This Week at the Durham Farmers' Market

I feel like it is safe to say that everyone is familiar with broccoli and cauliflower. But are you familiar with the odd looking, light green spikey head that is often displayed in and around broccoli and cauliflower at the Market (pictured)? Well, that odd looking vegetable is called Romanesco broccoli!

Romanesco is related to broccoli and cauliflower. And although it is referred to as a broccoli, it is more closely related to cauliflower. It has a similar texture to cauliflower and keeps its shape while cooking.

Romanesco broccoli is an heirloom vegetable variety. It has been traced back to the 16th century and was first documented in Italy, hence the name.

Like broccoli and cauliflower, it has a 2 fairly short windows of availability at the Market. The first season starts around early November and usually lasts up until Christmas. During January and February, because of the cold weather and short days, broccoli, cauliflower and Romanesco take a brief hiatus. In mid to late March, with the longer and warmer days, all return to the Market and tend to be available until May. After the weather heats up, these crops are done until the cooler weather returns. In fact, most vegetables that are in the same family (kale, collards, turnips, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts) don't like our hot, humid summers which is why you'll never see any of these vegetables during the summer time.

So, if you are looking to expand your culinary repertoire and want to try Romanesco broccoli, here are a couple of ideas for cooking it. You really can use it in the same way and in the same recipes that you use broccoli or cauliflower. It is good raw, steamed or stir-fried.

My favorite way to cook Romanesco broccoli is to roast it, which couldn't be more simple. To make roasted Romanesco, cut the head into florets, toss them in a couple tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread them out onto a roasting pan and put them into an oven which has been pre-heated to 400 degrees. Roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring once. When they come out of the oven, toss a little bit of lemon juice on them and enjoy!

Remember: The Market is in its Winter Hours (10am-Noon) and will be open rain, shine, sleet or snow! During the Winter, the Market starts with the ringing of the Opening Bell at 10am sharp. Some vendors have moved around, so if you are having a hard time finding a vendor, stop by the Market's info table and we'll help you out.

See you at the Market,
Erin Kauffman
Market Manager
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Fresh this Week....
FRUITS: KIWIS!
VEGETABLES: CLAYTONIA, Acorn Squash, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Broccoli Raab, Brussels Sprouts, Bok Choi, Butternut Squash, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Cress, Collards, Daikon Radish, Dandelion Greens, Delicata Squash, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Fennel, Fresh & Dried Herbs (Cilantro, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley), Frisee, Green Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mache, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Peppers, Potatoes, Pea Shoots, Pumpkins, Radicchio, Radishes, Salad Mix,  Spaghetti Squash, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Sweet Potatoes, Tat Soi, Greenhouse Grown Tomatoes, Turmeric, Turnips, Turnip Greens, Winter Squash, and more
MEATS AND EGGS:  LAMB & MUTTON, Beef, Bison, Chicken, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Pork, Veal, Rabbit, Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged COW and GOAT milk cheeses.
PLANTS: Bedding Plants, and House Plants.
FLOWERS: HOLIDAY GREENERY, A FEW Anemones, Dried Bouquets
SPECIALTY ITEMS: Raw Honey, Pasta, Flour, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Breads, Cookies & Pastries, Fermented Foods, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, 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