Tag Archives: Word of the Week

September 25th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor Highlights

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Winter squash from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Winter squash from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Well, the calendar and the produce appearing at the farmers markets are saying that it is fall. But the weather is saying that it is summer; high of 80°F and sunny. Today might be unseasonably warm, but it is supposed to change dramatically on Saturday night with a high of only 65°F on Sunday. Fall seems to be finally coming.

We have updates from two of the MIFM’s vendors. In addition, as the Events Team volunteers are planning to sample apples at Sunday’s market, we thought that some photos of many of the varieties that have appeared in recent weeks would be fun.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, speaking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 21, 2011.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, speaking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 21, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, started his weekly message to customers with, as he terms it, “some high-falutin poetry”:

Order the last fruits to become ripe
Give them two more sunny days
Push them to fulfillment
And force the last sweetness into the heavy wine.

—Rainier Maria Rilke

Rome with be coming to the MIFM this Sunday with a new batch of Strawberry with Basil and Balsamic Jam and some terrific Nectarine Jam with fruit from Collins Orchards.

The magic word this week is “high-falutin” in honor of Rilke’s poem. So for a dollar off of your first jar of jam this week be sure to work the word-of-the-week into your conversation with Rome.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Jerry Baxter, owner of Got Soup?, writes, “So last week I gave a dissertation on Kohlrabi, this week I am going to keep it simple. It is soup season. Here are some soups that will make your life easier. Most will go well with a nice salad or some good bread. Hope you like. Next week I will have a couple of new soups for you.”

This week’s soups are:

  • Gumbo: chicken stock (chicken, onion, celery ,carrot, tomato, parsley), onion, celery, carrot, red and green peppers, tomato, chicken, sausage, garlic, flour, butter, file powder, parsley, thyme, basil, oregano, paprika, cayenne
  • Orange and Cumin Sweet Potato (vegan): vegetable stock (water, onion, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), sweet potato, onion, celery, oranges, cumin, cilantro, jalapeño
  • Northwest Chowder: Fish/clam stock (fish, clams, onion, celery, carrot, parsley), onion, potatoes, celery, leeks, red pepper, salmon, clams, milk, butter, flour, parsley, chervil, chive, thyme, peppercorns
  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (cold, vegan, and raw): tomato, cucumber, onion, fennel, yellow pepper, zucchini, tarragon, parsley, sherry wine vinegar, cayenne, paprika, olive oil
  • Wild Mushroom (vegan): mushroom/vegetable stock (mushroom, onion, celery, carrot, tomato, parsley), portabello, button, crimini, leeks, fennel, onions, tomato, rice flour, tamari, Madeira wine, thyme, parsley, rosemary

As he always does, Jerry sourced many of his ingredients from the MIFM’s farmers, including:

Photo Essay on Apples at the Mercer Island Farmers Market

For the past month, the farmers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market have been bringing dozens of varieties of tree fruit. As the photo essay that we did on the variety of cucumbers at the MIFM generated a number of responses, we thought that another photo essay, this one showing the abundance of apples, would help to demonstrate the bounty of the region and the enormous range of produce available at at the MIFM.

Akane apples from Tonnemaker Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Akane apples from Tonnemaker Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Early Cortland apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Early Cortland apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Early Gold apples from Tonnemaker Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 4, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Early Gold apples from Tonnemaker Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 4, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Gala apples from Martin Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Gala apples from Martin Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Ginger Gold apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 4, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Ginger Gold apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 4, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Golden Supreme apples from Tonnemaker Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Golden Supreme apples from Tonnemaker Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Golden Sweet apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 4, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Golden Sweet apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 4, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Gravenstein apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Gravenstein apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Honey Crisp apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Honey Crisp apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Jonamac apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Jonamac apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

McIntosh apples from Tonnemaker Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

McIntosh apples from Tonnemaker Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Mollie's Delicious apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Mollie's Delicious apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

NYB 298 (sic) apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

NYB 298 (sic) apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Prima apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Prima apples from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 18, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

St. Edmund's Pippin apple from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

St. Edmund's Pippin apple from Jones Creek Farm at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Sugar Crisp apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Sugar Crisp apples from Collins Family Orchards at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on September 11, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

September 4th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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We heard from several of the Mercer Island Farmers Market farmers, who have specials or first-of-the-season produce for this holiday weekend’s market day on Sunday.

Collins Family Orchard, Selah, WA

Nick helping out customers with his usual good humor and smile at the Collins Family Orchard booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 28, 2011.

Nick helping out customers with his usual good humor and smile at the Collins Family Orchard booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 28, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Nick let us know that Collins will have the first honey crisp apples of the season this Sunday. He told us that “the honey crisps are [Collins'] most popular apple with both a satisfying crunch and not-too-tart flavor for eating fresh and a solid, not-too-sweet flavor for cooking.”

In addition, Collins will also have a second round of strawberries.

Those Mercer Island Farmers Market customers now almost addicted to Collins’ sweet and succulent peaches and nectarines need have no fear as both will be back on Sunday with new varieties. Nick’s personal favorite peach, the Diamond Princess— “especially for cooking and canning with a very strong flavor”—should be available along with Suncrest peaches. The Grand Sweet nectarines should also be ready on Sunday.

Nick left us with one last tantalizing thought… “You should have your fingers crossed for pluots to ripe by Sunday. Right now, I’d give them an 80% chance of being ripe enough.” Well, let’s all keep our fingers crossed so the pluots will ripen and be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Jennifer Argraves and her daughter, Icel, laughing at a customers joke at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 14, 2011.

Jennifer Argraves and her daughter, Icel, laughing at a customer's joke at the Crown S Ranch booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 14, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

In honor of the Labor Day holiday weekend—and all of the barbecuing that many us will be doing, Crown S Ranch is having a 25%-off special on their top sirloin steaks.

They also sent along two recipes for their top sirloin steaks: Pepper-Grilled Steak with Chopped Summer Salad (Bon Appétit, August 2009); and Sirloin Steak with Tomato and Cilantro Sauce (Bon Appétit, June 2001).

In addition to their steaks and other cuts of beef, Crown S Ranch will have their sausages, chicken, pork, and eggs.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Rome writes, “I’ve been experimenting again, and the result is Blueberry Jam with Ginger. These are the best canning blueberries I’ve found (they’re from Whitehorse Meadows Farm) and the ginger fits really well. Also this week more Peach Butter, and, by popular demand, Strawberry, Basil and Balsamic [Jam].”

For the past several weeks, the “magic” word to get a dollar off of our your first jar of jam from Farmers Market Preserves has been scientific or somewhat-obscure cultural references (“drupe,” “theobromine,” “Chekhov,”…). Well, this week Rome went in a completely different direction—popular culture—and picked “Domino,” no doubt due to Fats Domino‘s famous song and the blueberries that have been occupying his thoughts and time this past week.

So, all those customers out there interested in a discount on delicious jam made from fresh, local ingredients should try to work “Domino” into their conversation with Rome on Sunday. It might also be that singing a few lines from “Blueberry Hill” will get the discount as well.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Jerry Baxter, owner Got Soup?, filling up a quart container with fresh soup for a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Jerry Baxter, owner Got Soup?, filling up a quart container with fresh soup for a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Jerry writes, “As we are into another three-season weather week, this might change what we sell this weekend, meaning more cold soups.”

So, subject to a change in the weather, this week’s soups at the Mercer Island Farmers Market will be:

  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (cold, vegan, and raw): tomato, cucumber, onion, fennel, yellow pepper, zucchini, tarragon, parsley, sherry wine vinegar, cayenne, paprika, olive oil
  • Watermelon Gazpacho (cold and vegan): watermelon, tomato, cucumber, onion, yellow pepper, green pepper, celery, cilantro, basil, jalapeno, white balsamic vinegar, orange juice.
  • Jerk Chicken with Black-Eyed Peas & Greens: chicken stock (water, chicken, onions, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), black-eyed peas, onion, celery, peppers, chicken, collard greens, garlic, ginger, citrus juice, cilantro, thyme, tamari, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg
  • Crab Bisque: water, Dungeness crab, onion, carrots, celery, tomato, bay leaf, tarragon, butter, flour, sherry, heavy cream, milk
  • Cauliflower and Brie with Roasted Red Pepper (vegetarian): vegetable stock (onion, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), cauliflower, onions, celery, garlic, brie, thyme, parsley, rice milk, red peppers, olive oil, chives

As he always does, Jerry sources much of the produce for his soups from the vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. This week’s ingredients come from (among other local farms):

Two If By Seafood, Bristol Bay, Alaska and Seattle, WA

Shannon's dad, Ernie, talking with a customer at the Two If By Seafoods booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

Shannon's dad, Ernie—"holding down the fort" while his daughter was in Alaska fishing—talking with a customer at the Two If By Seafoods booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

After a long absence, Shannon Ford, captain of the Fishing Vessel Paul Revere and owner of Two If By Seafood, will be back at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday. Shannon has spent the past several months in Alaska catching all of the salmon that she sells at our farmers market, so she not only has lots of great fishing stories to tell, but also is eager to reconnect with her long-time customers. As aside, she jokingly related that she can’t wait to begin eating her fill of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are not easily available or reasonably priced in Bristol Bay. Well, at the Mercer Island Farmers Market we are sure that her fellow vendors will be able to satisfy her fresh veggie and fruit cravings.

In addition, Shannon dropped some hints that in the coming weeks she is planning to introduce a new product: smoked, candied salmon bellies, which are a delicacy in Alaska and not easily available here in the Lower 48.

(NOTE: Updated at 3:25 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2011 with information about Shannon Ford and Two If By Seafood.)

August 28th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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We have received updates from some of the vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthop, WA talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Opening Day 2011

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthop, WA talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Opening Day 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Earlier this week, the folks at Crown S Ranch sent out an email to their customers saying, “We unfortunately are not able to attend the MIFM this Sunday the 28th due to an unseasonal cold floating around here.  We will be at the market the following Labor Day weekend, Sunday the 4th.  Sorry for the inconvenience.  Let us know if we can bring anything special for you.”

We wish them all a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing them next weekend.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, wrote: “This must be close to the height of the jam making season and I’ve got the stuff—plum, blueberry, cherry, blackberry, raspberry and variations of all them.” Rome also has a new Apricot Chutney as well as a new batch of Blackberry with Chili jam that he describes as “‘mas pequeno’ than the last batch.”

The “magic” word this Sunday is “drupe.” We’re guessing that that Rome has plums and apricots and peaches and nectarines and cherries on his mind. So anyone interested in getting a dollar off of their first jar of jam should use the word-of-the-week in conversation with Rome.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Jerry Baxter writes, “So with the weather dictating what soups we are making these weeks, we are trying a new strategy. You will probably see 6 soups, 3 hot and 3 cold. I think this may work; it is about choices isn’t it? So with our summer winding down and school starting, there’s a lot going on in the Family world. Here is something you do not have to worry about, dinner. Just take home one of our frozen soups, maybe pick up some salad stuff or some bread, easy dinner, go help the kids with their homework, or relax.”

This week’s soups are:

  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (cold, vegan, and raw): tomato, cucumber, onion, fennel, yellow pepper, zucchini, tarragon, parsley, sherry wine vinegar, cayenne, paprika, olive oil
  • Cool Cucumber & Melon (cold and vegan): honeydew melon, cucumber, coconut milk, yogurt, mint, salt, white pepper. Garnish—chili oil
  • Sweet Corn and Cashew Chowder (cold and vegan): corn, onion, coconut milk, cashew, red pepper, basil, cilantro, parsley
  • Shrimp Etouffée: onion, shrimp, shrimp and fish stock (water, shrimp, fish, onion, celery, carrot, parsley) green pepper, tomato, celery, mushroom, garlic, milk butter, flour, cayenne, parsley, oregano, thyme
  • Coconut Curry with Chicken and Brown Rice: chicken stock (chicken, onion, celery, carrot, parsley) onion, carrots, mushroom, red pepper, brown rice, coconut milk, chicken, garlic, ginger, cilantro, lemon grass, gagangal, curry powder, red curry, paprika, turmeric

As always, Jerry has sourced many of his ingredients from farmers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market:

August 21st Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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We have lots of news from our vendors for this Sunday’s Mercer Island Farmers Market. The biggest news is that this Sunday one of the long-time vendors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market—Hooting Owl Granola—will have their last day at the MIFM for the rest of the season. While we are very sorry to see them go and look forward to their return next season, we are thrilled to welcome back long-time MI Farmers Market vendor Jones Creek Farm, who will be at the market for the first time this season.

Hooting Owl Granola, Issaquah, WA

Customers at the Hooting Owl Granola booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Customers at the Hooting Owl Granola booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

This Sunday will be Hooting Owl Granola’s last day at the Mercer Island Farmers Market for this season.

After building their business to six Puget Sound farmers markets and retail sales at Metropolitan Markets, owners Beth and John will be taking a much-needed rest for the next several months.

Everyone at the Mercer Island Farmers Market wishes them the best and is looking forward to their return next season after they are refreshed and ready for new challenges.

Fans of Hooting Owl Granola should plan to stop by the booth to stock up on their favorite flavors.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

A customer at the Farmers Market Preserves booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

A customer at the Farmers Market Preserves booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Farmers Market Preserves owner Rome Doherty continues his experiments with making spicy jam. This Sunday he will be bringing his latest creation—Blackberry with Thai Bird Chilies Jam. Rome like Jerry Baxter from Got Soup? always looks to source his ingredients from the MIFM vendors. For this jam, the blackberries are from Skagit Sun and the chili peppers are from Hedlin Family Farm.

The “magic” word this week to receive a dollar off of your first jar of jam is “theobromine,” which means that Rome must have spent a bit too much time in the kitchen making his popular Raspberry and Theo Chocolate Jam. So be sure to work “theobromine” somehow into your conversation with Rome this Sunday.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011.

Got Soup? owner Jerry Baxter handing a sample to a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 24, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Jerry Baxter, owner of Got Soup?, writes:

Looks like a beautiful week coming, cool mornings and evenings with plenty of sun. Get out and enjoy the sunshine. I have a nice mix of soups this week, some are hot some are cold and some will work both ways. The asparagus can be eaten hot or cold. Etouffée can be easily changed to an entrée by adding a side of brown rice. The cauliflower can also be used as a sauce for a nice Thai dish. Hope you like.

This week’s soups are:

  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (cold, raw, and vegan): tomato, cucumber, onion, fennel, yellow pepper, zucchini, tarragon, parsley, sherry wine vinegar, cayenne, paprika, olive oil
  • Shrimp Etouffée: onion, shrimp, shrimp and fish stock (water, shrimp, fish, onion, celery, carrot, parsley), green pepper, tomato, celery, mushroom, garlic, milk butter, flour, cayenne, parsley, oregano, thyme
  • Asparagus with Meyer Lemon and Dill (vegan): vegetable stock (onion, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), asparagus, onions, shallots, olive oil, lemon, dill, pepper
  • Curried Cauliflower with Zucchini (vegan): vegetable stock (water, onion, carrot, celery, tomato, parsley), cauliflower, coconut milk (water & coconut extract), zucchini, onion, garlic, ginger, apple, garam masala, curry, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, mint, cilantro
  • Cool Cucumber and Melon (vegan): honeydew melon, cucumber, coconut milk, yogurt, mint, lime, salt, white pepper. Garnish with chili oil

As always, Jerry has sourced much of his produce from the farmers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. This week’s ingredients have from such MIFM farms as Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA (onion, leek, fennel), Hedlin Family Farm, La Connor, WA  (cauliflower), Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA (dried chilies, peppers, zucchini), Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes), and the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA (zucchini and melons), and Five Acre Farm, Coupeville, WA (zucchini).

Island Apiaries, Whidbey Island, WA

Kids searching for the queen bee in the bee hive at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Kids searching for the queen bee in the bee hive at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by July 31, 2011)

David Neal and his bees will be back on Sunday for another MI Farmers Market. This week though the bees will not be located at his booth with their honey, but at “farm” next to the market that we are organizing for our youngest shoppers this weekend. The bees will be joining rabbits, goats, and hens that some of our neighbors keep here on Mercer Island.

For those interested in winning a free eight-ounce jar of honey, this week’s “secret” question is: “What means ‘rain’ when added to a clouds name?” Please remember that the question must be answered in person at the market and only the first correct answer wins the free jar of honey.

Jones Creek Farm, Sedro-Woolley, WA

Les Price holding a Mercer island Farmers Market cloth shopping bag at another area farmers market.

Les Price holding a Mercer island Farmers Market cloth shopping bag at another area farmers market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Les Price, owner of Jones Creek Farm, will be coming to the Mercer Island Farmers Market for the first time this season. While he has been away for a year, the MI Farmers Market has always been close to Les’s heart; we were able to capture a quick photo of him earlier this season with one of our farmers market’s cloth shopping bags at another farmers market. Les, you have been close to our hearts too and we look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Les will be bringing his world-famous garlic and for the first time tomatoes. Those fans of his tree fruit will have to be patient for another week or two.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Due to a last minute change in schedule, Parfait Artisan Ice Cream will not be at the MI Farmers Market on Sunday.

No need to fear ice cream fans, Parfait will return next Sunday and Molly Moon Ice Cream will be at the market this Sunday.

Patty Pan Grill, Seattle, WA

Patty pan squash at the Tonnemaker Family Orchard booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Patty pan squash at the Tonnemaker Family Orchard booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Several customers have commented over the years to us about Patty Pan Grill’s name. For those unfamiliar with the patty pan squash, we have a photo of a basket full of them at the Tonnemaker Family Orchard’s booth earlier this season.

This Sunday, Patty Pan Grill is bringing a new product for our market and for them: beef tamales. This is a huge change for Patty Pan Grill; it is the first time that they are offering meat in their fifteen-year history. It is a big enough deal that the Seattle Times wrote an article about this momentous development.

Be sure to read the article about Patty Pan owner Dev Gartenstein’s change in thinking as well as to stop by their booth and try out their new beef tamales.

August 14th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, talking with customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves writes us, “I spent time in the kitchen this week making friends with a 25-pound box of pie cherries and I have cherry jam of all types…I especially like the Cherry Vanilla. I also have a bunch of Peach Butter and more Raspberry with Theo Chocolate.”

After wrestling with the 25-pound box of cherries, Rome must really have have cherries on his mind because the “magic” word this week is “Chekhov.” No doubt in honor of his play “The Cherry Orchard.” So all customers interested in a dollar off of their first jar of jam, please try to work in the master Russian playwright’s name into your conversation with Rome.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Jerry Baxter, owner of Got Soup?, writes, “So this week’s weather has our usual 3 seasonal changes, hopefully the soups will fill your needs. Let’s talk about health. I will tell you something interesting about one of the main ingredients of each soup. Carrots are a rich source of Vitamin A and beta carotene as well as many minerals, good source for detox and very helpful to your liver. Watermelon, good source of Vitamin C and A. Good at fighting certain cancers, minimize asthma and reduces arthritis symptoms. Collard greens are by far the healthiest thing you can put in your mouth. Great source of fiber, collards are rich in sources of phyto-nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties. Salmon, highest source of Omega 3.”

This week’s soups are:

  • Carrot and Coconut Vichyssoise (cold and vegan)
  • North West Chowder
  • Watermelon Gazpacho (cold and vegan)
  • Jerk Chicken with Black Eyed Peas and Greens

As always, Jerry sources most of his ingredients from our local farms. This week Mercer Island Farmers Market vendors Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA (onions, leeks, and fennel), Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA (dried chilies, peppers, and zucchini), Five Acre Farm, Whidbey Island, WA (zucchini), and Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes) have supplied ingredients for his soups.

Jacobs Creamery, Doty, WA

A sign at the Jacobs Creamery booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

A sign at the Jacobs Creamery booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Jacobs Creamery, our newest vendor, is returning for their second market day at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. In addition to their eggs, cheeses (cheddar, Feta, Gouda, and Jarlsberg), and chocolate and vanilla puddings, they are expanding the products they are selling at the MI Farmers Market.

This Sunday, they will be selling crème fraiche, fromage blanc, honey butter, and cheddar curds.

Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA

Heirloom tomatoes from Kittitas Valley Greenhouse at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011.

Heirloom tomatoes from Kittitas Valley Greenhouse at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 31, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Due to the remarkably cool summer all of Washington State has been experiencing, Kittitas Valley is not producing tomatoes in large enough volume to be at our farmers market on Sunday.

We are all hoping that this coming week the weather gets hotter over in central Washington so that their wonderful heirloom tomatoes ripen in time for our the MI Farmers Market next Sunday.

Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Molly Moon Ice Cream Truck at Mercer Island Farmers Market

Mercer Islanders love Molly Moon Ice Cream. They line up to buy their favorite flavors at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Unfortunately Molly Moon is have mechanical problems and so their truck will not be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market this Sunday.

However, while their truck won’t be at the MIFM, their ice cream will be. We are so pleased that they, along with Parfait Artisan Ice Cream, have donated ice cream toward the MI Farmers Market’s third anniversary celebration. A big “thank you” to Molly Moon for their donation.

Customers are encouraged to join us in our celebration by picking up some ice cream at our sampling table starting at noon.

Overland Enterprises, Seattle, WA

Mark Overholt, owner of Overland Enterprises, talking with one of the Master Gardeners at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Mark Overholt, owner of Overland Enterprises, talking with one of the Master Gardeners at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Mark and Susan Overholt, owners of Overland Enterprises, wrote us about their plant-of-the-week:

Clethra alnifolia (Ruby Spice) is a showy and fragrant deciduous shrub that blooms in late summer. A most underused and hard to find beauty that grows in any exposure and soil condition. Its hot pink 2 inch flowers at the branch tips resemble bottlebrushes. Even if you have no room for this shrub please come visit our booth anyway to see and smell this rare plant.

Overland Enterprises is located conveniently next to the Master Gardeners’ table. So be sure to stop by to talk with the Master Gardeners and Mark and Susan with all of your gardening questions and needs.

Rockridge Orchards, Enumclaw, WA

Rockridge Orchard's booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Rockridge Orchard's booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Due to a prior commitment, Rockridge Orchards, will not be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market this Sunday. They will return next Sunday, August 21st.

July 31st Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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The Mercer Island Farmers Market is so pleased that we will have a new vendor, Jacobs Creamery, joining the market on Sunday, July 31st. In other vendor news: unfortunately, Molly Moon Ice Cream will not be at the market again, but Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream will be; plus, we have product updates from Farmers Market Preserves and Got Soup.

Jacobs Creamery, Doty, WA

Jacobs Creamery will be bringing eggs, European-style cultured butter, plus cheeses including Cheddar, Gouda, and Jarlsberg.

In addition, they will be bringing their famous chocolate and vanilla puddings. The folks at Jacobs have this to say about their puddings:

We’re quite proud of the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ it elicits from those tasting it for the first (and sometimes second, third, or 40th) time. The vanilla version is made with cream and real Tahitian vanilla beans, and while we don’t want to brag, it’s equivalent to the best crème brûlée you’ve ever had. The chocolate has a rich, dreamy mousse-like texture that will have you licking the container clean. Please be forewarned that both flavors are highly addictive.

As the season develops, Jacobs will be bringing to the MIFM more of their product line, including cream cheese, crème fraîche, fromage blanc, crumbled mozzarella, ricotta, and yogurts.

Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Parfait's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Unfortunately, this Sunday Molly Moon will be missing another market day due to a scheduling conflict. They should be returning to our market on August 14th after the MI Farmers Market’s break on August 7th due to SeaFair weekend.

Ice-cream fans, no need to fear as Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream will be at the MIFM. If you haven’t already, be sure to try what the editors of Sunset Magazine have called one of the best ice creams on the West Coast.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Rome Doherty, owner of Farmers Market Preserves, clearly loves his work and his products.  He writes, “This is a great time of year to be a jam lover and I’ve got ‘em all. Last weekend, I had seven different strawberry jams, three or four [different] raspberries and a ton of Pie Cherry Jam. This week I’m adding blueberry from Skagit Sun farms and great organic blackberry from Hayton Farms. I have a few jars of loganberry as well.”

In honor of all of the different kinds of berry jams that Farmers Market Preserves has, Rome has selected “bramble“ as the “magic” word for this week. So, if customers would like a dollar off of their first jar of Farmers Market Preserves jam, they should be sure to work in the word-of-the-week into their conversation with Rome.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

While most of the MI Farmers Market’s customers know that Jerry Baxter, owner of Got Soup?, changes the soups every week, what they might not know is that he might change the soups on market day depending on the weather. He writes, “So when the weather changes like it did last weekend I sometimes change the soups. I cannot sell hot soups on hot days, that’s why I changed over to cold soups…” So if Sunday turns out to be unexpectedly hot, Jerry will be bringing cold soups in place of this week’s soups. Either way, we always love his delicious soups, hot or cold.

This week’s soups are:

  • Orange & Cumin Sweet Potato (vegan)
  • Artichoke Paella (vegan)
  • Pork Pozole
  • North West Chowder
  • Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho (vegan & raw)

Got Soup? has sourced much of the produce in their soups from local farms including from such Mercer Island Farmers Market vendors as:

See you all at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday. We are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

July 24th Mercer Island Farmers Market Vendor News

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Update: July 23, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.:

This afternoon we heard some good news and some bad from two of our vendors.  First the good news.

Firefly Kitchens, Seattle, WA

Jars of all of the different products from Firefly Kitchens stacked in a pyramid at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Jars of all of the different products from Firefly Kitchens stacked in a pyramid at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Julie O’Brien from Firefly Kitchens will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market tomorrow.  Julie makes all of Firefly’s products, so this is a great opportunity to meet the producer and talk with her. You’ll discover what inspires her, how she sources her ingredients from local farms, and why she feels so strongly about the health benefits of fermented food.

In case you have tried their delicious products yet, Firefly Kitchens produces a variety of fermented vegetable products such as sauerkraut (three kinds: Classic; Ruby Red made with beets; and Cordido with onions and jalapenos), kimchi, salsa, and Yin Yang Carrots (sweet carrots with spicy ginger).

They have samples of all of these available at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. So Sunday will be a great chance to try all of their fermented products and to talk with the person beyond their deliciousness.

And now for the bad news…

Whidbey Island Ice Cream, Langley, WA

The Whidbey Island Ice Cream cart at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

The Whidbey Island Ice Cream cart at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Ron Hecker, owner of Whidbey Island Ice Cream, contacted us with the unfortunate news that they are having trouble with their carts. So they will not be able to be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday.

Ron is working hard to get the cart fixed and plans to return next weekend. So no fear fans of their rich, chocolate-dipped, 18%-butterfat ice cream bars in a huge variety of flavors—banana, blackberry, blackberry-lavender, black cherry, butterscotch, cardamom, cherry chocolate chip, chocolate, chocolate chardonnay, chocolate-fudge, chocolate-mint, coconut, mint, mocha mousse, orange chocolate, peanut butter, pistachio, raspberry, vanilla, vanilla lavender…, you will be able to buy your favorites and try new ones next Sunday, July 31st.

This means that…

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

With Molly Moon and Whidbey Island Ice Cream unable to attend the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday, Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream will be our market’s the only ice cream vendor at our July 24th market.

This will be a great opportunity for our customers who haven’t yet tried their wonderful products yet to try what the editors of Sunset Magazine featured in their July food issue as one of their favorite ice cream vendors on the West Coast.

Update: July 23, 2011 at 12:55 p.m.:

This morning we received updates with market specials from two more of our vendors, Island Apiaries and Zaw Pizza.

Island Apiaries, Freeland, WA

Bear-shaped jars of honey at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

Bear-shaped jars of honey at the Island Apiaries booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Many of you are aware that David Neel, the owner of Island Apiaries has a “secret” question each week. He offers a free eight-ounce jar of honey to the first customer to answer this question in person at his booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. He posts the question on Saturday mornings on Island Apiaries’ Facebook page. (Please remember not to post the answers on Facebook, which will only invalidate the question and force David to come up with a new question. The answer must be given in person at the MI Farmer Market.)

This week’s secret question is: “What famous inventor also set a water speed record at age 72?”

If you want to win the free eight-ounce jar of honey, plan to get to the MIFM early, i.e. before 11 a.m. In previous weeks, David has received the correct answers during the first hour of the market.

Zaw Pizza, Seattle, WA

Two freshly made pizzas from Zaw Pizza at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011.

Two freshly made pizzas from Zaw Pizza at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Anthony Styll, Zaw’s pizza chef at the MI Farmers Market, sent us an enthusiastic email early this morning. “This week showed quite a bit of new produce at the farmers markets, and we’ll be making the most of it!”

We were particularly excited to read about three of the specials:

  • The B.L.T.  “A summer favorite, with shaved Leeks (from One Leaf Farm), Market Tomatoes (beautiful ones from Billy’s Organic Garden [one of the Mercer Island Farmers Market's farmers]), and Zoe’s Applewood Smoked Dry Cured Nitrate Free Bacon, on a red-sauced pizza with mozzarella and parmesan.”
  • Roasted Beet Pizza. “Roasted golden beets from Full Circle Farm [another of the Mercer Island Farmers Market's farmers], with fresh basil (we get this from a variety of local farms), roasted red peppers, and fresh goat chevre.”
  • The Cowardly Apricot. “We’ve got this seasons fresh shipment of Pipitone Farm’s Apricot Yum spread, and will be saucing pizzas with that, to top with roasted Washington free-range chicken, maple caramelized onions, basil, gorgonzola, and fresh slices of apricots from Collins Family Orchard [yet another of the Mercer Island Farmers Market's farmers].”

Remember to order your fresh, take-and-bake pizza pie from Zaw when you arrive at the market and then return to pick it up after you have finished your shopping. It will be waiting for you.

Original Post:

Our farmers and vendors are getting set for another exciting market day at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. Below are some updates and specials from a few of them.

Fishing Vessel St. Jude, Seattle, WA

Stacks of canned tuna from Fishing Vessel St. Jude at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011.

Stacks of canned tuna from Fishing Vessel St. Jude at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Fishing Vessel St Jude is making their monthly visit to the MI Farmers Market on Sunday. So this weekend is an especially great time to come to the market so you can stock up on locally caught tuna.

We can’t decide which is our favorite flavor of their canned tuna. Original? Dill? Garlic? Jalapeño? Mediterranean? Natural? Smoked? We suggest that you try them all and decide for yourself.

Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, Molly Moon’s ice cream truck will not be at the MI Farmers Market this Sunday. There is no need to fear. They will be back at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday, July 31st and will return for the rest of the market season.

For those Islanders needing an ice-cream fix, Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA will be at the MIFM with their ice cream truck and Whidbey Island Ice Cream, Langley, WA will be at the market with their ice cream cart.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Geza's Organic Eggs from Crown S Ranch at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011.

Geza's Organic Eggs from Crown S Ranch at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

A great reason to get to the MI Farmers Market early are Geza’s Organic Eggs from Crown S Ranch. The eggs are beautiful on the outside featuring different colors and shades. They are also beautiful on the inside with deep almost-orange yolks that change the color of batters and egg dishes from what cooks are used to from store-bought eggs from pale yellows to deep, rich golds. The eggs also improve the flavor of these dishes tremendously, which is why they sell out in the first hour or so of the market.

Crown S Ranch will also be coming with their full line of pasture-raised beef, chicken, and pork. This week’s special is for their freshly harvested, pastured chickens which are on sale for $4.94 per pound.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market.

Farmers Market Preserve, Seattle, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Rome Doherty emailed us that he will be bringing several new jams this week, including loganberry, apricot, raspberry with Theo Chocolate, and raspberry habanero. Rome continues to produce delicious tradition flavors of jams, jellies, and preserves, but he also never ceases to amaze us with the unique flavor combinations that he develops. We can’t wait to thy the raspberry with Theo Chocolate and raspberry habanero.

This week’s magic word is “Mendelian” because, as Rome writes, he is “…grateful to Fr Mendel, as he is at least partially responsible for those fine loganberries.” Rome is in great company celebrating Mendel; Google also did so by creating a special logo for his 189th birthday this past week.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

A customer at the Got Soup? booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

During the past week, we received several enthusiastic comments on one particular soup the Jerry Baxter of Got Soup? made last Sunday: his watermelon gazpacho. There might not be any of this cool and refreshing summer soup this week, but Jerry will be bringing four great new soups for the Mercer Island Farmers Market on Sunday:

  • Corn & Chorizo
  • Orange & Cumin Sweet Potato (vegan)
  • Artichoke Paella (vegan)
  • White Gazpacho (vegan)

As always, Jerry has several vegetarian and vegan options.  Furthermore, Jerry loves using the fresh, local produce from our farmers.  This week’s soups feature produce from Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA (onions, leeks, and fennel), Tonnemaker Family Orchards, Royal City, WA (peppers and dried chilies), and Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes) among many others.

Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA

Romanesco cauliflower from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 17, 2011.

Romanesco cauliflower from Hand-Farmed Organics at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 17, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Last week, Hand-Farmed Organics had tables overflowing with beautiful, local produce. Not only did they have a large variety of different greens (kale, cabbage, red-leaf lettuce…), carrots, turnips (purple top), summer squash, fennel bulbs, romanesco cauliflower, but they also brought kholrabi and potatoes, which they decided to dig up that morning for the market and for a special order from a restaurant. They will be featuring these fingerling potatoes at this week’s market.

So be sure to stop by their booth to check out all of their produce; you might find that they decide to bring something unexpected to the Mercer Island Farmers Market just because it strikes their fancy or they get a special order.

Sunny Valley Wheat-Free, Kent, WA

The Sunny Valley Wheat-Free booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011.

The Sunny Valley Wheat-Free booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 26, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

In addition to their wonderful wheat-free, gluten-free cookies, bar, and scones, Sunny Valley Wheat-Free plans to bring banana bread (nut free), banana-walnut bread, pumpkin bread (nut free), and pumpkin-walnut bread.

July 17th Vendor News for the Mercer Island Farmers Market

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For our Sunday, July 17th market, the Mercer Island Farmers Market is thrilled that three farmers will be joining the market for the first time this market season: Billy’s Organic Garden, Tonasket, WA; the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA; and Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA. All three farms have been working hard through this difficult growing season to have enough quality produce to supply our farmers market as well as others. As of this week they finally do. Please welcome these three highly anticipated farms to the the MI Farmers Market: stop by their booths; talk with the farmers; and buy some of their fresh, local produce.

Billy’s Organic Garden, Tonasket, WA

Many of our customers have missed Billy’s this season and their wonderful organic produce. At last year’s market, the farm’s tomatoes and tree fruit were particular favorites. Well, after a long absence, they will finally be back. Billy’s is expecting to bring tomatoes tomorrow, but the full list of what they will have isn’t quite certain. So be sure to head over to see their full selection.

The River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA

Jerry of the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA talking with a customer at the Bellevue Farmers Market earlier this year.

Jerry of the River Farm Organic Produce, Ellensburg, WA talking with a customer at the Bellevue Farmers Market earlier this year. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Tomorrow will be the first time that the River Farm will be at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. They are very popular at other farmers markets in the region, such as the University-District and the Bellevue Farmers Markets. Just as with Billy’s Organic Garden, the farm’s final product mix for our market tomorrow isn’t 100% certain yet, but they definitely plan to bring to the MI Farmers Market zucchini, zucchini blossoms, and cucumbers. Our customers should have a great time meeting Jerry, the owner of the River Farm, and checking out his wonderful organic produce.

Tonnemaker Family Orchard, Royal City, WA

Tonnemaker is also a new farm for the Mercer Island Farmers Market. They grow a large variety of different fruits and vegetables, including over 100 different varieties of tree fruit. The farm expects to bring to the MIFM tomorrow three varieties of cherries: Bing; Sonata; and maybe Sandra Rose. In addition, they will be bringing summer squash, zucchini and maybe some cucumbers. We know that their produce will be a big hit with the Mercer Island Farmers Market customers.

We are no less thrilled about the many farms and other vendors that have been with us since the beginning of this market season. Below are some specials and highlights from many of them, including “Amazing” cauliflower and chocolate-ripe bell peppers.

Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA and her daughter at the Mercer Island Farmers Market earlier this season.

Jennifer Argraves of Crown S Ranch, Winthrop, WA and her daughter at the Mercer Island Farmers Market earlier this season. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

This week, in addition, to their wonderful eggs and wide selection of organic, pastured beef cuts (T-bone steaks, ribeye steaks, top sirloin steaks, New York steaks, ground beef patties, chuck roasts, round roasts, and short ribs), Crown S Ranch has a special on freshly harvested, pastured chickens, which are $4.95 per pound, as well as a special for their pastured pork chops, which are 10% off at tomorrow’s market.

Farmers Market Preserves, Seattle, WA

Rome Doherty of Farmers Market Preserves has two new jams this week. After “scoring” some Montmorency cherries last week, he make “Pie Cherry” jam. In addition, Rome also will have the first raspberry jam of the season.

The “magic” word this week for a dollar off of your first jar of jam is “peleton.” Rome didn’t explain, but our guess is that this market’s word-of-the-week is in honor of the Tour de France. So, stop by Rome’s booth to buy some of his delicious jams, jellies, and preserves as well as to talk about cycling.

Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA

Customers at the Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011.

Customers at the Full Circle Farm, Carnation, WA booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Full Circle will be bringing two varieties of cauliflower: Romanesco and “Amazing,” which they swear is really the name of the variety. Check it out yourself to see if it really is as amazing as the name indicates. In addition to the cauliflower, Full Circle will also have both green and red dandelion greens, sugar-snap peas, English-shelling peas, rainbow carrots (orange, while, yellow & purple) and red and white currents.

Got Soup?, Seattle, WA

Jerry Baxter as always has four great new soups for the market tomorrow:

  • Green Pea with Mint and Tarragon
  • Curried Lentil with Spinach and Tomato
  • Italian Broccoli with White Bean and Sausage
  • Watermelon Gazpacho

This week’s soups include fresh fruit and vegetables from many of our farmers, including Full Circle Farm (onions, fennel, and spinach), Tonnemaker Orchards (peppers and dried chilies), and Kittitas Valley Greenhouse, Ellensburg, WA (tomatoes and cucumbers).

Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA

Spicy arugula, sweet carrots, and Easter-egg radishes from Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market at the July 3, 2011 market.

Spicy arugula, sweet carrots, and Easter-egg radishes from Hand-Farmed Organics, Fall City, WA at the Mercer Island Farmers Market at the July 3, 2011 market. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

New this week from Hand-Farmed Organics will be romanesco cauliflower. They will also be bringing more of their wonderful greens and delicious broccoli and carrots. Last market day, their Flashy Trout lettuce with its large, dark green leaves with purple patches was a particular hit. Stop by the booth and talk with Ryan and Casey to learn more about the farm and its produce.

Hedlin Family Farm, Mount Vernon, WA

Cute sign announcing "Slightly late, but worth the wait" berries at the Hedlin Family Farm booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011.

Cute sign at the Hedlin Family Farm booth at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on July 3, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Hedlin Family Farm will be bringing sugar-snap peas, English and salad (aka Persian) cucumbers, and red-ripe, orange-ripe, yellow-ripe, and chocolate-ripe (yes, that is the name of the variety, really) rainbow bell peppers. According to Kai Ottesen, one of the owners of the farm, this will be the last and the best week for the farm’s ‘June’-bearing strawberries. He writes, “So it’s a good week to stock up for the winter.” In addition, the first of Hedlin’s Tulameen raspberries are on.  Kai writes, “Tulameens are to raspberries what Shuksans are to strawberries and if you haven’t had either, start asking for them.”

Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck.

Customers at the Mercer Island Farmers Market getting ice cream at Molly Moon's ice cream truck. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Molly Moon has two new additions to their menu this week: Cherry Chunk Ice Cream and Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream, Seattle, WA and Molly Moon Ice Cream, Seattle, WA

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011.

Parfait Artisan Organic Ice Cream truck at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in June, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Congratulations to Parfait and Molly Moon!  They are currently featured as the editors’ picks in the July food issue of Sunset Magazine. We love it when our vendors get much deserved recognition like this. We are all certain that the editors didn’t get a chance to try to Whidbey Island Ice Cream, otherwise it would have been a three-way tie. Starting this week, Parfait will be at the market beginning at noon. So remember if you need an ice cream fix on Sunday, the Mercer Island Farmers Market features both of Sunset Magazine’s editors’ picks for the best ice cream in the region.

Overland Enterprises, Seattle, WA

Mark Overholt of Overland Enterprises tending his plants at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in July, 2011.

Mark Overholt of Overland Enterprises tending his plants at the Mercer Island Farmers Market in July, 2011. (Photo by Alyssa Hatsukami)

Overland Enterprises plant-of-the-week is Hydrangea Bluebird-A, which is a “stunning blue and white lace-cap variety for part sun to shade that can fit in almost any garden due to its compact nature (four-foot-square size at maturity). The plant is extremely cold hard, requires little pruning, and blooms for months.” Mark and Susan Overholt will be bringing these hydrangeas in full bloom. So stop by their booth to check out these beautiful plants.

Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA

Chocolate babka from Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA.

Chocolate babka from Snohomish Bakery, Snohomish, WA. (Photo by Andy Papadatos)

This week Snohomish Bakery is introducing a new product: chocolate babka. We can’t wait to try some as Snohomish has yet to make something that we didn’t love. They will also be bringing their ever-popular, wide selection of artisan breads, croissants, muffins, and cookies.

Highlights from the July 17th Market

Check back here on the Mercer Island Farmers Market blog for photos and highlights from the July 17th market.

See you all tomorrow at the market.