Mushrooms are Magic and Mothers Day at the Vienna Farmers Market

The Vienna Farmers Market is proud to introduce one of our newest vendors to the customers of the market—please welcome Ferial Walsh and the Mushroom Stand (this is her first farmers market in Virginia so please stop by and make her feel welcome). Stop by and say hello and get to know her and her wonderful mushrooms while also gaining and education about these wonderful mushrooms. You’ll find out more about these wonderful morels/morsels than you ever knew in just a few minutes. Last week Farmer Dave and I learned about Maitake (the clean mushroom), we bought some wild green Ramps for the family but learned quickly that you should share with the whole family as they are quite strong! There was Wild Porcini Mushrooms, Honey mushrooms, Piopini mushrooms, delicate Black Trumpets, Oyster mushrooms, Royal Trumpets, the wonderful delightful Wood Ear mushrooms (so rare), Oyster Mushrooms—did someone say the poor man’s Portabella? We found Portabellas of course, and Shitake, and Crimini and a selection of all of the above.

Did you know that you have to cook mushrooms to get the most nutritional value from them? Mushrooms can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days--in a paper bag please! Clean them with a damp cloth or soft brush. Or rinse them with water and pat dry with a paper towel paying special attention to the underside of the mushroom – the fleshy part. But don’t wash them until ready to cook with them. They are wonderful steamed and sautéed or broiled of course. Come visit us on Saturday and learn more with us – its fun.   

Don't forget Mother's Day on Sunday! At the market this Saturday—our vendors will have plenty of items for sale for this Saturday and why not choose something simple and green? Pick up something green like a flowering plant, herbs or a basil or tomato plant? That’s exactly what I’d want! Or go simple with a bouquet of wildflowers. Or how about a small basket containing fresh strawberries, asparagus, fresh sheep cheese, mushrooms and farmers eggs? Or how about some sausage and a steak? A collection of dips, granola and a selection of readymade items from Borek-G would be welcome by most.  And speaking personally, during her last years, my mother’s favorite treat was a large bag of Betty Jane’s Sweet Delight (hand-crafted peanut brittle). The Vienna Farmers Market is at 301 Center Street South (Faith Baptist Church parking lots) and the market is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna. See you at the market this Saturday and here next week at the Patch—Farmer SJ