Friday, February 10, 2006

Grapevine February 12 Market

In this issue
--What's coming to the Market this week?
--Root Vegetables
--Gardening - Hellebores


It looks like we are going to have our first sunny market day since November. Several vendors will be back this weekend including Farris-Seaman Plants, Boyco Foods, Cherry Country, Vibrant Flavor and the Smokery. There will be a great selection of meats, sauces, soups, breads, cheeses, mushrooms, vegetables and more. So put away your raincoats and come on down to the market. See you on Sunday!


What's coming to the Market this week?

You'll find a good selection of root vegetables such carrots, parsnips, turnips, beets, celery root, onions and potatoes this weekend. There will be a good supply of greens as well including arugula, several varieties of kale, chard, mustard greens, collard greens and lettuce. Several farms will have their own salad mixes too. There should be a nice selection for cultivated and wild mushrooms too.

Availability list


Root Vegetables

Root vegetables are commonly available throughout the year. In the winter, these vegetables bring a diverse array of flavors and colors to the seasonal table. These vegetables are used in stews and soups or served roasted or steamed as a side dish. Some root crops, like carrots, can be eaten raw and add color to a winter salad. Other root crops like, parnsips, must be cooked.

Roasted winter vegetables is a simple side dish. Select a combination of vegetables - carrots, parsnips, turnips, celery root - trim, peel and cut into half-inch cubes. Toss with olive oil or clarified butter and spread evenly on a cooking sheet. Season with salt and pepper to your taste and put the sheet into a preheated 400 degree oven. Roast vegetables for 30 to 40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables begin to carmelize and soften. Remove from the oven and either serve immediately or later at room temperature. Want a variation on french fries? Take carrots and parsnips, peel and cut them into strips about 3 inches long. Then roast just as described.


Gardening - Hellebores

Flowering plants aren't just a summertime phenomenon. If you're looking for a plant to provide winter color to your garden you can't go wrong with hellebores.

Hellebores are hardy perennials that flower from the late fall to early spring. These plants prefer part shade or shade and will do well if planted in well composted soil. Hellebores can be used quite well as cut flowers. Honeyhill Farms Nursery is one of the premier hellebore growers in Oregon. Audrey and Jim Metcalfe will have a wide variety of hellebores to choose from this weekend. Nancy Seaman and David Farris at Farris Seaman Plants will have hellebores as well as many other plants to choose from if you want to get a start on your garden.