Fall is quietly making its way to the Eastern Shore and honestly there is no better time to visit a farmers market. The air is light, the heavy humidity of summer has lifted, the crowds are a little calmer, and the harvest is at its most abundant and colorful. Come enjoy it with us this Saturday, September 19th.
What Is Happening in the Field Right Now
It has been a full and beautiful week out on the farm. Walking through the tomato rows this week we spotted something we had not seen before: a bright yellow caterpillar making itself at home near one of our favorite heirloom varieties, Goldie. A fitting match. Caterpillars and worms in the tomato field are a typical sign of fall for us, and while they enjoy eating tomatoes as much as we do, having so many different varieties maturing at different times means we are able to maintain a steady harvest even when certain types take a hit. We will have some type of delicious field-grown tomatoes at the market every week until the frost comes.
We have also been spending time in the pawpaw patch this week, weeding around the trees, adding fresh woodchips, and putting up cages to protect the younger trees from deer who like to use them as a scratching post. The trees are still too young to produce fruit and we have not seen flowers yet, but the oldest ones are about five years old now and we are hopeful that next year might finally be the year they flower. It has been a long and patient journey from seed to orchard, and moments like this remind us that even though some things on the farm take years, there is no better time to give it a try than now.
This Week’s Special: Heirloom Tomato Garlic Scape Pesto Quesadilla
This one has been in the making since garlic scape season back in late May. When the scapes were at their peak we intentionally froze a stash of our house-made pesto, knowing that later on we would want to pair it with our heirloom tomatoes when they were in season. That day has arrived.
This Saturday our garlic scape pesto, made from our own garlic scapes, spinach, parmesan, walnuts, and olive oil, will be spread generously on a flour tortilla, layered with cheese and thick slices of our heirloom tomatoes, then folded and grilled until golden. Each quesadilla is topped with our fresh pico de gallo, because yes, we are putting even more of our tomatoes on it. Two of the farm’s finest things, together at last.
Take-Home Frozen Meal: Grilled Pork Loin Chop
This Saturday’s ready-to-heat frozen meal is a simple and satisfying one: a grilled boneless pork loin chop served with roasted white sweet potatoes and a side of our fresh pico de gallo. Pick it up at the booth, take it home, and heat it up whenever you are ready.
What to Expect at the Booth
We are expecting to bring a beautiful late summer harvest this Saturday including butternut squash, tomatillos, hot peppers, cherry tomatoes, and heirloom tomatoes. We may also have heirloom tomato seconds available, perfect for making sauce, soup, or salsa to put up for the winter months ahead. If tomato seconds are on your list, supply is becoming limited so arrive early if you want some.
Coming Soon: Soup and Hot Cocoa Will Return
We have heard your questions and we have wonderful news: our hot soup and hot cocoa will return to the booth on the first Saturday in October, which is October 3rd. Mark your calendars because there is nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm cup on a cool fall morning at the market.
Fall is knocking but summer is not quite done. Come enjoy the best of both worlds with us this Saturday at the Easton Farmers’ Market, 8am to 12pm, rain or shine!