Farmers Market: What's Ripe This Week

Hot weather this week has kept the summertime crops rolling for farmers. Whether you head to Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, or Denver, here is your guide to making the most of your local farmers market this weekend.

What's in: All kinds of apples, pears, tomatoes, peppers, beans, summer squash and zucchini, corn, and leafy greens keep the summer fun rolling. If you're starting to yearn for heartier fare, potatoes, carrots, and freshly-dug beets might be just the ticket.

Don't miss out: Though you might be tempted to reach for traditional Bartlett pears at the fruit stand, ask about rarer asian pears for a crisp texture and incomparable flavor. Tomatoes are in full swing, so if you want to can them or make sauce, ask a farmer if they have discounts on damaged seconds.

How to prepare: Intimidated by the prospect of preparing colorful beets? Local farmer Krysten Raymond revealed her easy secrets for preparing the sweet root. She suggests you boil the beets until tender - the time will vary based on their size. Then, slice them into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, salt, rosemary and garlic. Place them in the broiler until the edges begin to crisp, and serve with local goat cheese.

When and where:

Thursday - Lafayette, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m at 400 E. Simpson St.

Saturday - Boulder, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 13th St. between Arapahoe Ave. and Canyon Blvd

Denver, Union Station, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1701 Wynkoop St.

Longmont, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 9595 Nelson Rd.

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Photo Credit: Mara Abbott/Patch