In the past few weeks, Banana and I have been slower to get going on Saturdays. We've arrived at the market close to 10, almost an hour and a half later than usual. Thankfully, the produce has been so plentiful we've been able to come away with a decent haul. Admittedly, we've missed out on some cuts of meat, shiitakes, raspberries, and some other excellent market purchases of which the supplies are less plentiful. What we have not missed out on are the crowds. The little market that could has become the the monster market. When the decision to start the market was made, the manager of the year-old
Byrd House Market put up the money to rent the space out of her own pocket. She should be deservedly proud of her contribution to the community, and it would do the city good to see that a market can succeed—and thrive—without being micromanaged by the powers-that-be.
Now, stepping down off my soapbox, here is the week's haul:
- Sungold tomatoes and peppers from Amy's Organic Garden
- Basil and heirloom tomatoes from Victory Farms
- Cantalope, cucumbers and corn from two farmers whose names escape me
- Peaches—the last 3 at the Saunders Farm stand
- Amish Roll Butter and Chicken from Faith Farms
- coffee beans from Blanchard's Roasters
- Whole wheat bread from Newtowne Cottage
For lunch, I made a salad with cukes and tomatoes, garnished with basil. One of the tomatoes I cut up was the one below. It was the only one of its kind among the heirlooms, and now I really wish I'd asked the people at Victory Farms what kind it was. First of all, I'd like to be able to find it again; second, heirlooms have some really remarkable names. Anyone who can identify the variety, please let me know in the comments.
