BLACK MUSTARD SEEDS FROM NASH’S ORGANIC FARM

NASH’S ORGANIC FARM

Nash’s Organic Farm – Black Mustard Seeds

The season for hot chile peppers may be months away, but in the meantime, Nash’s Organic Farm has just the thing to take care of that spicy hankering – black mustard seeds. Devon Beck from Nash’s reports that the flavor is reminiscent of wasabi – “its spice is in the front and goes away quickly.” If you’ve ever cooked with black mustard seeds, you’ve probably bought them in the spice section of the supermarket; what a rare treat to get these fresh from the farm. Who knew – black mustard seeds are a rich source of heart-healthy Omega-3s – something we typically turn to wild salmon and other oily fish for. As a member of the brassica family, they’re rich in cancer-fighting phytonutrients called glucosinolates. Eaten raw, mustard seeds are intensely acrid; but half a minute spent popping in oil mellows them in nutty morsels. Add them to vegetable stir-fries, rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or as a finishing touch to a potful of lentils. Like any other spice, keep the seeds in an airtight container and in a dark, cool place to keep from oxidizing (and turning rancid). And in case you missed it, Nash’s is doing fun things with wheat; since February, they’ve been grinding their hard red wheat for Patty Pan Grill’s homemade tortillas.

Patty Pan Grill’s Handmade Tortillas are made with Nash’s Ground Hard Red Wheat

 Pick up a package at Ballard Farmers Market from Patty Pan Grill

Alert:

Colinwood Farm is bringing Summer it to Ballard Farmers Market in May.

Colinwood Farm in Port Townsend – Cucumbers

Cucumbers and zucchini fresh from Colinwood Farm’s sustainably heated greenhouses.  While you pick up some of these tender beauties, ask Jesse about his system that allows the heat from the air conditioner to grow cukes & zukes for harvest in April and to Ballard in May. His system re-uses the energy.

Need a Special Gift Soon?

Consider Ballard Farmers Market as a Source

Flower bouquet making mayhem at Mee Garden. Copyright by Zachary D. Lyons.

Flowers Always Qualify are Always Special

EARTH DAY – ANOTHER SEATTLE ACHIEVEMENT

BALLARD FARMERS MARKET

It’s Earth Day today.

This is an idea announced 45 years ago today, here in Seattle.  It’s one of our City’s gifts to the world.  Originally celebrated by delivering a black casket, symbolically containing the Earth, to the Mayor’s offices. Don’t we live in an amazing, special and beautiful place?

GO TO A PARTY!

Sustainable Ballard is having a Street Party this afternoon, April 22nd, 4 pm until 8 pm at NW 46th Street & Leary Way NW.  There will be lots of ideas for improving our environment, music, great food and interesting people. You’ll also find out that it can be fun to work on improving our world.

Go to the Earth Day Network website and see ways you and your family can have an impact on what is going on. If we stand up for our community and use our dollars to speak of what we feel is important, we can make a difference.  This is, no doubt, something that you already know.

Read the April 15th Forbes article, “Earth Day 2015: …10 Funds Prove Investors Can Beat The Stockmarket by Going Green”, written by Tran Ho, an investment consultant.  Click on the Forbes name and find out how beneficial it can also be to be thoughtful and principled when you use your money.

The message on this 45th anniversary of Earth Day is don’t be shy to contact your politicians.  Be they working downtown, in Olympia or in the Other Washington. Tell them what you feel is important. And keep doing it. They don’t act like they can hear, or read, but perseverance is the key. Our efforts can contribute to a ripple effect that leads to policies that will protect this wonderful world.  I understand that snail mail is now taking too long to get to some of the politicians because of security checks.  So feel free, and be counted, by sending an email about what matters to you. If you need to get the email addresses, we’ll be glad to help you find that.  Finally, don’t forget to vote.

KEEPING IT LOCAL 

As Ballard Farmers Market supporters, you commit positive actions (on many levels) to support local food producers. Earth Day is every day for you.  In a real way, you contribute to our state’s smaller-scale farm families in an enterprise that is more difficult than ever for anyone not doing large-scale agriculture.  Because of you, the Ballard Farmers Market, like the other farmers markets in our community, has become an economic engine for our State.  The people who prepare foods ready to eat at the market and those who grow and craft the wonderful items you take home, also buy their ingredients directly from the farms and local businesses.  Along with you, we are part of an elegant architecture of mutual community benefit, while eating the finest foods to be found anywhere.

With your support, for the last 3 years, we’ve been able to offer more of our neighbors the ability to use their SNAP (food stamp) benefits at the market.  Striving to bring the finest we have to all who want it. Every time you buy something from our small businesses, of whatever type, there is an economic phenomenon called the “Multiplier Effect”. This term originated from economics related to savings, but has recently been used by the USDA to describe the effects of direct marketing benefits for small farms and farmers markets’ communities. It deals with the fact that a dollar spent at a market, given to a farmer, is re-spent by that farmer with  72-89 cents going back again into the local economy, and this effect can often happen repeatedly.

Your actions contribute in real terms to the wonderful community we have.  Without you, we could not do it. We are proud and grateful that you spend your time and dollars with us.

THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US

WHO WORK AT BALLARD FARMERS MARKET

Don’t Forget the Sweet Delights and Beverages

This weekend is famous for the Extreme Sport of Easter Egg Hunting.  It’s a good idea to have something on hand that will replenish energy and lift your spirits before the day is over.

Ballard Farmers Market has what you need.

Jonboy Caramels – A Perfect Sweet Treat 

But be careful, you can’t stop at just one.

Jonboy Caramels. A taste of bliss.

*****

We can’t forget the Pies.

Deborah, and her pies at Ballard Farmers Market. Copyright Zachary D. Lyons.

Ask Deborah about the marathons she runs every year.

These pies have local farm-sourced ingredients and the best Crusts.

*****

Pete’s Perfect Toffee

The Pete behind Pete’s Perfect Toffee. Photo copyright Zachary D. Lyons.

Share these toffee bark pieces with your loved ones. They will delight everyone.  All who savor this treat will smile as they whisper   “Yum” repeatedly. Or, you may want to take home a package of his signature “Perfect” toffee. A treasured heirloom recipe passed down by Pete’s grandmother, it can turn into a favorite for your family too. Pete will sample whatever you’d like to try.  When you taste Pete’s fudge, you’ll want to share it. And tell Pete a joke.  He loves them.

Pure bliss in a square called bark. Pete’s Perfect Toffee at Ballard Farmers Market.

*****

Nuflours Gluten-free Bakery

Heavenly Brownies from Nuflours Bakery at the Ballard Farmers Market. Copyright Zachary D. Lyons.

Nuflours Bakery is 100% gluten free.  They have creamy macaroons, cupcakes, lemon bars, multi-grain bread, rolls, and much more.  All of it moist & delicious.

 *****

Whitehorse Meadows Blueberry Farm is Back

Stop at Valerie’s canopy to pick up a package or two of these wonderful berries.  Frozen fresh from last season, they are perfect little snacks for kids of all ages, and make nutrition fun.

Frozen blueberries from Whitehorse Meadows Farm. copyright by Zachary D. Lyons.

*****

Truffles from Soulever Chocolates. Photo copyright by Zachary D. Lyons.

Handcrafted Vegan Truffles by Soulever Chocolates

*****

Remember the Liquid Refreshments

Soda Jerk Sodas 

Soda Jerk Sodas-Maker of handcrafteed sodas and mixed jellies. Copyright Zachary D. Lyons.

Sodas are available in Growlers.  Cory makes pure Syrups and Fine Jellies too.  You can use these Syrups to create your own signature drinks.  Fun.  Delicious..

*****

Communi-Tea Kombucha

Fresh kombucha from CommuniTea at Ballard Farmers Market. Copyright Zachary D. Lyons.

Refreshing and nutritional.

 *****

Everything in Ballard Farmers Market is Wonderful

Opening Day for Bergen Place – Ballard Farmers Market 2015

 Ballard Farmers Market grows into Bergen Place Park.    

We are glad to have a little more space to keep more of our fine foods and craft vendors longer through the summer as the farms begin to rush into the Ballard Farmers Market with their larger harvests.  You may have noticed over the years, the market experiences a gradual loss of some of our favorite food makers and handmade crafts as we have more and bigger farm presence.  A shout-out goes to the City Department of Parks and Recreation for approving our use permit of Bergen Place.  Now we can keep more of our fine vendors working in Ballard.  You’ll see a rotating variety of vendors over the coming months, like:  Veraci Pizza!  Their famous pizza oven cooking pizzas with many locally sourced toppings, was scheduled to move into Bergen Place at Ballard Farmers Market this Sunday, but they brought the wrong size truck and can’t make it work.  I apologize to those readers who saw this False alarm last night and the earlier post this morning.  We will try to work it out for next week.

Loading pizza into the mobile oven at Veraci Pizza at Ballard Farmers Market. Copyright Zachary D. Lyons.

IT’S SPRING TONIC TIME

Spring Greens from Stoney Plains Farm

and Foraged and Found 

Once upon a time, in the far distant past, mothers and crones and medicine women were the keepers of the villagers’ health.  It was from them that the secret of the Spring Tonic was imposed into the family diets and for treating illnesses in the community.  The medicine women had learned, what much later would be named by modern science as Micro-Nutrients and Vitamin C, were effective at helping people fight off the ravages of the winter weather and effects of less food for the people during the dark months.  They knew the secrets of recovery that were held within the bright green shoots emerging in the forests around them.

 MINERS LETTUCE

Fresh, tasty miner’s lettuce from Stoney Plains Farm Copyright Zachary D. Lyons

Miners Lettuce, saved many miners’  lives during the mid-1800s. Many men were taken in by the myths of “gold in them thar hills” that came out of the California Gold Rush.  These guys were gullible. They thought that within a few weeks, they could just walk around the mountains, picking up huge gold nuggets, and return home with their fortunes before their families missed them.  Consequently, many opted not to bring food supplies with them and, of course, many soon began to starve.  Luckily, the mountain ranges of the West Coast had a native plant, Claytonia profoliata, growing everywhere in the forests.  This beautiful and delicious green was packed with vitamins, most especially  “C”, and its common name, of Miners Lettuce is a testament to how many miners’ lives it was responsible for saving and how many of those silly men made it back from the wilds of the Northern California Sierras alive, if poorer.  Excellent in salads, as a beautiful garnish on any food, and used on sandwiches in place of lettuce.  The flavor is almost tart, but mild, and children love eating it fresh picked.

Both Nettles and Chickweed, endemic to fields and forest, paths and hedgerows, have also provided natural remedies for eons.  One is scary and the other is stepped on wherever you go.

 CHICKWEED

Chickweed, or Satin Flower as it was called in the early days of civilization. From Stoney Plains Organic Farm. Copyright Zachary D. Lyons.

Chickweed is delicate and if soaked in cold water for an hour or four, will leach many of their healthful nutrients into the water and provide a refreshing drink to those who may have to re-hydrate from congestion or a cough from a cold.  Then use the greens in a fresh salad, on sandwiches, or as a garnish, much like you would parsley or cilantro sprigs.

STINGING NETTLES

Wild stinging nettles from Foraged & Found Edibles. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

The Nettles, with their prickly leaves, should be placed in a bowl of water, rinsed and drained. Best if you use a pair of tongs or a spoon so as not to touch them with your hands. Then throw them into a saute pan with mushrooms, onions and/or garlic, and eaten like any great vegetable.  Their sting disappears with the cooking, and may be responsible for a big part of the nutrition they provide.

AND THERE IS MORE !

Stop by to Welcome One Leaf Farm

Oxbow Alice. Photo copyright by Zachary D. Lyons.

Our amazing weather has caused bumper crops that are popping out of the fields of our area farms like magic.  One Leaf Farm is one of those.  I got a call from Alice, formerly the beauty who was always seen behind the tables of Oxbow Farm in the past years.  Now she works with Rand Rasheed.

Rand Rasheed, Owner & Operator of One Leaf Farm from Snohomish. Copyright Zachary D. Lyons.

It seems these two powerhouse women farmers had more greens than the restaurants they normally supply could use this week.  So when they asked if they could bring One Leaf Farm greens this week, I jumped at the chance to bring them to Ballard Farmers Market.

YES!  WE HAVE EGGS!

Fresh eggs from Growing Things Farm at Ballard Farmers Market. Copyright Zachary D. Lyons.

And that’s not the only treat we have this Spring. The hens love the balmy weather too.  Just about all of our egg farmers are having great egg production right now.  And they are the best, freshest, and often hugest eggs you can find without having a coop in your back yard. Perfect for Easter egg hunts and deviled egg plates on the dinner table. Don’t worry, the market has all the eggs you could ever want this year. If you have an Egg dying project coming up, be assured that you can dye the brown ones too. Not surprisingly, the colors come out more vibrant and intense than when using white eggs.  I found a fun website a few years ago with ideas for brown egg decorating.  I thought it had creative ideas.  Check it out here: http://roscommonacres.com/2012/04/how-to-decorate-brown-eggs-for-easter/

LOPEZ ISLAND WINERY’S LAST WEEK

Award winning wines from Lopez Island Vineyards. Photo copyright by Zachary D. Lyons.

A consistent winner of prizes for Best-of-Category, Lopez Island Vineyards will be taking a hiatus from the Ballard Farmers Market in order to catch up with the many Spring chores that a vineyard has. Again, because of this amazing weather, the vines are requiring a lot of attention.  As so many of our farms, Brent Charnley and Maggie Nilan, are working the vineyards and running the winery almost entirely by themselves. You’re encouraged to come to market this Sunday, stock up on their very special wines and say goodbye.  If you have the time, volunteer to help out at LIV, and you could find yourself with an interesting job while you enjoy one of the most beautiful islands in the world.  Be sure to pick up enough bottles to last until they return.  Luckily wine keeps in a cool pantry or basement excellently, actually getting better.  It’s a feeling of security to have a stock of great wines, ready for that special occasion when only the best local taste will meet the standard of what you want to sip.  Try taking home their most recent winner, Malbec, their lovely Gold Winning Madeline Angevine, it won a Platinum Award, and the Siegerrebe white wine, declared “top-quality” by Wine Press Northwest.

NEED SOMETHING NEW FOR THE SPRING?

Find a one of a kind skirt to brighten up these warmer days.  Children’s sizes are also available.

Marmalade Design You can find a unique and charming skirt for the Spring festivities

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT