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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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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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