| I feel so ungrateful sometimes, because I've said that the farmers markets here in Philadelphia never seem so picturesque as some of the best I've run across around the country. The produce at Union Square in New York City or at the Santa Monica market truly set my head spinning.
But still, we have it good here in Philly. The Food Trust here has put together a fantastic program:
The Food Trust operates 30 farmers' markets in the Philadelphia area, many of which are in neighborhoods underserved by supermarkets, grocery stores, and other fresh food outlets. All of The Food Trust's markets accept EBT/Access cards, WIC, and Senior FMNP vouchers.
Some of them are only a few stands, but that is still great when, like me, there is a market within a few blocks of either work or home five days a week. I can almost always grab some fresh something or other for dinner, or restock my cache of ripe peaches.
But my favorite market, and the finest of the batch here, is the Sunday market at Head House Square. Interesting enough, this market takes place in the 'Shambles,' a colonial-era structure that was originally a marketplace.
The fruit is playing a starring role now, with tree-ripened peaches and plums...and apricots still in season here.
Of course, the vegetables are also in their prime, with plenty of heirlooms of all sizes, shapes and colors. Here are some tomatoes in all their deliciously imperfect glory:
This display of heirloom eggplants in some strange way reminded me of Raines' Medusa hat from Netroots Nations:
Here we have a variety of onions and cucumbers to choose from:
Happy Cat Farms was specializing in peppers hot and sweet this week:
Queen's Farm specializes in Asian vegetables, including edamame, long beans, shitake and oyster mushrooms and loofah (which is edible, though better known in dried form as an exfolient sponge):
I picked up some delicious lavender honey at Busy Bee Farms. It really has a distinct taste of lavender, and Toni recommends drizzling some over grilled salmon. Yum!
Versailles Bakery had their usual array of breads, and were tempting me with a quiche:
This asian pear butter is incredible. No sugar added, so it's not too sweet.
More goodies:
Culton Organics gave artichokes a try this year:
One of Philly's urban farms, Weaver's Way is represented:
And finally, don't forget to bring something home for the pets:
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