Today's Otsiningo Park (Broome County, New York near Binghamton) farmers market was full of surprises.
For example, fresh ginger. That was the first time I've seen it in my area.
You'll note it doesn't look like the tuborous ginger you see in supermarkets or Asian food stores. That is because it is fresh.
After a blogger encouraged us to grow our own ginger, we are in the process of doing that in a pot in our yard. But we've had three frost warnings already (no frost) and true frost should be here some time in October. So our ginger won't be outside for too much longer.
We decided to buy a piece, just in case our potted ginger doesn't produce. The pieces for sale were smaller than the "show" sample in the photo, but good enough for a family for two.
How do you use fresh ginger? If you ask, I'll write more about using homegrown ginger in a future post when we harvest whatever is in our pot outside.)
The other new offering was something the vendor called "pokemon pumpkins". But, I've looked online, and can't find this. Anybody know what this winter squash/pumpkin is? (the red things in the picture are potatoes.)
Corn is still at the market, a big surprise, because normally it is finished by now. Our unpredictable changing climate here in upstate New York? No matter, I'm looking forward to it tonight. Fresh corn must be eaten as soon as possible, and I like it cooked in the microwave with just a little butter.
More of what was being offered was normal for the early fall. For example, gourds.
Lots more was for sale, including garlic, lettuce (finally!), kale, cabbage, cauliflower, eggs, baked goods, and potted mums.
As I read this post to edit it, I realize I have readers from all over the world - from England, to New Zealand, and even Florida and Nebraska in the United States. I'd love to hear what is in your farmers market if it is growing season for you, or what you are looking forward to, if it isn't.
How solendid. Don't recognise the pumpkins either, I'm afraid. Our garlic arrived for planting - much excitement!
ReplyDeleteMy brother in law asked us about growing garlic the other day. He was so surprised when I told him it had to be fall planted. The local garlic crop this year was fantastic - best of luck with yours.
DeleteHere in Southern England, our growing season is about the same as yours. It struck me when I saw your headline about pumpkin and ginger, that they would work well when cooked together. Sweet pumpkin and spicy ginger. Yum!
ReplyDeleteYes, it would be a wonderful combination. I'm wondering if the leaves of the garlic will be usable. Guess we will find out soon enough when frost threatens and we have to harvest.
DeleteSounds good! Can you believe that I have never tried pumpkin pie! I like pumpkin and carrot soup though :)
ReplyDeleteI think we have gone overboard with pumpkin in this country recently - pumpkin ravioli, pumpkin sauce, pumpkin flavored coffee. I haven't tried pumpkin and carrot soup, however. I wonder when Campbells (a major soup company here) will come out with it!
DeleteI love Farmer's Markets they are so fun! Especially in the fall when all the hearty vegetables are sold and you can make yummy Autumn recipes.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, autumn recipes. Can't wait to cook with apples!
DeleteFYI -- The pumpkins in the above photo are "Pumpkemon" pumpkins. I'm growing them for the first time this year from seed ordered from Territorial Seed company.
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