Saturday, October 6th is the last farmers' market day at the California Street location. It's been a bountiful season with plenty of interesting food choices and opportunities to meet the people who grow locally. What does a local shopper do now? Not to worry...we have some options!
First is the Great Basin Basket program which is offering Autumn and Thanksgiving baskets. Here's the list of items to be included in the baskets: chard, kale, stir-fry greens, 10 varieties of winter squash, 2 varieties of pumpkin pie, tomatoes, tomatillos, onions, turnips, carrots, garlic, potatoes, bell peppers, arugula, lettuce, spinach, beets, dried culinary herbs (sage, basil, oregano, thyme, chives, parsley, cilantro, tarragon), fresh baked breads, and jam. These are two baskets so I don't know which items will come in which basket: contact Pauline Hamilton for more information.
You might come across some references to a Shopper's Square winter farmers' market but, though there has been one in the past, it won't be happening this year.
The Great Basin Community Food Coop expanded their space earlier this year and will be selling local produce throughout the year. The Coop charges a membership fee but it is nominal and supports a valuable community resource. And if you're looking for a volunteer opportunity in the local-food area, this might be a place to start. The Coop is run by volunteers and they can never have too many.
Tim (of Amber Oaks Raspberries) has promised to keep coming to Reno farmers' market location until he runs out of produce, even though the market is technically closed. His stall usually includes, among other things, blackberries, habanero and jalapeno peppers, figs, raspberries, chestnuts, tortillas, and "happy cheese".
If you like dried beans try Seed Savers Exchange. This company serves various purposes but focuses primarily on preserving the diversity and history of our food system through the collection and distribution of heirloom seeds (dried beans are the only ready-to-eat food they sell through the catalog). Earlier this year I purchased Christmas Lima beans, and some Hidatsa Shield Figure beans which I used to make a savory side dish. They were so tasty...the beans plumped into really meaty, creamy morsels and tasted like no beans I've eaten before. These beans are way beyond the readily available kidney and Northern White.
These are resources I know about right now; if other options become available I'll make sure to get them on the blog. And, if you hear of anything please let me know. I'll investigate and blog!
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