cucumber

COOL AS A CUCUMBER

Have you been seeing those sneaky snake-like fruits popping up at the markets? Ta-daa! They're cucumbers! The cucumber, or Cucumis Sativus, is one of the most direct relatives to muskmelons and gourds, and as most people know, there's nothing quite as a cool as a cucumber- cucumber peels can be used to treat skin irritation or sunburns, and the fruit contains nearly 95% water and loads of potassium to keep you hydrated during the summer months.

Here's a refreshing tonic that will bring you back to life, especially if you've enjoying it too much! Sea salt delivers a healthy form of sodium with important trace minerals and elements like magnesium and calcium that replenish your supply of electrolytes. Try using one of the Natural Sea Salt blends from Salt Farm, and while you're at it grab a bunch of fresh mint from Maciel farms or JR Organics. Or, if you're hankering for a little exotic flavor, Paradise Valley Ranch has some tasty limes to twist into your drink.

Cucumber Cooler:
In a blender, mix together until completely pureed:
2 medium sized cucumbers
Juice from 2 limes
5-6 mint leaves
1 pinch of sea salt
1 cup water
2-3 ice cubes

Holy Mole Epazote!

Bored with the same old summertime gazpacho?  Why not add a new twist to your old favorite by adding Epazote (eh-pah-ZOE-teh) from Suzie's farm?  Despite its noxious gasoline like odor, Epazote's flavor is a cross between cilantro and dandelion greens. Traditionally it was added to black beans in Mexico because it aids in digestion and eliminates flatulence. However, it can be used to add a new and interesting flavor to some familiar dishes. 

When added to the usual gazpacho suspects, including heirloom tomatoes and green peppers from JR Organics, cucumbers from Valdivia Farms, Reed avocados from Ranchito Rainbow and limes from Paradise Valley, a sprig of Epazote will add some macho to your gazpacho (just check out this recipe)!

Mix fresh epazote leaves or the whole stem and leaves into beef stews, in quesadillas before adding the delicious goats Jack cheese from Springhill  or  chopped with fresh corn from Kawano farms.  Add it to your next mole and we think that you'll be shouting Holy Mole! 

Warning:  Use only the fresh leaves and stems in your recipes.  The dried herb is only suitable for medicinal teas.

REFRESHER COURSE

Agua Frescas are a great way to capture the sweet flavors of the season in a pitcher.  Simply puree your farm-fresh fruit (or other fresh produce) with a little water, a squeeze of lime and maybe a dash of sugar in a blender and strain.  A 4:1 ratio of water to fruit works well, but adjusting for your taste is easy. Adding fresh herbs will kick things up even more.

At the Adams Avenue Farmer’s Market, start by choosing Kawano Farms Strawberries and a little basil from Suzie’s Farm.  Guavas from Rancho Mexico Lindo with a little extra lime  from Paradise Valley Ranch will make a sweet-tart mixture that's sure to refresh.

Over at the North Park Farmer’s Market, JR Organics has what you need for the classic cucumber lime rendition or a sweeter strawberry mint batch.  Or squeeze the juice from R&L Farms oranges into the blender with a few sprigs of Suzie’s Farm cilantro for an interesting twist. Serving these in a glass rimmed with ginger infused sea salts from Salt Farm  and a wedge of your favorite citrus will dress your frescas to impress!