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Going for the Greens

April 14, 2016 By marketeditor

By Himanee Gupta-Carlson

Ramps from Sheldon Farms
Pea Shoots
Parsnips
Herbs
Chives

Saturdays in April signal a transition at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market. Tones of brown, orange, and red root vegetables – are giving way to green. .

Bunches of chives, bags of tender yet crisp pea shoots, and such unusual items as kalette make shopping for a meal almost seem like an opportunity to eat the spring. These items also might coax you to check your own garden, too. Unfortunately, the soil in our region is too cold to get much of a spring garden going just yet. However, several farmers have been bringing new assortments of fresh-grown greens, savory herbs, and other vegetables to market. Here’s a rundown of a few of the items available now:

Chives. These long green grass-like fronds poke their way out of over-wintered perennial beds in early April. According to Paul Arnold, owner of Pleasant Valley Farm, the life cycle of chives is tied to the lengthening days. With more hours of daylight, chives grow tall and thick. They’ll remain abundant until summer when shortening days limit their access to light. Try sprinkling finely chopped chives over potatoes, or adding some to scrambled eggs.

Pea shoots. These sweet crisp greens are popular now, as pea lovers wait for the “real vegetable” to make their debuts in June. Pleasant Valley seeds pea shoots every two days to bring to market. Home gardeners can seed pea shoots, as well, and develop an indoor garden in about 10 days. Toss pea shoots into salads, press them into sandwiches, or add them stir-fries.

Kalette. This vegetable grew out of a cross between kale and brussels sprouts. The result is a plant with small tender leaves and florets that resemble broccoli. The plants are sold with their stalks, which are crisper and flavorful. The Fresh Take Farm will be selling kalettes for two to three weeks. Try them sautéed in oil with onions and garlic or steamed.

Ramps. These wild scallion like plants grow in wooded areas, favoring maples, said Albert Sheldon of Sheldon Farms, which hopes to bring ramps to market tomorrow. Both the leaves and the root are edible, and while they make a good substitute for scallions or green onions, they also taste great by themselves.

Parsnips. Pleasant Valley has been bringing parsnips left in the ground over winter to market now. Left this way, parsnips cure and sweeten considerably, Arnold said. As April arrives, the ground thaws, making it a good time to start digging out the parsnips to enjoy roasted, baked, sautéed, steamed, or fried.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market takes place 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through April 30 in the Lincoln Baths Building at the Saratoga Spa State Park. The market will open its summer season Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 4 at High Rock Park.


Ramps from Sheldon Farms

Sauteed ramps

Recipe courtesy of Albert Sheldon of Sheldon Farms
Prep: 5 min
Cook: 1 min

Ingredients:
*Ingredients available at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market
•    1 bunch ramps*
•    oil for cooking

Wash ramps thoroughly in cool water. Remove the stringy roots at the base. Chop the bulb and greens into ½-inch size pieces. Heat oil in a skillet or wok. Add ramps and stir-fry rapidly over a medium-high heat until greens are wilted, approximately 1 minute. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Filed Under: Featured Article, News, Seasonal Recipes

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Have you tried any of @nettlemeadowfarm's newest S Have you tried any of @nettlemeadowfarm's newest Schroon Moon spreadable cow's cheeses yet? Go for savory or sweet with 5 different flavors. Pick some up at this Saturday's market - we'll be open 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #saratogany #wilton #518 #518eats #farmfresh #nofarmsnofood #dairy #cheese
We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best We are honored to be nominated as one of the Best Farmers’ Markets in the Capital Region for the Times Union’s Best of 2021! Thank you to all of our amazing customers and community for your continued support! You can vote for us daily under the category “Goods & Services” using this link: https://www.timesunion.com/bestof2021/ 
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#timesunionbestof2021 #timesunionbestof #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket 
#supportlocal #shoplocal #saratogany #saratogasprings
Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Cru Starting off the week with another MCM (Market Crush Monday!) This week we talked to Kim from Mugzy’s Barkery who brings healthy, locally made dog treats to the market. 
 
1. How did Mugzy’s Barkery get started? 
My sister Jaime started the business just over 5 years ago to have a healthier treat option to give her beloved Olde English Bulldog, Mugzy. Our treats are all natural and organic, providing a healthy alternative to mass-produced treats for caring dog parents. 
 
 2. What’s your favorite part about vending at the market?
Definitely getting to see all the dogs! The funny thing is I know all our regular customer’s dogs by name, not the owners. 
 
3. What are your most popular treat flavors?
Pumpkin paws (grain-free biscuits) and the pupcakes (a bite-sized treat) are really popular with the dogs but we also have flavors like PB cookie cups, apple cheddar training treats, banana buddies and more, so something to fit any pup’s tastes!
 
The PB cookie cups have been tried and approved by our market assistant’s dog, Lacey! 
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#saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #saratoga #upstateny #shoplocal #saratogadog #farmersmarketfresh #mugzysbarkery #dogtreats #healthydogtreats
No need for an international flight when you can j No need for an international flight when you can journey around the world at the market! 🌍 Between Italian, Mediterranean, and Ukrainian, our vendors bring some of their best home cuisines to the market.
 
Have you tried My Dacha's Ukrainian food yet? Choose from lots of delicious options like pierogies, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, or opt for sweet crepes. 🥟🤤 (If you've tried their food, what's your favorite?!)

We're open this Saturday, 9:30am - 1:30pm at the Wilton Mall food court!
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#farmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #food #ukrainian #pierogies

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