Eating locally means following Mother Nature
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July 16, 2008
By Cheryl McCord
 
As some of you found out the apricots scheduled for the Market last week were not there. They were not yet ripe. Neal Durham from Shoemaker Orchard planned to bring the Royal Orange and the Perfection apricots to the Market last week. However, he had to push the date by one week to this Saturday, July 19. He reported that the apricot color was a beautiful, deep orange, but the fruit was still too firm to have a full, ripe flavor.

The other surprise last week was that the raspberries were ready. They were perfectly sweet, juicy, and full-flavored.

These two surprises highlight the fun of shopping at the Farmers Market and enjoying the seasons of our local foods. You never know for certain what you will find at the Market. The timing of each crop is highly dependent on Mother Nature. The cooler weather in the early spring slowed the growth of crops requiring the warmer temperatures to mature. The apricots, for example, were delayed two-to-three weeks compared to last year. On the other hand, raspberries thrive in cooler conditions. The berries at the Market were extraordinarily plump and sweet; although the raspberry season will be very short due to the extremely hot weather that set in. What you can count on at the Farmers Market is that when the produce is at the Market it is fresh and at the peak of ripeness.

That brings us back to apricots. Apricots will be at the Market and they will be deliciously ripe.

The Wood’n Hearts Square Dance Club will entertain. Everyone is invited to watch and join the fun as they demonstrate the lively twists and turns of America’s folk dance.

The Market hours are 9 am to noon. The Market location is at Sandstone Plaza at the west end of Main Street. For more information, contact Cheryl McCord at 922-5113 or visit the website at www.KunaFarmersMarket.com.
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