UDJ 5-30 Column
From CFI
Anyone skip the farmer’s market last Saturday because of the low temperature and projected rain? Had I predicted the weather prediction, I would have reminded you that the produce section in chain groceries is artificially chilled, automatically misted, and sometimes even has that clever imitation thunder sound. Cool and wet is picture perfect produce gathering weather, at least from the produce’s perspective.
Limiting the Saturday market to the morning is our way of keeping your produce fresh in the Ukiah heat. So, even though you will like tomorrow’s weather better than the basil does, you can still count on the farmer’s market for the freshest possible produce.
This Saturday, Covelo Organics has promised the premier of snap peas in our young local season. Tomorrow at the market:
• A farmer’s market debut by Ukiah Symphony harpist Jessica Schaeffer, and flute player Tracie Triolo with an eclectic blend of classical, popular, and folk music. • The debut of our series of readings for children, featuring Melanie Lightbody, County Librarian. 10AM • Chef Demonstration: Indian style spinach and chickpeas with rice. Samples provided. 10 AM. Sponsored by the Ukiah Natural Foods Co-op. • Learn about solar and renewable energy options from Gaia Energy Systems. • In partnership with the Ukiah Main Street Program we will feature our excellent downtown independent businesses. This Saturday, meet Liv Fashion Boutique & Tierra-Art, Garden, Wine. • Meet the Masters – Have plant or gardening questions? Newly graduated University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners will be on hand to provide answers. Come meet them and learn about this great program. Starting at 9 AM.
Work a Friday night shift? Have kids with practice on Saturday morning? Good news! Now you can also get fresh, healthy, local farm food at the Ukiah Tuesday Farmer’s Market. Open through October, 3-6 PM in Alex Thomas Plaza.
Now, farmer’s market shopping tips, Part II:
4. Taste your way through the market. Many vendors offer samples. You can compare olive oils, cheeses, dressings and other things. As the season progresses look for samples of things that are ripe and abundant
5. Be curious; ask and participate. Ask about what is at its peak or special and get tips about how to prepare it. Learn about where and how things were grown. If you don’t see something you expect, ask why.
More next week.
Tip of the week: Like eggs? Check out Lover’s Lane Farm and Elk Creamery. They present strong evidence a free range chicken with a view is a happy chicken indeed. Teaser of the week: still have some time due on your 15 minutes of fame? Plan to be at the market on June 14. You could be on TV.
A market high-five to the many members of our Kiwanis and Rotary clubs who are coming to market! (Rotary crew, just so you know, the Kiwanis seem to have you outnumbered so far.)
Ever consider why you live on a planet with 800 million starving people and 1 billion overweight people? Raj Patel, author of Stuffed and Starved, has. Patel provides an information packed and lively explanation of his conclusions. He can even tell you why shopping at farmer’s markets is one of the best ways to reduce both of those numbers. You can see him Monday, June 2, 6:15 PM at the Willits Community Center, 111 East Commercial.
Ukiah’s certified farmer’s markets are from 8:30 AM to noon Saturday and 3-6 PM Tuesday’s on School Street starting at Clay Street and in Alex Thomas Plaza. To learn more about our Mendocino County Farmer’s Markets, go to http://mcfarm.org/. If you have questions about the Ukiah Saturday market contact Scott Cratty at 462-7377 or cratty@comcast.net
