Fascinating Finds at the Farmers Market

Every once in a while, the Patch makes interesting and exotic discoveries during Sunday jaunts to the . Take a look at some rare but edible treasures we found this season.

Giant onions

Onions as big as baseballs were making market-goers do a double take.

Exclusive at the Berumen Farms stall, the globular red and white onions were a steal at $2 each or three for $5.

The red onions are usually eaten raw, grilled, char-broiled or included in salads and sandwiches. The usually sweeter white onions are best used for sautéing and the popular pick for traditional Mexican cuisine.

Although onions in general are in season from May to November, an employee of the Westminster-based grower said that the giant onions’ availability was limited.

Squash blossoms

These orange-colored and trumpet-shaped blossoms were a sight to behold. These delicate vegetables are usually home grown or only available in farmers markets.

Also known as “flor de calabaza,” squash blossoms, with their subtle, zucchini-like taste, are considered by many connoisseurs to be integral to the cuisine of Mexico City.

These orange beauties can be eaten raw but are usually incorporated in tacos, quesadillas and salads. Some more daring chefs include them in risottos and soups. Sometimes, they are even served stuffed or beer-battered.

They are extraordinarily perishable, lasting only several hours or a couple of days in ideal conditions. They should be rinsed out, air-dried on the counter, then wrapped in paper towels before storing in a sealed plastic container in the refrigerator.

Ayala Farms, based in Oxnard, had them in limited quantities and for the summer only. One dollar will get you five blossoms.

Yellow plums

Plums usually come in red, purple or blue-black, so yellow plums were a rare but welcome sight.

To date, there are over 100 plum varieties in the US, all with varying tastes and looks. Relatives of peaches and nectarines, plums are also considered stone fruits due to their large and hard seeds.

The sunflower yellow variety, officially known as yellow flavor queen plums, are known for their fragrant smell and delicious, succulent flavor. They make wonderful salad additions, and are usually turned into jams, jellies and sorbets. 

Exeter-based G Farms were selling the yellow plums for $2 a pound. Most plums are available year-round but are at their prime between May and September.

The Agoura Farmers Market is open from 9 am to 2 pm every Sunday at 5835 Kanan Rd.