Brussel sprouts are just cool all around. Ever seen them grow? The first time I saw them was in a garden in New England, and I’ve been totally fascinated since. Tall plants with large, cabbage leaves, the stem is loaded with sprouts all the way up when ready to harvest. According to William Woys Weaver, they developed as a mutation of Flanders Kale in the late 1700s, and are one of the most recent veggies to be developed in the cabbage family. That’s some history! They create a great vertical element to the garden, and can be grown amongst shorter crops if space is an issue. Unlike most vegetables, they are very high in protein, and coupled with a whole grain, can provide a complete protein. I know that opinions vary on this, but I think they’re quite tasty! When I moved to Ohio, I grew them in my front garden, partly because I think everyone should see them, but also because I heard a rumor that there is an ordinance in Euclid stating that you cannot grow vegetables in your front yard. I never confirmed the rumor, and no one ever complained, so all is fine. Firsthand, I know they are a crop that requires a long season and a deep commitment. Having had variable success with harvest, I want to emphasize the great diligence and expertise of our market farmers. All veg are different, all soils are different, and there are so many factors that affect the growing season. Cheers to our dedicated growers!
*Friday, October 23: TFM is hosting a screening of Polycultures: Food Where We Live! Come celebrate the season and learn more about the local food movement in Northeast Ohio. Pilgrim Church, 6pm. Mark the date.*
In Season: Apples are coming on strong! Brussel sprouts! celery, tomatoes, zucchini, beans, melons, kale, swiss chard, garlic, onions, cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, parsley, basil, squash of many sorts, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, beets, sweet and hot peppers, flowers (edible and not). Also available are eggs, meat, cheese, plants, jewelry, knitted goods, wool blankets, tea, hot sauces, bread, waffles, honey, and more.
*Eat it while you can, can it if you can.*
Vendors: Beecology, Country Charm Flowers, Great American Lamb Co., Hickory Acre Meats, Good & Raw, Jo Jo’s Pastry Works, KC Coffee Co., Knoble Farms, Lake Erie Creamery, Mom’s Gourmet, Ms. Julie’s Kitchen, Ohio Farm Direct, Perla Homemade Delights, Plant Kingdom Bakery, p’Zazz! Hot Sauces, Rubs and More, Red Basket Farm, Redozo Farm, Riverside Garden, Rock Valley Run, Suzanniehandknits, t. by Sarah, TUFS (Tremont Urban Food System), and Wonder City Farm.
Vendor highlights:
Rock Valley Run: succulents, fresh herbs, mums (all grown without the use of synthetic chemicals!)
Mom’s Gourmet: Brown Dog Riba-Riba Dry Mole. And Far Out Feather Dust Tandoori/Fivespice/Curry
Great American Lamb: A large variety of blankets to choose from! 100% Virgin Wool Blankets.
Plant Kingdom Bakery: Organic Ohio grown spelt flour. Vegan cinnamon raisin bread; scones enriched by hemp and flax seeds.
Music: Blown away in The Great Storm when scheduled to play, Xe La is bravely trying us again. We enjoyed the preview we had last time, now we’re ready for the whole show!
Knife Sharpening: Kevin Noon returns! Double Reminder: Bring your knives. Bring your knives! Having had my knives sharpened this season has been an important reminder to me: a sharp knife makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
“An inexpensive sharp knife is worth more in the kitchen than an expensive dull one!”
Kid’s Corner: Bring your kids! Being a mom myself, I appreciate the fact that the park and the market are very welcoming for children. It is a fun, safe space. In addition, Camille George comes to market to connect with your kids. Fun and free activities.
WIC, Senior’s Coupons, and EBT accepted.
“Half the success in gardening is to remain open-minded and turn mistakes into lessons.”
Taken from Heirloom Vegetable Gardening: A Master Gardener’s Guide to Planting, Seed Saving, and Cultural History, by William Woys Weaver
Peace,
Jody Lathwell, market manager