Summer is here. Need proof? If the heat, humidity and presence of children in the house on weekdays doesn't make the case, we'll settle things by pointing out that the first SUMMER squash are in at the Pleasantville Farmers Market. The season's parade of squash is on, beginning with succulent, petite yellow squash and zucchini. Pattypan squash will arrive soon as well. Summer squash varieties are small, fast growing and best eaten immature before rinds and seeds harden. They're also best fresh, and of course when shopping directly from our farmers you always get items that are just picked. The delicate flavor, soft rind and creamy white flesh of summer squash makes them the perfect addition to any summer meal, whether grilled, steamed, or sauteed. On a nutritional level we defer to Phelps for input:
Phelps Health Tip:
Market Sponsor Phelps Memorial Hospital Center is involved in helping our community make connections for better health. In that spirit they have provided the following Phelps Health Tip for this week:
"Health experts have emphasized the significance of reducing sodium and increasing potassium levels in the US diet. Sodium levels are high in processed foods and low in fresh produce. Potassium occurs naturally in fresh beets and beet greens, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, mushrooms, peppers, radishes, spinach, tomatoes and squash."
Plan Ahead:
To review vendors attending this Saturday, using our Interactive Map of the Market, click here.
Healthy Snack
Pickle Licious makes Giardiniera, farm to table using fresh cauliflower, carrots, celery and sweet peppers and steeping them to perfection for a crunchy and tangy delight. Pint sizes are $1 off this week.
BTW: Strawberries are at Peak!
Look for quarts of delicious strawberries at Mead Orchards, Breezy Hill Orchards, Madura Farms and Newgate Farms.
Get Into a Summer Rhythm with Saturday's Events:
Annual Tie Dye T-shirt Day!
Nothing is more summery then Tie Dye T-Shirt Day. From 9:30am to 11:30am step in line with $8 (and the courage to wear a smock) and you will go home with a tie dye Market t-shirt. Shirts are short sleeved this year and feature the Market's cheerful chicken logo. The best part is YOU get to be the one who applies the colorful dyes.
Loop Back to the North End:
The Market is please to welcome back guitar virtuoso Doug Munro, a veteran of the New York music scene. Since 1987 he has released eleven albums and has appeared on over fifty recordings as a sideman, producer and arranger. As a solo artist Doug is his own accompanist, creating looping background tracks and playing lead guitar above. Stop by the north end of the Market between 10am - 12pm to see Doug perform.
To keep on top of over 60 events at the Market throughout the season get to know the website's Calendar page by clicking here.
Need a Hand With That?
Enjoying the season's harvest, but not enjoying handled plastic bags accumulating in the kitchen, or environment? Shopping at the Market doesn't have to mean loading up on plastic bags. If you want fewer plastic bags in your kitchen and lifestyle, the Market has convenient, sturdy tote bags, made from 100% recycled plastic - and they can be used again and again. Purchase one bag for $3, or two for $5 at the Manager's Tent in the Market.
Get to Know the "Hidden Parking Lots of Pville"
There are 7 parking lots within a few blocks of the Market. Get to know them all by clicking here to download a parking map.
Next Week: Wear Your Tie Dye
We just had to keep this image in one more week. For the July 5th Saturday, it would be fun to see how your shirts turned out. Wear your tie dye shirt next week so we can compliment you on your color sense, and community spirit!
