Miniature Vegetables

An organic farm based in the Capay Valley, northeast of San Francisco, recently made its debut at the .

Capay Farms, the new vendor on the block, is starting small and selling only miniature versions of its best spring crops.

Baby Bok Choy   

These miniature versions of the Chinese cabbage come in plastic containers to prevent bruising and wilting. Native to China, the baby bok choy is usually found in temperate climates.

Packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene and iron, these leafy, green vegetables can be eaten whole, unlike the regular bok choy. Daniel Martinez, a farm employee, also suggests grilling, roasting, steaming or braising these tender and sweet-tasting mini cabbages.

“Look for full, dark green leaves with no signs of wilting or yellowing,” said Martinez.

Priced at $1 per container, the baby bok choy should be refrigerated in a plastic bag and consumed within three days.

Baby Turnips

“Many people are unsure about what to do with turnips,” said Martinez. “I think that’s why they don’t buy them as much as the other vegetables.”

The potato-like vegetable is about the size of an apple. The smaller they are, the sweeter the flavor, said Martinez.

Martinez offers copies of an easy recipe for glazed baby turnips and carrots printed out for interested market-goers. The turnips can be eaten raw or added to salads and vegetable platters. Diced turnips can also lend a hearty flavor to soups.

Things to look out for when buying turnips: a smooth skin, firmness, crisp green tops and a sweet aroma. For $2 a bunch, they are worth a try.

German Butterball Potatoes

Petite, golden-skinned potatoes were also part of Capay Farms’ attractive array of organic vegetables.

According to Martinez, the German butterball potatoes have no similarities or relationship to the well-known turkey brand. However, like the famous turkey, these potatoes are packed with flavor and taste buttery. Hence, the name butterball came about.

For $2 a pound, market-goers can bring home the round or oblong russet-type potatoes. They are quite versatile and can be grilled, roasted, baked, fried, steamed, mashed and even stuffed with melted cheese.

Most potatoes, including German butterballs, can be stored unwashed and unwrapped for several weeks. They are best kept in a cool, dark and dry place and away from onions.

More Miniatures

Capay Farms is also at the Calabasas Farmers Market on Saturdays. In the next few weeks, watch out for their harvest of Nantes carrots, baby spinach and arugula.

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