This Saturday we cooked some Fiesta Mushroom Tacos. Products included in the demo were from Flora Bay (Savory Herb Blend), Flyway Family Farm (Blue Oyster Mushroom) , Beau Reve Farm
​(Creole Herb Blend), and All Season Farm (Collards and Peppers).  

Canning salsa is a process that it best enjoyed with a few friends, some background music, and an open schedule. Prepping the ingredients can take some time and effort, so good company, and a fun atmosphere are a must. I canned up a big batch of the salsa recipe listed below with some friends this weekend and it was the perfect way to spend a lazy labor day weekend.

This recipe requires that all of the salsa ingredients are roasted, which intensifies the flavor and makes for what we dubbed "Better Than Restaurant," salsa. The onions were slightly caramelized, the pepper blistered to perfection, and the roasted tomatoes perfectly sweet. This salsa, though a big labor intensive, is some of the best you can make at home. Grab some ingredients at this week's farmers market, call up your friends, and get cooking! 

August is National Peach Month and southern Illinois peaches are at their peak. ​The warm climate and sloping hills of southern Illinois are well suited for fruit growing. A hundred years ago, these hills were coverd with fruit trees, supplying Chicago with most of the fruit sold in stores. Today, a handful of those orchards remain, producing peaches for markets and wholesale. Our very own Mileur Orchard is owned an operated by third generation farmers. Mileur Orchard specializes in unique and early season varieties of peaches like donut peaches, white peaches and even nectarines. Mileur Orchard has dozens of varieties of peaches, try a basket each week and see which one you prefer. Once you find your favorite, head out to their store and grab a bushel. Frozen peaches are a great treat in winter!

Nutrition Fun Facts: Peaches are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. Vitamin A and C act as antioxidants in the body by helping to prevent cell damage. Research currently suggests that antioxidants found in natural sources, such as fruits and vegetables, are more effective than those derived chemically (1).
 
Storage Tips: Peaches can easily bruise and should be handled with care. Do not squeeze peaches at the market to check for freshness, the orchard workers have already done that for you. If peaches are too firm to eat when you buy them, store in a brown paper bag at room temperature until the desired firmness is achieved. Placing unripe fruit in the refrigerator can cause a loss of flavor, texture, and moisture. When peaches are ripe, wash in water and rub of “fuzz,” if desired. Store ripe peaches in a plastic bag for 3-5 days in the refrigerator (2).

Preparation Tips: Peaches can be consumed raw, used in jams, boiled, baked, fermented, dehydrated, canned, pureed, sautéed, and frozen. To remove skins, score peel with paring knife in an X shape along the bottom of the peach. Soak in hot water for 1-2 minutes. Remove from water bath and pull peal off with back edge of knife. Slice and put in quart sized zipper bags, jars, or plastic containers. Add sweetener to taste, and a splash of lemon juice to preserve color,

Sweet corn is great both on and of the cob. I made a quick skillet last Wednesday after market with fresh peppers, onions, summer squash, green beans, sweet corn, and cherry tomatoes that was pretty amazing. All of the produce from fresh from my market basket and the whole thing came together in less than 20 minutes, a win-win after a hot and steamy afternoon at the market. It was a loose adaptation of a succotash, with green beans instead of lima beans. It's quick meals like these that remind me that cooking with fresh, local produce doesn't need to be a time consuming three-course ordeal. That eating local, even on a tight budget and busy schedule is possible. 

It's extra important to stay hydrated during these hot summer months. Turn boring water into a refreshing summer cooler with the addition of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the market. Infused waters are a healthy, hydrating alternative to sugary soft drinks and juices and kid approved. Grab an extra cucumber, a sprig of mint, and bunch of basil and start infusing!

​I often think of salads as a big beds of lettuce with a few raw veggies and a dressing on the side. Though I love a good lettuce salad, come summer time I want a salad that incorporates the abundant summer produce available at the market. Salads, broadly defined, are anything that involve a mix of vegetables (raw or cooked), fruit, grains, eggs, or meats, and a dressing. My favorite summer salads feature diced sturdy vegetables like cucumber or zucchini, a cooked grain like rice or quinoa, and a herby vinaigrette dressing. Throw in some toasted nuts and salty cheese and you're set! Hearty summer salads hold up in a picnic basket, keep well in the fridge for quick lunches, and are filling enough to eat as a main course. 

The Kitchn put together a list of 20 must try summer salads on their blog. Get inspired!

It's easy to get busy and forget to make it to the Wednesday market. We understand, it's hump day, you've got work, kids, and other responsibilities and sometimes need an extra reminder. If you find yourself in this camp, we've got you covered with our FarmFan text message reminders. Every Wednesday at 2pm you'll get a text message with a update about the market, reminding you to head downtown to enjoy the market.

​Click here to sign up for FarmFan.

We also email out newsletters every week with information about our vendors, upcoming events, and recipes and fun facts about in season produce. It's a great way to know what's going to be available before you head to market, get inspired to try something new, or as a reminder to get downtown on market day. Subscribe to our newsletter mailing list by filling out the contact form on this page! ------> 
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