The last three Saturdays, the Boise Farmers Market has gradually had more and more green things for sale. We’re still nowhere near the peak of produce season, but City Cast Boise contributor Jocelyn Robertson says the market is already worth the trip.
“There’s still plenty to buy, and we’ll just have to see how the rest of the spring proceeds to see if we’re going to have a great crop season this year,” she said.
So here’s how to make the most of what our farmers markets are serving up right now.
There are hearty greens like spinach, baby kale, miner’s lettuce, and lots of alliums like green onions and garlic in abundance.
You can catch some root vegetables like carrots and turnips that have overwintered, but those will be running out soon, to be replaced by fresh ones planted this year. Watch out for radishes and you’ll know the ball is rolling.
Jocelyn recommends tricking yourself into thinking you're eating something springy with Acme's golden slipper baguette (dyed yellow by turmeric). (@acme_bakeshop / Instagram)
Here are some specific products Jocelyn recommends:
- Lee Family Farms has “garlic the size of your head.”
- “Phenomenal” corn tortillas from Tamales Nelly
- Ferb’s Fabulous Fungi, with a great supply of mushrooms like oysters, shiitakes, trumpets, and lion’s manes.
- Various meats — bison, beef, and pork are all available right now.
- Plus, EGGS! Jocelyn and Emma say not to “waste” them in cakes … I disagree.
I’d also recommend grabbing some herb and vegetable starters. Getting to take something home to grow, even if it’s in a little pot on a windowsill, is a peak spring experience.
A final word of advice: try to go with a meal plan so you don’t end up buying something gorgeous that you have no real use for. And if you feel yourself getting swooned by something not on your list, try to make sure it’s a versatile ingredient that could go in multiple dishes, so it doesn’t just go bad in your fridge.
Happy shopping! Go celebrate the bounty our local farmers have been growing.
