffic and increased sales. And when seniors participate in FMNP, they get a healthy social excursion while experiencing a little bit of their old world, from the markets themselves and from buying the varieties of produce they remember from their youths, but that they cannot find in grocery stores.

“I got to have more fresh fruit and vegetables then if I bought them from my monthly [social security] checks, and … I got out and met some very nice people and enjoyed the trip,” commented one senior surveyed. “…I’m unable to walk. I use an Electric power chair, so I don’t get out as much as I used too, so I really enjoyed going to the Farmers Market”

“This program was great for our seniors, and many of the other community members remarked on the positive values it has,” wrote one market manager. “It was also great for the vendors to hear the senior life experiences. Many of our seniors have had farming experiences in their past.”

Cherry tomatoes and okra from Alvarez Organic Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

FMNP By The Numbers

While the FMNP is a simple concept, it is complicated on paper, and it has been a constant struggle to keep it funded. In 2011, WIC FMNP received only $19.96 million in federal funds to cover the entire U.S., with Senior FMNP funded at $20.6 million. In 2011, Washington State received $894,000 of those federal funds to support the WIC & Senior FMNPs. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) contributed another $320,000. Yet this tiny government program provided benefits to about 76,000 WIC clients, and supported some 887 participating farms at 130 farmers markets in 38 counties statewide.

“A government program that works!!” one farmer summed up nicely. “Let’s expand it!”

Blueberries and raspberries from Sidhu Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Here’s The Problem

Given our current state budget crisis, advocates have already gone along with a $220,000, or almost 70%, cut in DOH funding for the FMNPs in last year’s budget, leaving just $100,000 in the budget from state coffers for the programs. We understand that everyone must accept some cuts. But state bureaucrats and legislators are considering cutting the remaining $100,000 from the state budget. This would be, quite simply, penny wise and pound foolish! You see, that remaining $100,000 in state funding is necessary in order to help pay for the state’s share administrative costs as required by USDA, and without it, Washington would release the $900,000 in federal funds. And given competition for scarce federal funds, Washington’s allotment would quickly be reallocated to another state, perhaps never to be made available to Washington again in the future, even if the state refunded its share of the program at a later date.

Who within the sound of my keyboard would, in their right minds, turn down an investment opportunity guaranteed to pay off a minimum 900% return, especially in this economy? Because that is exactly what state legislators would be doing here. And that does not even begin to take into account the fact that, according to recent studies, for every $100 spent at a farmers market, $62 is reinvested locally, and $99 stays in the state – money that continues to re-circulate, and thus get re-taxed, bringing more revenue in state coffers. Not to mention how many jobs it creates – as many as 600 farm jobs alone, by some measures.

Some in government think this program so small that no one will miss it. They are wrong. 76,000 Washington low-income residents would miss it.  887 Washington farms would miss it.  130 Washington farmers markets would miss it. And anyone who misses good, effective government spending will miss it.  Some 150 farms, markets, anti-hunger, social justice and faith organizations, and local businesses and community leaders have already signed onto a letter (download PDF) requesting that this great program be reinstated in the state budget. But we need your help, too. Every call, every letter and every email counts. Copy this article across the state. Blast it on your Facebook page, your Twitter feeds, your blogs and websites. Support a government program that, for a tiny investment in state funds, actually makes money for our state! In a word, duh!

PLEASE CALL OLYMPIA 1-800-562-6000 TODAY!

TO PROTECT THE FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAMS

By Zachary D. Lyons, Communications Director, Seattle Farmers Market Association

"Ears" of sweet corn modeled by Alm Hill's Carrie. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

To celebrate their new crop of sweet corn at Alm Hill Gardens, corny Carrie sported these ears of corn at our Ballard Farmers Market on Sunday. Get it? Ears of corn? See, because corn comes on ears, and she’s holding them up to her head like they’re ears? See, that’s a pun. Okay, I’ll stop explaining it. But suffice it to say it is some seriously good corn. I know. I ate Carrie’s right ear on Monday night! … Hey, today is the final day in the 2011 season of your Georgetown Farmers Market. Get down here today and stock up on local deliciousness!

Fuji apples from Lyall Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Look, ma! First-of-the-season Fuji apples from Lyall Farms are in at your Georgetown Farmers Market! Woohoo! Oh, the crunchy deliciousness! Load up the kiddies’ lunch boxes with these bad boys, and they’ll be bragging to their friends about the goodness their folks sent with them to school!

Colorful sweet peppers from Billy's Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

It’s a spectabulously flavorful rainbow of sweet peppers from Billy’s Gardens. Stuff ‘em, sauté ‘em, add ‘em to salads, grill ‘em, fire roast ‘em. Just enjoy ‘em while you can, because the season is winding down, and you will miss ‘em come winter.

Focaccia rolls from Grateful Bread. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

These focaccia rolls from Grateful Bread Baking are a perfect quick snack on the go. They’re chewy, cheesy and vegetably, and they’re loaded with yummy, local goodness. Of course, they also have plenty of artisan breads, bagels, cookies, muffins and pastries, as well as some great challah for your Sabbath dinner or some screaming French toast!

Fresh raw peanuts from Alvarez Organic Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Yes, peanuts do grow in Washington. And these are raw peanuts – green peanuts, in fact. Alvarez Organic Farms is in the midst of its annual peanut harvest right now, and that means we get to enjoy fresh, local peanuts to roast, boil, stir-fry and more at home!

One of our canine buddies visiting us at Georgetown Farmers Market. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Finally today, a note about your best friend. We welcome your pooch at your Georgetown Farmers Market, but only in a bag, or on a short leash, and under your control at all times. See, dogs take their lead from their human, and unfortunately, while most dogs are very good at following instructions, many humans are not. If you like bringing your dog with you to Market, we need you to keep your dog short-leashed. That means that another person should not be able to walk between you and your dog at any time. Yes, we know you have the most well-behaved dog on earth. Everyone does, apparently. Just ask them. But if that was true, we wouldn’t have to be giving you this reminder right now. Please follow this simple rule, or leave your pup at home. And thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Do you value having a new grocery store in the form of a farmers market in Seattle South? If so, bring a neighbor or friend with you today, and introduce them to all the spectacular local food just waiting for them. Let them know we accept both Food Stamps and Farmers Market Checks.“Like” us on Facebook. “Follow” us on Twitter. Help us help you get access to great local food by supporting the local family farmers we bring to you every Saturday.

And remember, there is so much more that you will find at your Georgetown Farmers Market today, and I cannot possibly get to it all here. But you can see a more complete accounting of what you will find today, and every week, on our frequently updated What’s Fresh Now! listing!

A rainbow of eggplant from Billy's Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Billy’s Gardens has an almost absurd selection of spectacular eggplant right now, from Japanese to Thai to the regular old egg-shaped purple stuff you’ve always known and loved. Grill it, fry it, curry it — each variety has its own unique qualities suiting it for different preparations.

Ozette potatoes from Alvarez Organic Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Ozette potatoes, like these from Alvarez Organic Farms, are the closest thing we’ve got to a native potato here in Washington, the potato producing capitol of the United States. See, all potatoes originated in South America. And almost all potatoes now in North America are descendants of potatoes that first traveled to Europe before coming here. But there are a very few exceptions. The Ozette, along with three other fingerling potatoes, were brought up the West Coast by the Spanish in 1791 and planted near their ports from Northern California to Vancouver Island. The Ozette was brought to the area inhabited by the Makah Nation out near Neah Bay. But the Spanish couldn’t hack our Northwest weather, so in 1793, they buggered off back down the coast, leaving behind these potatoes. So, pick up a little bit of local, and potato, history today. Oh, they taste pretty good, too!

Fresh shelling beans from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

These are fresh shelling beans from Alm Hill Gardens. They grow several varieties, including cranberry, cannellini, pinto, dragon’s tongue and more. And because these are fresh, all you need to do is boil them until just fork tender, then add them to whatever dish or salad you like, or simply add them to soup raw and let them gently cook in short order. No overnight soaking required! And you can put them into freezer bags and freeze them for up to a year. Then, when you need some fresh beans, just pull them out, boil them until tender and use as fresh!

Peach preserves with vanilla and bourdon from Deluxe Foods. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Meet the newest addition to the fabulous lineup of jams and jellies from Deluxe Foods: Peach Preserves with Vanilla & Bourbon! Yummers! Come get introduced to real jam — artisan jam. Jam the way it used to be. But be prepared to get hooked. This will be the best you’ve ever tasted, and toast won’t be the same without it. You’ve been warned!

San Marzano tomatoes from Pipitone Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their dense flesh and deep, rich flavor. These are the tomatoes of Naples, growing in the rich volcanic soil of Mt. Vecuvius. If you’ve ever been to a Neapolitan-style pizzeria, odds are the sauce on your pizza was made from these tomatoes. These San Marzano tomatoes are grown by Pipitone Farms in the rich volcanic soil of the Yakima River Valley.

Do you value having a new grocery store in the form of a farmers market in Seattle South? If so, bring a neighbor or friend with you today, and introduce them to all the spectacular local food just waiting for them. Let them know we accept both Food Stamps and Farmers Market Checks.“Like” us on Facebook. “Follow” us on Twitter. Help us help you get access to great local food by supporting the local family farmers we bring to you every Saturday.

And remember, there is so much more that you will find at your Georgetown Farmers Market today, and I cannot possibly get to it all here. But you can see a more complete accounting of what you will find today, and every week, on our frequently updated What’s Fresh Now! listing!

Chard from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Alm Hill Gardens has an amazing array of fresh produce for your at your Georgetown Farmers Market every Saturday, from their famous spicy salad mix to awesome tomatoes, and so much more, including this beautiful chard. Related to beets, these greens are sweet, tender and delicious.

Blueberries and raspberries from Sidhu Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

It may be September, but it’s still berry season. And Sidhu Farms still has great blueberries and raspberries for you to enjoy. But the berry season is waning. Enjoy them while you can, and if you want them for winter, freeze them now!

Hot cherry peppers from Alvarez Organic Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Alvarez Organic Farms grows more than 150 varieties of chili peppers on their farm in Mabton, Washington, in the Yakima Valley. They come in every shape, size, color and intensity, like these hot cherry peppers, which have a medium-high heat and are great for pickling.

Red gold nectarines from Lyall Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Lyall Farms has a new crop of red gold nectarines for you today at your Georgetown Farmers Market. Just imagine all that juicy deliciousness dribbling down your chin and onto your shirt. It doesn’t get much better than that. Life is, indeed, good!

Brandywine heirloom tomatoes from Billy's Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

And Billy’s Gardens still has all manner of amazing heirloom tomatoes for you, including these brandywine tomatoes. These puppies are one of my all-time favorites, with a rich, juicy tomato flavor — like a tomato should taste like! They are the absolute best BLT tomato! Enjoy.

Do you value having a new grocery store in the form of a farmers market in Seattle South? If so, bring a neighbor or friend with you today, and introduce them to all the spectacular local food just waiting for them. Let them know we accept both Food Stamps and Farmers Market Checks.“Like” us on Facebook. “Follow” us on Twitter. Help us help you get access to great local food by supporting the local family farmers we bring to you every Saturday.

And remember, there is so much more that you will find at your Georgetown Farmers Market today, and I cannot possibly get to it all here. But you can see a more complete accounting of what you will find today, and every week, on our frequently updated What’s Fresh Now! listing!

Shiitake mushrooms from Red Owl Mushroom Farm. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

These shiitake mushrooms are grown right here in Seattle by Red Owl Mushroom Farm up in Lake City. Talk about local! And Red Owl is dropping in on your Georgetown Farmers Market today with some of these, and some oyster mushrooms, too. Been looking for a local mushroom fix? Well, here it is!

Fresno chili peppers from Alvarez Organic Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Hey, kids! It’s the red hot chili peppers! No, not the band. The vegetable! (Well, fruit, really, by whatever…) These are Fresno hot chili peppers from Alvarez Organic Farms, and while not atomic, they do pack a bit of a punch. And they will add lots of color to, well, just about anything!

Purple cauliflower from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Speaking of colorful, cauliflower comes in all different colors, too, most of which are grown by Alm Hill Gardens. There’s white, with which we are all accustomed. And there’s green and yellow (which is also known as cheddar), and then there’s this galactic purple cauliflower. Pretty cool, huh? And this year has been an amazing year for cauliflower, too. It is as sweet as ever, what with our cooler than normal weather. Now, I know it will be warming up over the coming week. Try grilling some cauliflower. Yum!

Vintage wine heirloom tomatoes from Billy's Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

I heard the good folks at Red Owl Mushroom Farm call these “tie-dyed tomatoes” today. With their unusual, kinda streaky stripy coloring, I guess that is an apt description of them. But they are, in fact, vintage wine heirloom tomatoes from Billy’s Gardens. And they are as delicious as they are cool looking. Why not give them a try today!

Local Jersey cow milk from Silver Spring Creamery. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Don’t forget the milk! Silver Springs Creamery, from way up in Lynden, in Whatcom County, produces some of the best Jersey cow milk I’ve ever tasted. Rich & creamy, it tastes like milk is supposed to taste. You value local food straight from the farm, right? Add milk to that list, too!

Do you value having a new grocery store in the form of a farmers market in Seattle South? If so, bring a neighbor or friend with you today, and introduce them to all the spectacular local food just waiting for them. Let them know we accept both Food Stamps and Farmers Market Checks.“Like” us on Facebook. “Follow” us on Twitter. Help us help you get access to great local food by supporting the local family farmers we bring to you every Saturday.

And remember, there is so much more that you will find at your Georgetown Farmers Market today, and I cannot possibly get to it all here. But you can see a more complete accounting of what you will find today, and every week, on our frequently updated What’s Fresh Now! listing!

Golden raspberries from Hayton Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

In case you thought you’ve seen every berry there is already this year, these golden raspberries are gonna prove you wrong! Hayton Farms has these beauties right now, but they’ve got a short season. Why not pick up a collection of berries of every color from Hayton today, and have one colorful dessert tonight!

Easter egg radishes from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Speaking of colorful, check out these Easter egg radishes from Alm Hill Gardens! This spicy little delights often are unavailable in August, as radishes are not fond of hot, dry weather. Indeed, they really are more of a spring and fall crop. But our cool summer has given us a bonus round of radishes this year. Enjoy!

Thai basil from Billy's Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Thai basil is some of the most fragrant basil around. It is an absolute requirement for a proper bowl of pho, and many a fresh roll or stir fry would be incomplete without it. And Billy’s Gardens has it right now in a couple of varieties. Can’t you just smell it right now? That’s what I’m talking about!

Watermelons from Alvarez Organic Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

If I am remembering high school biology class correctly, these watermelons from Alvarez Organic Farms have these fancy stripes in order to blend into the background brush while stalking prey in the wilds of India. Or was that tigers? I always get those confused.

Fresh flower bouquets from Pa Garden. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

And don’t forget to pick up a bouquet of beautiful flowers from Pa Garden today to brighten up your home, or to brighten the day of someone special!

Do you value having a new grocery store in the form of a farmers market in Seattle South? If so, bring a neighbor or friend with you today, and introduce them to all the spectacular local food just waiting for them. Let them know we accept both Food Stamps and Farmers Market Checks.“Like” us on Facebook. “Follow” us on Twitter. Help us help you get access to great local food by supporting the local family farmers we bring to you every Saturday.

And remember, there is so much more that you will find at your Georgetown Farmers Market today, and I cannot possibly get to it all here. But you can see a more complete accounting of what you will find today, and every week, on our frequently updated What’s Fresh Now! listing!

Cherry tomatoes and okra from Alvarez Organic Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Sometimes, I move stuff around on vendors’ tables to pose it for my photos. And sometimes, their displays are so spectacular to begin with, that I am just in awe, and it offers me images like this one to share with you. These cherry tomatoes and okra are from Alvarez Organic Farms. What beautifully fresh okra, eh? And its bright green contrasts so wonderfully against the red and gold of these tomatoes. Hey, fresh, local food is delicious, natural art, is it not? It feed’s the body and the soul!

Hey, we know all the construction on Airport Way S is a pain in the behind right now, but if you speak to supporting local farmers and local businesses, both need your actual support in Georgetown now. And to help you, we’ve got a big, free parking lot under the overpass at the intersection of 13th Ave S & Airport Way S, on the south side of the historic General Offices building.

Gypsy peppers from Lyall Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Lyall Farms has lots of these lovely gypsy peppers right now, which I love to grill, though some of my friends like to stuff and roast them. They’ve also got diva slicing cucumbers, or what most people simply call “cucumbers”, as well as sweet corn, melons and peaches.

Japanese eggplant from Billy's Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Japanese eggplant from Billy’s Gardens is also great on the grill, or you can pickle it or stir-fry it. It is lovely stuff, and not as bitter as many of its European cousins. Of course, Billy’s also still has lots of heirloom tomatoes and more.

Heirloom tomatoes from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Speaking of heirloom tomatoes, just take a gander at these spectacular specimens from Alm Hill Gardens! Besides these gorgeous maters, they’ve got the best salad mix around, the sweetest berries, lots of great greens, and so much more!

Cauliflower from Boistfort Valley Farm. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Now that is some beautiful cauliflower from Boistfort Valley Farm. And the cool year we’ve had has made for some of the sweetest cauliflower in years! I’ve been enjoying it simply tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper, and roasted in a 400-450 degree oven until fork-tender. It is so amazingly delicious, and the other benefit of a cool summer is that it is still comfortable to fire up the oven to roast it. Of course, you can grill it, too!

Costaluto Genovese tomatoes from Pipitone Farms. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Jerry Pipitone of Pipitone Farms is Sicilian, and that Sicilian blood runs deep. So he grows many Italian heirloom crops, like these Costaluto Genovese tomatoes. Besides being one of the coolest looking tomatoes ever, they are friggin’ delicious. Jerry also grows other heirloom tomatoes you will not find elsewhere, as well as awesome peaches and apricots, shallots and garlic.

Do you value having a new grocery store in the form of a farmers market in Seattle South? If so, bring a neighbor or friend with you today, and introduce them to all the spectacular local food just waiting for them. Let them know we accept both Food Stamps and Farmers Market Checks.“Like” us on Facebook. “Follow” us on Twitter. Help us help you get access to great local food by supporting the local family farmers we bring to you every Saturday.

And remember, there is so much more that you will find at your Georgetown Farmers Market today, and I cannot possibly get to it all here. But you can see a more complete accounting of what you will find today, and every week, on our frequently updated What’s Fresh Now! listing!

Blackberries and Sungold Cherry Tomatoes from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

I love the color contrast between these sungold cherry tomatoes and blackberries from Alm Hill Gardens. Beautiful, aren’t they? Of course, they are delicious, too. In fact, if you haven’t tried sungold cherry tomatoes, you must. They are the sweetest of all cherry tomatoes. I eat them like candy by the pint. Once you try them, you will, too. And lucky for us all, Alm Hill will have plenty of them today at your Georgetown Farmers Market!

Cantaloupes from Lyall Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

I wish you could smell this gorgeous pile of cantaloupe melons from Lyall Farms. They smell magnificent. They are perfectly ripe, and ready to devour, and devour them you will! You can thank me later.

Okra from Alvarez Organic Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Just take a gander at this perfect okra from Alvarez Organic Farms. Not many folks grow this hot climate crop from Africa around here, but Alvarez does, and they do it well. I’ve been pickling it for years, but you may want to fry it, gumbo it, enjoy it in a nice stir-fry, or even go old-school with it and eat it a la Nigeria, with some goat in a stew sided with some fufu.

Cauliflower from Sidhu Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Sidhu Farms grows lots of berries, sure, but they also grow some lovely cauliflower and broccoli, too. I love roasting cauliflower in the oven, tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper, at between 400-450 degrees until tender. It sweetens up deliciously.

Sunflowers from Pa Garden. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Sunflowers are nothing short of spectacular, and I do love each summer when they come into bloom. They are so aptly named, bringing a big sunny burst into our lives. Grab some today from Pa Garden!

Old Bachelor's Jam from Deluxe Foods. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Old Bachelor’s Jam, as Rebecca from Deluxe Foods explained it to me, has it’s origins in old Europe. Apparently, an old bachelor would come back from foraging the countryside for the day and make a batch of jam with the berries he had gathered, pouring it into a jar. To preserve it, he would cover that layer with kirsch, a double-distilled clear brandy made from cherries. Then, the next day, he would do the same with whatever berries he foraged that day, adding one layer atop another, and covering with kirsch, until the jar was full, ready to be enjoyed all winter long. The result, as you can see in the photo above, is a distinctly layered jam full of a myriad of flavorful surprises. In this case, you see blueberry jam on the bottom and raspberry jam on the top, with, of course, that all important kirsch. You hear me talk all the time about heirloom this and heirloom that. I guess you might call this heirloom jam.

Challah from Grateful Bread Bakery. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

With jam like that, you will need some good bread or toast to slather it all over. I recommend this challah from Grateful Bread Bakery. This traditional Jewish egg bread is perfect simply sliced with butter and jam, toasted, or it makes the ultimate French toast, soaking up your eggy batter wonderfully. And hey, French toast and jam? Oh, I think so!

Do you value having a new grocery store in the form of a farmers market in Seattle South? If so, bring a neighbor or friend with you today, and introduce them to all the spectacular local food just waiting for them. Let them know we accept both Food Stamps and Farmers Market Checks.“Like” us on Facebook. “Follow” us on Twitter. Help us help you get access to great local food by supporting the local family farmers we bring to you every Saturday.

And remember, there is so much more that you will find at your Georgetown Farmers Market today, and I cannot possibly get to it all here. But you can see a more complete accounting of what you will find today, and every week, on our frequently updated What’s Fresh Now! listing!

Sweet gypsy peppers from Alvarez Organic Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Sweet gypsy peppers from Alvarez Organic Farms are one of my favorite things of summer, and they’ve got them now at your Georgetown Farmers Market. I know lotsa folks that will stuff them and roast them. Me, I like to grill them alongside a nice piece of salmon.

Celery from Boistfort Valley Farm. Photo copyright 2009 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Celery is a staple in most households. It is crisp, refreshing and full of goodness, and yet it can be a squirrelly crop to grow, and it certainly ain’t sexy, so not too many farms around here actually grow it. Lucky for us, Boistfort Valley Farm is one of the farms that does. And for my money, no one grows better celery than Boistfort Valley Farm!

Sweet corn from Lyall Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Do I really need to wax poetic about this sweet corn from Lyall Farms? I mean, really, we’re all like moths to the flame for fresh, local sweet corn, right? Well, keep in mind that this may be an abbreviated sweet corn season, courtesy of our whacky weather this year, so do enjoy it while you can!

Beefsteak tomatoes ripening on the vine at Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

These are beefsteak tomatoes ripening on the vine in the hothouse at Alm Hill Gardens, way up in Everson, just south of the Canadian border in Whatcom County. I had the pleasure of touring the farm last week. It is an amazing operation, and I must admit that I appreciate even more now just what goes into producing the extraordinary bounty that we see on their tables every week. Indeed, we are so fortunate in Georgetown to have farms like Alm Hill, Boistfort Valley, Alvarez, Billy’s and so many others that produce simply the best fresh produce you will find anywhere.

Apricot raspberry jam from Deluxe Foods. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Apricot Raspberry jam made from Market fruit from Deluxe Foods. Honestly, Deluxe Foods makes the best jams and jellies I’ve ever tasted. If you haven’t tried it yet, quite frankly, you are nuts! This stuff will make you develop a healthy new appreciation for toast!

Farmer Eric Sundstrom & Caprice at Silver Springs Creamery. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Meet farmer Eric Sundstrom and Caprice, the very happy, healthy, friendly jersey cow, from Silver Springs Creamery. I also visited here last week while in Whatcom County. What a wonderful place. Sure, California pays lip service to the concept of happy cows making great milk, but you and I know that that’s just marketing. But I am here to testify that Silver Springs Creamery is not only a place of happy, well-loved cows and goats, but that they offer some of the best milk, yogurt and cheese I’ve ever tasted. And they don’t need a multi-million dollar ad campaign to convince us. One taste will do it!

Ms. Margie's Sweet Potato Pie. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

And for dessert, we welcome our newest vendor to your Georgetown Farmers Market: Ms. Margie’s Sweet Potato Pie. These sweet potato pies are owner Richard’s grandmother’s recipe, and oh, what a fine recipe it is, recreated will love by her grandson. Stop by for a taste, and you’ll walk away with a pie!

Do you value having a new grocery store in the form of a farmers market in Seattle South? If so, bring a neighbor or friend with you today, and introduce them to all the spectacular local food just waiting for them. Let them know we accept both Food Stamps and Farmers Market Checks.“Like” us on Facebook. “Follow” us on Twitter. Help us help you get access to great local food by supporting the local family farmers we bring to you every Saturday.

And remember, there is so much more that you will find at your Georgetown Farmers Market today, and I cannot possibly get to it all here. But you can see a more complete accounting of what you will find today, and every week, on our frequently updated What’s Fresh Now! listing!