radishes

Find your favorite root vegetables at the North Park Thursday Farmers’ Market. Crunchy carrots and snappy radishes from Valdivia Farm are a tasty treat dipped into original Bitchin’ Sauce, sweet parsnips from JR Organics make a hearty soup, and Suzie’s Farm’s turnips pair with DaLe Ranch pastured chicken in this satisfying stew.

Try Kawano Farms’ beets with fresh rosemary and thyme in broiled salmon with beets using wild caught filets from the Salmon Slinger. Or just peel and dice a few of your favorite root vegetables, toss with a little extra virgin oil from the California Olive, roast in the oven ‘til they’re soft and sweet, and top generously with grated dry jack from Spring Hill Cheese Company.

Every great dish is rooted in great ingredients!

A LIFE LESS ORDINARY

Travel off the beaten path and explore the more unusual side of the Little Italy Mercato. Look beyond the baby lettuces and strawberries that are popping up everywhere and discover some lesser known, exciting varieties of fruits and vegetables.

• Kumquats at Rancho Mexico Lindo and Schaner Farms.  These mini citrus are an explosion of flavor. From their sweet edible rinds to the brightly tart and acidic flesh, they keep your taste buds guessing. Enjoy pickled, candied with braised meats.
• Mizuna from JR Organics is a delicious little mustard green with spiky, elongated leaves. Less of a bite than arugula, but still pleasantly peppery add it to your salads or toss it in your next stir fry.
• Icicle radishes from Sage Mountain - Perhaps, you walked right past these one week thinking they were baby parsnips? It's been known to happen. But radishes they are, crisp and spicy; delicious on a baguette slice slathered with Springhill's butter and a little sea salt from She Sells Sea Salts.
• Cherimoyas at Heritage Family Farms. Also known as custard apples these green and faceted skinned fruits are ripe when the flesh gives slightly to the touch. Cut them in half then scoop out the creamy flesh and enjoy the flavors or banana, pineapple, papaya, peach and strawberry all in one bite.  Nature's own smoothie!