What’s been going on!

Farm Aid was a whirlwind but with a quick nap after a shower to wash off pepper roasting debris I was able to make it all the way through Neil Young’s set before making the hour drive back to the farm.  Many of the groups that we work with had information booths with good traffic and exposure, North Carolina’s sustainable ag organizations represented well.

One of the highlights, that I missed because we were at market, was the news conference that always kicks off the concert.  Our good friend Scott Marlow of RAFI was so impassioned that Neil Young got up and gave him a hug, not sure if he will wash that shirt or not.  Also during the news conference they ran a short video with me talking about farmers markets and community on the big screen, kind of a small Carrboro market add and check out that pepper field!  They also took me back stage to do a short interview on Sirius XM radio but for those of you into music it was during Jack White’s set where I was able to stand just off the side and watch up close.

Speaking of peppers tomorrow is the Carrboro Farmers’ Markets The People’s Peppers event with tastings of dishes prepared by Sheri Castle, a pepper cookbook and more.  We will of course have the roaster going non-stop all morning.

Pictures of the Week

Jack White in front of twenty thousand fans

Only at Farm Aid would you have a collard field as the back drop

What’s going to be at the market?

Still lots of peppers with Red Bells and some yellow too.  Red, yellow and orange Corno di Toros.  Peppers with little or no heat- Shishitos and Padrons for appetizers and Aji’s, the habanero without heat.

In hots it is an off week for Poblanos, Anaheims but plenty of Jalapenos, Serranos, Cayennes, Picante Pimentos and a few Pasillas, Piquillos and Espelettes.

Lacinato Kale is back along with tender white Japanese Turnips and Easter Egg Radishes.  Yukina Savoy, a really tender spinach like green.  Lots of Sweet Red Onions, get them while we still have them and Green Onions are back too  A bit of Summer Crisp lettuce.  Cilantro.  A few more of both the Nubia and Italian heirloom Eggplants.  Bring on the winter squash, goes with that snow theme- Spaghetti Squash, Butternut, Acorn and Sweet Dumpling; they go great with chiles!

The flower department is back with beautiful Hydrangeas and the second flush of Lisianthus.  Still a ton of Celosia with felt like heads and the radiant plume type.

As a reminder if there is anything that you would like for us to hold for you at market just let us know by e-mail, by the evening before, and we will be glad to put it aside for you.

Hope to see you all at the market!

Alex, Betsy and Jennie

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