The Local Dirt: Peaches & Cherries are Calling You

May 26, 2016

Vol 11, Issue 15

Market Updates

Vendor News

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Memorial Day Weekend is shaping up to be beautiful, and we've got everything you need for your long holiday weekend at the farmers market. Rejoice and indulge in early season Juan Flame peaches and Chelan cherries from Maryhill Fruit Company. Strawberries will again be bountiful, especially with Liepold Farms starting their season off this week.

There are plenty of options for cooking out this weekend, including chicken from Naked Acres Farm, buffalo, yak, and pork cuts and grinds from Pine Mountain Ranch, grass-fed beef and pastured pork and more from Deck Family Farm. Of course some freshly harvested asparagus, zucchini, fava beans, potatoes and spring onions are great over the fire too.

Umi Organic is back with their addictive fresh ramen noodles; get a beautiful and delicious bowl ready to eat at

market, or a package of noodles to take home for creating your own masterpiece.

Dragonfly Forge will also be on deck, so don't forget your knives and other household blades, otherwise it's another two weeks before Gabriel will be back.

Vote for us!

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This is the last week to vote for us in Willamette Week's Best of Portland , in the "Best Farmers Market" category! Last year we came in second place - this feels like our year to take the gold! Voting closes May 30th.

HFM T-shirt and tote bags

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Looks like warm weather will be returning next week, and what better way to enjoy it than by wearing a brand new Hollywood Farmers Market t-shirt to the market? High-quality, locally-printed tote bags are also available. You can find both at the farmers market's information booth (corner of 44th and Hancock) this Saturday!

Help us paint a mural on Hancock Street!

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The Hollywood Street Painting Project has a final design! See below. Mark your calendars for Sunday July 10th, when we will paint this beautiful 80-foot-long mural on our beloved block of Hancock Street. You can sign up for project updates by emailing Sarah at [email protected], or join our Facebook event here.

See you Saturday at the market!

Late Spring Cooking Tips

Early Fruit

All fruits develop in an arc of sweetness from the beginning of the season to the end. You can think of the earliest fruit as a vegetable because it's less sweet and use it in different ways. For example, use early strawberries in risotto like you would use tomato or prepare an Alsatian onion tart with raspberries.

Asparagus

First test the asparagus, figure out where it wants to naturally snap and break it there. This separates the tender stalk from the tougher end. Repeat with all of the spears. Keep the fibrous ends for another use (see below).

Fill a wide pan with water 2 inches deep and bring to a boil. Drop the asparagus in the boiling water. When the water comes back to a boil, add a 1/2 cup of cold water. Repeat 2-3 times. This evens out the cooking between the tip and the stalk end of the asparagus.

The end bits of asparagus make a great base for risotto. Cut the fibrous ends of the asparagus in finger thick slices. Boil in water for half an hour. Liquefy, strain, and use that liquid to make your risotto!

Rhubarb Spritzer

For a refreshing spring drink: Simmer 4 stalks of rhubarb (cut in 2-inch pieces) in a syrup (2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, lemon zest) until soft. Place everything in a blender and liquefy until as smooth as possible. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve. Use the rhubarb syrup to flavor sparkling water.

Entertainment & Events

Music

The Horsenecks

Community Booths

Columbia Slough Watershed Council

Demohack

Upcoming Events

Kids Activity with Joanna Sooper

Activity: Market Scavenger Hunt!

Saturday, June 11th, 9am to 12 noon

Vendors at Market this Saturday