From apricots to zucchini, the tables at the DCFM are full of fresh, producer-raised produce. Tomatoes are coming fresh from the fields. Sweet and hot peppers are coming on strong. Carrots, beets, beans and raspberries are plentiful. Door County cherries and apricots are juicy and delicious.

And don't forget about the protein. The locally raised meats found at the DCFM are several cuts above what you'll find at conventional outlets. How do we know? Because many of the top chefs in Madison choose to buy their meat from DCFM vendors.

We've had the opportunity to visit a number of restaurants this week as participant diners in Madison Restaurant Week. The name of DCFM vendors are prominantely displayed as a badge of honor on the menu of many restaurants sourcing products from DCFM vendors. That includes vegetables and cheeses along with the meats.

Grab an extra bag. Get up a few minutes early. We're in the peak of the season at the DCFM!


See you at market!

Bill Lubing

 

 

The display of calla lilies at the stall of Meadow Acres was drawing quite a crowd last week. Well-known DCFM vendor Alice Jackson (daughter of Alice and David Jackson) was filled with calla lilies of many hues.

Alice says that, "In the past there were only a few colors of calla lilies, the whites and the yellows." She says that breeders "have come a long way" in providing calla lilies of varying heights and colors. From yellow framed in red, oranges, pinks, and deep purple all the way to black, the selection is awesome.

The calla lily is not overly difficult to take care of. Alice says they make excellent indoor and outdoor plants.

To enjoy them outdoors, "You can just bury the pot in the summer. Here in Wisconsin you have to bring it inside in the winter. Just pull it, bring it into the basement and just let it go dormant. In the spring take it out of the soil, because they'll probably have little babies, and just re-pot them and put them back in the ground."

They also make an excellent house plant. "Just put them in a sunny window. And don't over water," she warns. "It's better to underwater than it is to over water."

Alice notes that calla lilies are "the most sought after cut flower for weddings because they are so consistent and reliable." She says they're beautiful and hardy, lasting up to ten days after cutting.

Alice expects to be offering calla lilies at the market for the next couple of weeks. She is also well known for her herb plants, day lilies, and patty pan squash. She says her patty pan squash will shortly be arriving at the market.

The Meadow Acres stall is located on West Main St.


For More Information:
Meadow Acres
Alice Jackson
920-648-2226
jcrafts@gdinet.com

 

We strive to keep this list as accurate as possible. We probably  missed an item or two that is at the market or listed an item as available when it is not. Chances are not all items mentioned or listed below will be at each market. If you'd like to check with your favorite vendor about product availability, go here, then do a search for contact information.

Lynn Bednarek  from Stenrud Greenhouses dropped us a line to let us know that their special haricots verts are in, along with pole beans and Italian flat beans. In additional, last week we saw yellow beans, snap peas, and rossa verde (purple) beans.

Blueberries are holding up and the sweet corn just continues to improve. The selection of tomatoes, especially the heirlooms, is getting better but is not what you'd call prolific just yet.

Onion and squash quantities and varieties are increasing. If you see something that interests you, don't hesitate to ask the seller about it.

There are some beautiful bouquets of basil to be found at the market, their fragrance quite commanding. Check with Peter Roberson and company at RP's Pasta Company to see what they have that would go well with home made pesto. It's easy to make and freezes well. Here is a good basic pesto recipe. Last year Chef David McKercher showed us how he makes pesto for the Mermaid Cafe by way of an informative video.

Joan and Ted Ballweg from Savory Accents had some nice looking peppers last week. A new variety for them, called the Bulgarian carrot pepper looks similar to its mild-tasting cousin, but provides plenty of heat for chili, roasting, or salsas. The couple has a new value added product available. Called Harissa Paste, it is a standard ingredient of North African cuisine. They provide a few recipes that use it, which we're anxious to try.


To find a vendor or product you can: 1) check the DCFM website; Ask at the DCFM Information Booth at the top of State Street; or take a leisurely stroll through the market.

2010 Saturday Outdoor Market Schedule