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Squash Blossoms | Did You Know…

July 5, 2016 By marketeditor

Did you know …That squash blossoms aren’t just pretty to look at; they taste good, too.

As squash begins to come into season, gardens and farm fields sport an array of attractive deep yellow blossoms. Some of these blossoms are female and will become pollinated, which will then lead to the squash fruits themselves. However, some of the blossoms also are male and will produce nothing in the way of fruit but will still a beautiful short-season product. Look for these blossoms in July and early August at the farmers’ market.

Squash blossoms taste good in salads, such as the preparation from Martha Stewart that Friends of the Market volunteer Pattie Garrett (author of the My Saratoga Kitchen blog), tried last weekend after going on a mad – and successful – hunt for squash blossoms at the Saratoga Market. They also can be sautéed in oil or butter, or stuffed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese and then baked lightly.

To use squash blossoms, Tabitha Alterman recommends for Mother Earth News, that you trim the stem to about half an inch, remove the stamens inside, and then gently rinse the flower in cool water and pat dry. The blossoms aren’t exactly a nutritional powerhouse, but they are quite low in calories (about five calories per cup). They are a colorful and exceptionally great garnish to many summer dishes.

If you buy squash blossoms, use them promptly. Their delicate leaves and slightly sticky texture make them a highly perishable item.

Photos by Pattie Garrett

Summer Squash Salad with Blossoms 1
Summer Squash Salad with Blossoms 2
Summer Squash Salad with Blossoms 3

Summer Squash Salad with Blossoms, Ricotta and Thyme Oil

(Martha Stewart)
Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

• 1 generous handful of fresh thyme sprigs
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 baby zucchini, cut very thin, or thinly shaved on a mandolin (or use a spriralizer for ribbons)
• 4 baby patty pan squashes cut very thin or thinly shaved on a mandolin
• 4 ounces cherry tomatoes, cut in half crosswise ( 1 cup)
• 6 zucchini blossoms, halved or quartered if large
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn if large, plus more for sprinkling
• 3 ounces fresh ricotta cheese (1/3 cup)

Instructions:

1. Place thyme on a cutting board, and bruise with the dull edge of a knife. Place thyme and oil in a small saucepan. Cover and heat over medium heat until small bubbles appear. Turn off heat and steep thyme, covered, 20 minutes. Discard sprigs, leaving loose thyme leaves in oil. Whisk together lemon zest and juice and 2 Tablespoons thyme oil. Save extra oil for 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

2. Combine half the dressing with the zucchini, pattypan squashes, tomatoes, zucchini blossoms, and basil. Divide half the salad between 2 plates and dot with ricotta. Drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle with basil.

Nutrient Analysis
225 calories, 6 grams protein, 12 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 7 grams of sugar (0 added sugar), 18 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 16 milligrams cholesterol, 32 milligrams sodium

Filed Under: Did You Know, News Tagged With: Did You Know, Fruit & Vegetable Facts, Saratoga Farmers' Market Recipes

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Swing by our 3-6pm market tomorrow outside the low Swing by our 3-6pm market tomorrow outside the lower city center parking lot! We have several guests including musician @starlitgeneration, as well as some fun kids activities hosted by our friends from @saratogaspringslibrary. Hope to see you there!!!

Parking available in the City Center Lot, free for the first hour and $1/hr after that. 

#saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #shoplocal #farmtotable #eathealthy #upstateny
Come stop by the Saratoga Farmers’ Market tomor Come stop by the Saratoga Farmers’ Market  tomorrow at the Wilton mall! From 9am-1pm you can find some of your favorite produce and craft vendors before we move over to High Rock Park on June 1st. Talented musician Brendan Dailey will be joining us too. Hope to see you there!

Photo 1 taken by Pattie Garrett @mysaratogakitchentable of one of our friends from @themushroomshopllc 

#saratogasprings #farmtotable #shoplocal #smallbuisness #eathealthy
After a much anticipated wait, come June 1st, the After a much anticipated wait, come June 1st, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be returning to High Rock Park for our Wednesday and Saturday Markets! Thank you to everyone on our team, our vendors, customers and friends who have helped to make this transition happen. Stay tuned for upcoming events celebrating our move! 

Photo: Flowers from @lovinmamafarm 

Parking will be available on High Rock Ave and in the new City Center Parking Garage (free for the first hour and $1/hr after that) 

#saratogasprings #farmersmarket #farmtotable #shoplocal #june1st #highrockpark
It is our second to last market on High Rock Ave b It is our second to last market on High Rock Ave before heading back over to the pavilion on June 1st!!! Stop by tomorrow from 3-6pm for our musical guest Dave Moore and our friends from @bsneny 

Photos by Pattie Garrett @mysaratogakitchentable 

#farmtotable #saratogafarmersmarket #shoplocal #healthyfood #smallbuisness

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