UDJ 5-23 Column - Tips pt. 1
From CFI
Last Saturday we had another great turnout at the market. Don, of Don’s Custom Woodworking, reports it was the best attended market he has seen—and he has been at it for a while. Way to build a robust local economy! Marla Anderson did an amazing job coordinating the neighboring Pastel in the Plaza event. Heck, she even sported one of our fashionable farmer’s market hats … now that’s neighborliness. Bet you are itching to find out about this week’s events at the market. Itch no more:
• The return of local favorite Don Willis filling the market café with continental music. • Learn how to cook mixed vegetables tofu. Chef demonstration at 9:30. Samples provided. (Chef Demonstration fans, rejoice. Watch this space for lots more this season—all sponsored by the Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op.) • Meet all four candidates for the District 2 seat on the Board of Supervisors. Each candidate will host an informal conversation at a table in the market café from 10-11:30AM. • First 5 will host a SPARK (Sports Play and Active Recreation for Kids) area for younger kids. Nearby the Mendocino County Public Health Loving Support Breastfeeding Program will host activities and provide educational giveaways.
The Ukiah Saturday Farmer’s Market will also feature our shiny new machine for processing Food Stamp EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) benefits. If you have EBT credit, please come to the Friends of the Market table and help us wear out the keys. You can get the best fresh and healthy food while directing your share of this important benefit directly into the hands of our local farms. Thanks to Mimi Booth, Linda Helland and Susan Keegan for making it happen.
For you many great community boosters who are trying out our local farmer’s markets this year, here are a few tips to ensure that you have the best possible experience.
1. Start with a tour of the whole market. Unlike a standard grocery store, the eggs are not all in one place at the farmer’s market. Instead, you may find eggs next to the honey in one stall and different eggs next to the strawberries in another. The perfect choice for you may be waiting at the far end of the market.
2. Have a strategy for the day. Got places to go, people to see? Need to get right home to dethaw that organic beef or pork or to chop the vegetables for tonight’s celebration? You might want to arrive early for the best selection and before the crowd builds. If you have more time, your best bet might be to invite some friends to relax in the café, or maybe pick up some bread, chevre and fruit to enjoy in Alex Thomas Plaza, before taking in a cooking demonstration. That way you can pick up any perishables needed to try it at home and do your major shopping toward the end of the morning.
3. Regardless of your strategy, treat your perishables well. The farmers worked hard to get it to you as fresh and full of nutrition and flavor as possible. You will enjoy it most if you can keep it that way. Have a cooler with you or in the car to preserve your purchases should you decide to linger.
Check this column next week for another installment of farmer’s market friendly tips.
That Ukiah Saturday market is open from 8:30 AM to noon every Saturday and is located on School Street starting at Clay Street and in Alex Thomas Plaza. To learn more about farmer’s markets throughout Mendocino County, go to http://mcfarm.org/. If you have questions about the Ukiah Saturday market contact market manager Scott Cratty at 462-7377 or cratty@comcast.net
