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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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Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendo Produce from some of our amazing agriculture vendors at today’s market!
Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Grano Attention granola lovers!! Today is National Granola Day. In honor of this, all sales with our friends from @toganola are 10% off this Saturday only! Their granola products are packaged in sustainable packaging and free of gluten, dairy & soy. 

Our winter market runs today from 9:3-1:30 in the Wilton Mall food court. Hope you can make it!

Photo of and provided by @toganola 

#saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #granola #toganola #thingstodoinupstateny #organic #shopsmall #shoplocal #nationalgranoladay
Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today Our new 2023 Freshconnect $2 coupons arrived today! For every $5 you spend using your SNAP/EBT card at our market, receive $2 in coupons. FreshConnect bucks can be used to buy: vegetables, meat, milk, eggs, honey, baked items, jams, plants that bear food, and prepared foods that are packed to eat at home. Plus, there’s no cap on issuance! Stop by our information stand to learn more. We’ll be open 9:30-1:30 tomorrow. ❄️🌾

#freshconnect #snap #ebt #nutrition #health #agriculture #shoplocal #shopssmall #farmtotable #saratogasprings #saratogafarmersmarket #farmersmarket #thingstodoinupstateny @wilton_mall_leasing
Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ ma Interested in growing your business? Farmers’ markets are a great way to start networking and finding your customer base. For 45 years, the Saratoga Farmers’ Market has provided a platform for local farmers, artisans, bakers and more build their businesses into what they are today. If you’d like to join our community, please submit your 2023 Summer Vendor application. The link can be found in our bio. Last day to apply is January 31st. DM us here or email me at sfma.manager@gmail.com with any questions!! 

#farmersmarket #startup #smallbusiness #shoplocal #entrepreneur #community #saratogasprings #thingstodoinupstateny #growyourbusiness
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