There is something deeply satisfying about a holiday weekend that lands right in the middle of peak tomato season. This Saturday, September 5th, we are expecting one of the best Easton farmers’ markets of the season with over 30 vendors, a full booth of peak summer produce, and plenty of delicious food to fuel your long weekend.
The Farm Is in Full Harvest Mode
It has been a wild and abundant week out in the field. Picking tomatillos right now feels more like an Easter egg hunt than harvesting. It involves searching under leaves and vines, looking for ripe fruit that has been swallowed up by the gourd and butternut squash vines which have completely taken over several of our rows. Luckily the tomatillos do not mind the crowd, because the harvest is abundant.
Meanwhile, something found its way into the sweet potato rows this week and kicked up what looked like a couple of five-gallon buckets worth of dirt. Our best guess is a groundhog doing some early harvesting of its own. We are keeping a close eye on things out there.
And back in the greenhouse, the seedling tables are nearly empty. We sold out of several varieties this past Saturday and the end of seedling season is right around the corner.
Heirloom Tomato Seconds: $3 Per Pound
With our biggest heirloom harvests of the season coming in right now, we are bringing heirloom tomato seconds to the booth this Saturday at just $3 per pound, compared to $6 per pound for our regular heirlooms. These tomatoes have minor physical imperfections like blemishes, splits, or uneven ripening, but the flavor is every bit as incredible as our first quality fruit. They are perfect for processing into sauce, soup, or salsa and at $3 a pound they are an incredible value.
One important note: since these tomatoes have imperfections we recommend using them the same weekend you purchase them rather than storing them for later in the week. Available for pre-order at quarter-acre.com/shop.
Heirloom Hot Peppers: 25 Cents for Two
Two heirloom hot pepper varieties are at the booth this Saturday, priced to make it easy to try something new at just 25 cents for two peppers.
Hinkelhatz is a Pennsylvania Dutch heirloom with serious heat at around 125,000 Scovilles, nearly as hot as a habanero. A true piece of American heirloom history that starts green and ripens to red.
Serrano Tampiqueño is a Mexican heirloom ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 Scovilles with bold heat and a crisp, fresh flavor. Wonderful in salsas, sauces, and anywhere you want a clean, bright heat. Also starts green and ripens to red.
Last Call for Fall Seedlings
The greenhouse is nearly empty and this may very well be our last Saturday bringing seedlings to the market for the season. Broccoli, broccolini, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, and more are still available but quantities are limited and several varieties sold out last week. If you have been thinking about planting a fall or winter garden, the time to act is right now. Place your order today at quarter-acre.com/shop before they are gone for the season.
This Week’s Special: Cochinita Taco
A Yucatán classic and one of our most beloved specials. Pork butt marinated in achiote and citrus, slow-roasted wrapped in banana leaves until meltingly tender, served on warm corn tortillas and topped with pickled purple onions for a burst of bright, tangy flavor. The perfect Labor Day weekend taco.
Take-Home Frozen Meal: Beer-Brined Pork Ribs with Roasted Broccoli
The ideal Labor Day weekend meal to take home: pork ribs brined in beer, lime juice, salt, and black pepper, grilled to perfection and served with a side of roasted broccoli and a garnish of pico de gallo. Pick it up Saturday morning, take it home, and heat it up whenever you are ready to feast. Whether you are feeding one or sharing with the whole family this weekend, this one delivers.
Order Online for Market Pickup
Place your order at quarter-acre.com/shop by Thursday, September 3rd at 8pm for Saturday pickup. If you prefer to shop in person, plan to arrive before 10am, with a holiday crowd this Saturday our products are going to move fast.
Labor Day is a recognition that working people deserve time to rest, celebrate, and enjoy the fruits of their labor, both literally and figuratively. This weekend is your permission to slow down, gather with the people you love, and savor the season. We hope a Saturday morning at the Easton farmers’ market is part of that. Wishing everyone a meaningful and restful Labor Day weekend, we cannot wait to see you Saturday, 8am to 12pm!