Summertime is prime time for farmers markets, and there are more than ever in the Atlanta area. The Norcross Community Market makes its debut Saturday in downtown Norcross.
At these markets, farmers meet shoppers one-on-one to sell their just-picked crops. Friends and neighbors, many with kids and dogs in tow, chat about the week and compare purchases.
Checking Georgia Organic's list of what's in season for June, shoppers can expect to see arugula, basil, beans, blueberries, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, okra, the last of the season's asparagus and beets, and the first of summer's peaches and tomatoes. (See georgiaorganics.org.)
There’s often a good crop of freshly baked breads and locally made cheeses, jams, sausages and honey at the markets, too. Most farmers markets have recipe demonstrations by chefs and cookbook authors.
Most farmers markets’ websites offer recipes for what’s in season. Don’t know what to do with those fresh ramps or all of those strawberries you bought? John Pastor, market chef of Brookhaven Farmers Market, suggests making a ramp pesto and using the fresh strawberries in a compote recipe to enjoy over pork.
“Be curious! Ask questions and try to get to know your farmers,” Pastor advised. “Enjoy the market atmosphere.”
Sometimes, the romance of an open-air market can encourage buying more than you need, so be watchful of food waste, or learn to preserve fresh finds. The Preserving Place in the Westside Provisions District offers classes in Canning 101 and a specific class just for canning tomatoes.
To market, to market
— Try varieties of fruits and vegetables you’ve never tasted before. There are often a lot of samples available. Give the kids a taste, too. Talk to the farmers; if they grew it, they are happy to tell you how to cook it.
— Buy some ripe, and some not so ripe. With tomatoes and peaches, choose ripe ones to eat that day. Choose firmer ones that will ripen on the kitchen counter to enjoy a few days later.
— Bring clean reusable bags. Dirty bags can contaminate your perfect produce.
— Look for perishable foods such as eggs, cheeses, yogurts, meats, seafood and sausages displayed on ice or in refrigerated coolers. Have a cooler with ice in your car to take your tasty summer treasures home safely.
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