Argenta News & Blog - Tomorrow at the Farmers Market

Tomorrow at the Farmers Market

Written by Eric Francis

Monday, July 21 2008

Tomorrow morning is the Certified Arkansas Farmers Market on Main Street. I don't have a specific list of what's going to be on tap, but here's a rundown of what's in season from CAFM guru Jody Hardin's latest newsletter, sent on Sunday. Grab a bag and head for Main Street tomorrow a.m. if any of this appeals to you!

What’s in season?
Peaches: Peaches are in prime season, and just a few weeks before the highly anticipated White County white nectar peach hits the market. Lorens and Red Globe are due to hit this next week. The Elberta peach (not sure of spelling) is supposed to hit this week. Prices should run 1.5 to 3.00 per lb. depending on the size of your order.

Tomatoes are in prime season, perhaps peaking in the southern part of Arkansas. Some heirloom plants are just beginning to come off, while some are just beginning to bloom. This has been a widespread conversation among tomato farmers this year. We are getting a late bloom, and prices have remained pretty firm.

Sweet Corn just peaked this past weekend from Hardin Farms in Grady. However, it is possible that we may find another grower with corn come into the market unexpectedly. Some small crops of corn will likely find their way to CAFM over the next few weeks, and then there is a chance in the fall that we may have another small harvest of sweet corn.

Watermelons and canteloupes have come into full season, with an abundant supply of good quality melons until late morning both Tuesday and Saturday.

Okra is coming off pretty steady, and more should hit the market next week.

Purple hull peas are coming in steadily, already shelled and packed in one pound packages. You can also buy bushels if you can place an order ahead of time with your farmers.

The beefalo lady is working on the next batch of pastured beefalo to be ready this weekend. From this point, she expects to have a steady supply on Tuesday and Saturday market days.

Blackberries and raspberries are nearly over.

Honey: Hopefully, some of our new beekeepers are going to call CAFM home. Local honey is one of the top items on my list of local necessities that should be in any fresh market. Fresh local honey, bought from the person who collected it, is one of the most important dietary health measures one can take, in my opinion. This is something that is coming together well, as we have recently met some members of the local beekeepers association who want to join CAFM. Help us welcome them to the market and try several different kinds if you get the opportunity. Word is that this years’ honey is the best in several years. So far, I agree.

Farm raised catfish is one of the most requested products, and we are having a hard time finding the right farmer. We’ll keep looking.

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