Cartons of Raspberries

Raspberries - Photo:Chad

On Farmer’s Market mornings, the last thing I want is to wake up to a heavy rainstorm and, in such situations, putting it off until a nicer day or maybe just heading over to the grocery store would seem like a more sensible thing to do.  My experience over the last few months, from buying most of my groceries from market vendors, has changed my outlook considerably.

I know that many of the farmers and merchants drive long distances to bring their produce and other goodies to all of us Madison foodies and, if they can be there rain or shine, so can I.

Even though the weather report called for rain all day, I was able to leave my umbrella in the car, and get my shopping at the Wednesday Hilldale Farmer’s Market without even a touch of rain.

The vendors I talked to were upbeat, and said that they were able to sit out most of the storm, and had to move very little of their product out of the rain (which could be considered a pre-wash).  Some enterprising vendors made the best of the slightly lower than average turnout by having sales. The owner of Earthly Edibles was offering a couple bucks off her shitake mushrooms, so I picked up a ¼ lb. of mushrooms and will dry whatever I don’t use this week.  I wasn’t even planning on getting any mushrooms, but who can turn down a sale?

As for what was actually there this week, I saw broccoli and cauliflower, squashes and zucchinis of all sizes, onions, beets, tomatoes, potatoes, radishes, some salad greens, lots of beans, and new (for me at least) raspberries.

Green and Wax Beans

Beans - Photo:Chad

Strawberry season is so short, painfully so, that having raspberries follow up right away softens the blow somewhat.  I’m not sure if the berries I picked up will be made into a recipe or just eaten raw.

Here’s what I ended up with:

  • Raspberries from Farmer Bob’s Produce
  • Bacon from Bruman’s Natural Meats
  • Broccoli from Nehmer’s Produce
  • Potatoes and Zucchini from Saomas Garden
  • Shitakes from Earthly Edibles
  • Green Beans from Xay Lo Garden
  • Radishes from Xong Garden

I also picked up a bottle of dressing from Sasha’s.  These locally crafted “sweet” dressings are great for those days you don’t want to whip up a vinaigrette.  Not only are they available at the Hilldale market, but also at Hy-Vee or through their website.  Lindsay and I highly recommend the Sweet & Savory.

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