cranberry beans and Macoun apples

I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again, now is the time to be taking extra good care of your immune systems! Luckily we’ve got the wonderful White Pine Community Farm back at the market this week, and with their focus on organic and wildcrafted medicinal herbs, they’re just the folks to chat with.

You may have noticed their gorgeous pitchers of herbal infusions — not only are they strikingly presented, but they’re full of health benefits too! Owner Ben likes to describe the sumac variety as “Nature’s Gatorade”, due to its natural electrolytes and antioxidants. And that’s not all that White Pine has to offer. Every two weeks they drive south from their farm in Wingdale, New York, where the Appalachian trail crosses from our glorious state into Connecticut, and bring with them a fantastic array of goodies! Their loose leaf herbal teas include varieties such as tulsi, red raspberry leaf, purple bee balm, and mugwort. (This might put them a little outside of the culinary palate of most kiddos, but also incredibly Halloween-coded. Stop by with the kids to ask our White Pine vendors to explain their potions!) But my favourite thing they offer might be their micro-green sprouts, which are transported in small soil beds and cut to order.

I love a sourdough sandwich with micro-greens, especially when it’s paired with Aux Bons Fromages sharp aged cheddar cheese, cured deli ham from Letterbox, a slice of a crisp Caradonna apple, and a vinaigrette from Channery Hill Farm. You're welcome!

With growing season winding down, it’s also time to celebrate the produce that has not yet had its spotlight moment, and for me, that means I’m going to be spending some extra time under the tent at Halal Pastures Farm! Their variety always dazzles. These days, I feel especially called to their pink, speckled cranberry beans, which are a feast for the eyes and the mouth. They’re absolutely delicious, with a subtle nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Did you know that cranberry beans are a staple in Italian, Mexican and Portuguese cooking? Try them as a simple but flavorful side dish, made with Agape Premium EVOO and Madura garlic. Or cook some up in a hearty and comforting Pasta Fagioli soup — try this vegan recipe with some Titusville kale, or visit Iberian Delights and pick up some cured meat to make the traditional carnivorous version.

I’ve also been fun to enjoy the “robust radishes” display at Halal Pastures, where their handy chart tells you all the different specialty types of this mighty veggie. A member of the mustard family, radishes are small, spicy, and versatile. I’ll be picking up some of the white hailstone variety to snack on, but a red radish would be a great bet for this tangy radish salad with lemon vinaigrette. You can also pick up the ground protein of your choice from R&M farms and go for these delicious tacos with crunchy radishes — or for those of you feeling extra patient, you can pickle the radishes first! Also the white hakurei turnips, which are radish-like, tastes so delicious dipped into any one of Jenny's hummus varieties at AYA Hummus.

Mead Orchard won’t be joining us at the market this week due to an event at their farm, but we still have Caradonna with all your fruit needs. I had a gorgeous Macoun apple at the market last week. A cross between a McIntosh and Jersey Black apples, the macoun is a New York cultivar, and unlike other apple varieties they don’t store well, so try them now while they’re sweet and tender! I’ll also be asking Lodo from Caradonna for his recommendation on baking apples — don’t be shy about relying on the knowledge of our vendors, they truly know best! Some low-effort, rustic baking seems just the ticket to warm up these cool mornings, so I plan on making this almond apple crisp from Zoe Bakes. Sounds like the perfect breakfast, along with some White Moustache yoghurt.

And for our vegans at the market, Red Barn Bakery has you covered with their specialty butter-free sweet treats. And there’s more! We have a new vendor joining this week. Please welcome Pesto Palette, who will be bringing a collection of unique, fresh, vegan pesto, each inspired by herb, nut, and oil blends used in global cuisines! I can’t wait to try their creations.

We’re also being graced by the presence of The Altogether this week, which is always a treat! This folk trio fills the market so beautifully with their harmonies, and singer/songwriter Sierra Scott used to be the market manager here at Irvington. We love seeing familiar faces at the market! Speaking of which… there’s still so many of you I don’t know! Stop by to say hi and let me know how your autumn is going so far. If you’re struggling to come up with a Halloween costume for yourself or your little ones, we have good news! We will be doing a costume swap this month, on the 19th and 26th of October! We know this month can be hectic, so we’ll keep the reminders coming. You don’t need to bring a costume in order to take one — just come with your creative eyes open! But we do need a stockpile of costumes to get started, so if you have any to give away, we'd love to take them off your hands.

Also: be forewarned! We will have a doggie adoption day at the market on Sunday, October 19th!