Black Eyed Peas Appearing at Local Farmers’ Markets

WE'RE ALL CHOKED UP
Determined eaters have been enjoying artichokes since the days of ancient Rome, and you can pick up fresh California artichokes from Suncoast Farm at the Little Italy, North Park and Adams Avenue farmers' markets almost all year long, including right now! Don't fret if you've never cooked a whole choke, get the goods on how to prepare them at artichokes.org. (Click: Recipes and Such / Basic Preparation) We also like them grilled, or in this wonderful frittata.

ARTIE'S FRITTATA
Trim ten baby artichokes (see link above), then cook in boiling water with a squeeze of lemon for five minutes; allow to cool.  Sautee a half pound of crimini mushrooms from Kawano Farms in olive oil, then mix in artichokes, a chopped green onion and a medium-sized diced heirloom tomato from your favorite farmer.  Pour a half dozen beaten farm-fresh eggs into a well-oiled, oven-proof pan, add the vegetables and bake for about 20 minutes, until eggs are firm and begin to brown on the edges. We like a little Shredded Blend from Taste Cheese on top. Slice into four pieces and enjoy with a simple salad of mixed greens and ripe avocado.

BLACK EYED PEAS HERE!
The black eyed peas will appear with the strawberry beans, northeastern flat beans and edamame on the JR Organic Farm table at North Park and Little Italy this week; get there early as they are sure to sell out. Then grab a bowl and start shelling, popping the beans (or field peas as they call these baby black eyed peas in the south) out of their long pods. Steam, with or without a bit of pork, and enjoy.

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FARMERS MARKET VENDING 101

Learn how to apply for permits, how to apply for space, and how to successfully market your crop or product at San Diego farmers' markets. Tuesday, November 2, 6 pm to 8:30 pm Limited class size. Register now!

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VEGGIN' OUT AT ADAMS
Renowned chef and author George Vutetakis aka The Vegetarian Guy will be at the Adams Avenue Farmers' Market this Wednesday to demonstrate recipes from his cookbook, Vegetarian Traditions.  He'll be teaming up with Suzie's Farms to celebrate their autumn crops with roasted butternut squash medallions.  For another fresh take on veggies, check out the delicious salads from our newest vendor, Rype Catering, including Roasted Beet with Shallots and Feta and Asian Avocado Black Bean with Cilantro and Sesame. We've turned on the lights at the market and we're open 3 pm to 7 pm year-round.

TAKING IT TO THE STREET IN NORTH PARK
We now close Herman Street every Thursday afternoon, expanding the North Park market into the street and making room to add even more farmers and artisan food vendors.  Look for hearty homemade soups from Village Crossroads, Babbo Grande crepes and Springhill Cheese among the new offerings. 

This Thursday, North Park favorite Sea Rocket Bistro is teaming up with the market for a special four-course dinner featuring produce from market farmers Smit Orchards, R&L Farms, Suzie's Farm and JR Organics.  Your first course will be served on the street at the North Park farmers' market, then you'll wander over to 30th Street to finish your meal at Sea Rocket, all for one price. Check out the menu and reserve your tickets here. Dress code? We're thinking the unbearably cool new North Park Farmers' Market tee shirt is the way to go.

LITTLE ITALY PASSES CENTURY MARK
No, the Little Italy Mercato's not a hundred years old (it actually just turned two in June), but it now features over one hundred vendors of farm fresh produce, artisan foods and local handicrafts in 130 booths every Saturday.  Tom King Farm, Vang's Farm and J.R. Organics are the latest local farms to join the party, and Morocco Gold Dates and Rainbow Nursery are back for their harvest seasons. Watch for more exciting new offerings in upcoming weeks.