This Week at the Durham Farmers' Market

THIS WEEK AT MARKET

Tomorrow is going to be another warm spring-like day at the market! The forecast high temperature 72! In preparation for spring and planting season, lots of farmers will be bringing vegetable and herb seedlings for you to plant in your home gardens! Last week, I saw seedlings of kale, collards, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, spinach, fennel, parsley, cilantro, dill, thyme, mint, rosemary and lavender.  (Tomato seedlings are still a few weeks away-- when the weather warms up a little more). I expect that there will be a similarly great selection this week. Also, because you are buying seedlings directly from a farmer, you have a special chance to "ask the expert"! Farmers are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to growing vegetables and are ready with tips and hints for a successful garden.

This week, along with the growing quantity of lush spring greens, there will be a *very few* greenhouse grown strawberries at Market available. At the end of Market last week, Lauren, who works for Lyon Farms, told me that she is expecting there to be a few pints of strawberries available this weekend! Greenhouse strawberries mean that field strawberries and asparagus aren't too far behind! I checked my records and at this time last year, the first asparagus was just starting to come to the Market.  However, that was much earlier than usual because the winter of 2011-12 was exceptionally warm. Based on the reports I've been hearing from farmers, the colder, wet weather this winter may delay the arrival of some spring crops.  But, I'll keep posted with what I hear. Speaking of which, greenhouse grown tomatoes will be back at Market tomorrow!

CONGRATULATIONS...

This may be old news by now, but TWO Durham Farmers' Market vendors have been nominated as James Beard Award Semi Finalists! Phoebe Lawless of Scratch Bakery has been nominated in the Outstanding Pastry Chef category and Sean Lilly Wilson of Fullsteam Brewery has been nominated in the Outstanding Wine, Spirit and Beer Professional category! Along with Phoebe and Sean, local chefs (and market shoppers) Scott Howell from Nana's and Aaron Vandemark from Pancuito and local restaurants Mateo Tapas and Lantern have been nominated as well.
Read more about Phoebe and Sean's reaction to their nominations by clicking on their names.
And while I'm handing out congratulations, Fullsteam's First Frost beer and Farmer's Daughter's Rosey Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves have been nominated as 2013 Good Food Awards Finalists!

Upcoming Events and Spring Schedule

March 23: Chef in the Market - Katie and Justin Meddis from Rose's Meat Market and Sweet Shop will have a sausage making demonstration.  Starts at 10!

March 30: Chef in the Market - Chef Katie Coleman from Durham Spirits Company will be cooking with seasonal veggies!

April 6: OPENING DAY! The Durham Farmers' Market's 15th Season officially begins on Saturday April 6th! Hours shift to our summer schedule of 8am to Noon!  Chef Amy Tornquist and Kyle Wilkerson from Watts Grocery will be doing the annual Market Kickoff Chef in the Market appearance!

Wednesday April 17th: WEDNESDAY MARKET OPENS! Fun opening day events are still in the works!!

Fresh this Week....


VEGETABLES:  SPINACH, GREENHOUSE TOMATOES, Asian Greens, Arugula, Beets, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Collards, Creasy Greens, Daikon Radish, Escarole, Fennel, Frisee, Fresh & Dried Herbs (Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley), Green Onions, Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Leeks, Mustard Greens, Pumpkins, Radishes,  Salad Mix,Shiitake Mushrooms (dried),  Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Turnip Greens, Winter Squash and more
MEATS AND EGGS:  Beef, Bison, Chicken, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork, Veal
Guinea Eggs, Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: Ranunculus, Tulips, Daffodils, Icelandic Poppies, Anemones, Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: Raw Honey, Flour, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Breads, Cookies & Pastries, Fermented Foods, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Pastas, Perogies, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Handmade Baskets, Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Goats Milk Soaps, Body Butters, Lotions, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

Produce availability depends on weather conditions.