It’s been a great year for the fledgling Newburyport Farmer’s Market! Despite a rainy June it evolved into an active and vital part of the community, even garnering a spot on the Toyota Farm to Table Tour schedule. As the harvest season moves on and we come into winter weather, I am happy to say that some dedicated farmers are still willing to brave even the Nor’Easter storm we had this Sunday, withstanding the elements to bring special culinary delights to other weather-hardy people like myself. I admire and appreciate the raw red hands that cheerfully passed on their special wares to me…..thanks for being there!
One thing that made my visit well worth the while were the simply lovely, simply delicious French Breakfast Radishes grown and sold by Middle Earth Farms, CSA, from Amesbury MA. A Fall treat that can’t be found in the supermarket produce section, and well worth donning a hat to find at the stormy-day Farmer’s Market. Rustically served with a pat of pure unsalted butter seasoned with sea salt and pepper, these mild radishes are a sweet, tender delicacy best enjoyed with a minimum of fuss.
Another highlight – also from Middle Earth Farms – were some sweet and lovely leeks, crisp and fresh from the brisk Fall weather. The tops, once rinsed, were the perfect stock seasoning for a Sunday soup – this week a simple concoction of chicken, leeks and potatoes. The green tops seasoned the stock and the sweet white bottoms gave body and flavor to the soup itself.
Just off shore from the howling winds, selling locally grown and trusted fresh produce, I commend the efforts of our farmers, and am delighted to find the Farmer’s Market is extending their stay at The Tannery parking lot into December! The Sunday hours from late October to December 20 will be 10 – 1. Who says being a Locavore only happens in summer? Celebrate the Holiday Season with some local foods, brought to you by farmers carrying on the vital and welcome tradition of fresh foods, grown and raised in our own back yard.
Timeless Gourmet
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