Raspberries at the Union Square Greenmarket

I had so many different ideas for what to write about for the blog these past few days. I decided that it would be helpful to publish a few notes on what is fresh at the market. Because it is Summer, and there is so much going on with the produce these days, I thought that I would keep you up to date with a few notes. Here they are:

-Sugar snap peas are on their way out of the markets. If you want to have them, you must go this week.

-Raspberries and peaches are abundant and very ripe. It’s time for Peach Melba Semifreddo Sundaes!

-Okra is coming in to some of the stands. Okra is super easy to cook. Just top and trim the tail, and sauté it with some onion, garlic, and tomato. I will leave the spices up to you.

-Blueberries are still at the market, and some stands have small, navy blue wild blueberries glistening in their glory (at a hefty price). Make sure to stock up and freeze some of them for Winter now.

-Lima Beans and green beans are everywhere and look spectacular. Cranberry beans are in now too. They are fun to shell and a beautiful regional variety to enjoy in the Northeast.

-Prune plums, sugar plums, and other heirloom varieties are popping up everywhere. I want to eat everything!

-I saw the most beautiful Dahlias I have ever seen in my life today at Phillip’s Farm. Sometimes I can’t decide if my favorite flower is a peony or a dahlia, or one of those paintbrush (my own description) lilies I see at the market.