The Joys of the Farmers Market
by Derek De La Paz, Peace Coffee Production Roaster and Chef

It could be a big city anywhere. Farmers of all walks of life, their locally grown efforts. Eager people hunting Brandywine tomatoes, kabocha squash, honey crisp apples, lemon thyme, purple Peruvian potatoes, habanero peppers, and many other earthly delights. The Minneapolis farmers market is the scene I enjoy. Every Sunday starts with a walk through the maze of tables attended to by friendly hardworking artisans who by growing and selling their products keep things on an important local scale. Safeguarding an important way of life, from farm to table.

As winter approaches, the bounties of harvest begin to subside. So enjoying the fruits and vegetables of fall is not to be missed. On my most recent trip to the farmers market I selected bunches of my favorite herbs. I place them into a cup upright and allow them to dry. Perfect for use while fresh and later lovely summer herbs dried for winter masterpieces. Fall brings the arrival of hard squash (butternut, acorn, kabocha, buttercup, delicata, etc.) one of my favorite ingredients. Perfect for roasting, soups, puree's, and pies. One other fall delight not to be missed is locally grown apples (honey crisp are my favorite). Sweet, crisp, juicy, tart, and perfumed with the loveliest scent. Slice and serve with warm soft caramel for instant nirvana. So as the seasons change, adventure out to your local farmers market and enjoy the bounties of fall and support your local farm family.

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