Hi, Local Food Forum folks… this is a little wrinkle on the Substack publishing platform that I want to test drive, because I really hope this will be an interactive community project. Let’s start with something light. All local food deserves love, but what particular veggie or fruit are you most anxious to see turn up in the markets?
Definitely aboard with you berry people, though I have to admit I'm pawing the ground waiting for the first local asparagus. Not only do I love it, but it's symbolically the official start of spring. :)
Vanilla malts. Malt is a grain therefore a vegetable right? Also such a great summer drink and you can walk off the calories. Oh — and vanilla is a plant I think! If wrong on my facts I still want this item available. Thank you for not using my real name.
I think for the July 4th issue I'll ask sweet corn farmers to share photos of how high the corn is. There's that old saying, "Knee high by the 4th of July." There was one fluky year (2018?) when the corn grew so fast there was some in the market by July 4; usually it's late July or early August.
We're always thrilled when the peaches start coming in from Hardin's Family Farm in Eau Claire, MI. We get them at the Glenwood Sunday Market in Rogers Park.
ANY kind of berries!! Fresh tomatoes all colors and sizes
Definitely aboard with you berry people, though I have to admit I'm pawing the ground waiting for the first local asparagus. Not only do I love it, but it's symbolically the official start of spring. :)
Berries and corn! Berries and corn! I’ll take em straight, but sweet corn ice cream is also a seasonal favorite.
Vanilla malts. Malt is a grain therefore a vegetable right? Also such a great summer drink and you can walk off the calories. Oh — and vanilla is a plant I think! If wrong on my facts I still want this item available. Thank you for not using my real name.
Vanilla and malt are definitely plant-based products.
I'm always most excited for asparagus in the spring and blueberries in the summer. Sweet corn is fun, too.
I was told that the Boulder Farmer's Market in CO had beet donuts with a yuzu glaze but haven't found that vendor just yet...
Thanks, Julie. Definitely a candidate for the most unique item in this thread. :)
Bi-color sweet corn from Wiltse's Farm in Maple Park!
I think for the July 4th issue I'll ask sweet corn farmers to share photos of how high the corn is. There's that old saying, "Knee high by the 4th of July." There was one fluky year (2018?) when the corn grew so fast there was some in the market by July 4; usually it's late July or early August.
Green garlic. All the weeds--I mean, foraged plants like nettles and lambs quarter and such. More green garlic.
I'm getting an idea that you like green garlic. (So do I... I'm getting some tomorrow in a delivery order from Three Sisters Garden.)
Strawberries from Earth First!
Raspberries and peaches!
I knew that!
Peaches for sure!
I’m with Jim as to the strawberries & rhubarb, though I’m the sole rhubarb fan in our family.
Zucchini squash. I make an incredible zucchini bread which is basically cake.
[Note to self: Hit Matt up for zucchini bread] I use vast amounts of zucchini when in season. It is so versatile.
Yes , I was able to winter over one plant
We're always thrilled when the peaches start coming in from Hardin's Family Farm in Eau Claire, MI. We get them at the Glenwood Sunday Market in Rogers Park.
I'll see you at Glenwood!
Swiss chard and peaches.
Do you grow chard in your wonderful garden, Gerry?
Strawberries and rhubarb!
Sounds like it's pie time!
Raspberries
Strawberries