Silk Tea and Tin Sandwiches

Approximately 11 harmonica players from down Dunville way will be entertaining us, and a keen team of urban fruit pickers from Not Far from the Tree will be offering a cider-pressing demo, and that’s just a start on this week’s market. We’ll also have a visit from GreenPAC, a non-partisan group that is working to build environmental leadership in politics, and most importantly, a spectacular selection of local organic food. We are savouring every minute of these sunny market days!

A lot of happy people will be going home with corn on the cob. No lectures on ‘big-ag’ this time, but I want to write about corn silk. If you are in need of a little bit of wonder in your day, the fact that every single kernel of corn is fed by its own strand of silk reaching up to the sunlight might do. Those strands are full of nourishment, so don’t throw them away! Last week Sha Agbayani told me that her grandmother always made her corn silk tea because of its healthful properties, so Sha still does. Simmer the silk for a few minutes (about a cup of water per cob’s worth) to make this delicately tasty beverage. While looking up information about the tea’s benefits I learned that giving a little to our (slightly leaky) old dog twice a day could be very helpful, so I’m testing that. You can spread out extra silk to dry for use later.

Everdale’s list: “Hello wonderful market-goers! Everdale is pleased to offer some delicious squashes this week. It’s been an excellent season for our squash varieties, and we can’t wait to share them with you! Here is a complete list of items you’ll find at the stall. Just look for those red table cloths and ME, the friendly bald gal 😀

Arugula, basil, red beets, rainbow beets, orange carrots, rainbow carrots, chard, cilantro, collards, cucumbers, dill, bulb fennel, organic flowers, gai lan (chinese broccoli), our famous LOCAL ORGANIC GINGER, black kale, green kale, purple kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, green onions, red storage onions, yellow storage onions, mini roasting onions, parsley, sweet peppers, red radish, easter egg radish, watermelon radish, daikon radish, salad mix, mustard greens, spinach, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, salad turnips, acorn squash, blue hubbard squash, black futzu mini pumpkins, and buttercup squash.” Wolfgang Chrapko

Andrew McIlmoyle from Waymac sent a message to say he’s cutting an amazing hay crop and has to stick with it, so he can’t come to market today.

The Sosnicki Organic Produce contribution: “Well, this heat is welcomed and unexpected. While we keep busy tending to fall harvest and irrigating, lots of great things are headed to Dufferin! Our Sweet Corn (which Yes, is a different variety from last year, and Yes, we are growing the old kind again next year for all you die yards that miss it! Psst – we like the old kind better too!!); Watermelons, Rainbow Beets, Romanesco Cauliflower, still more Tomatoes (just no bulk), Onions, Garlic, Cabbage, Potatoes, Kale. Coming soon a fresh patch of Green Beans! Oh and lots of Peppers: Red Sheps and Bells and some Jalapenos.” Jess, Ben, Joe & crew

See you at the market!
Anne Freeman

P.S. On Sunday October 1st from noon to midnight, Ted Thorpe and family invite you to Farm Fest, with food, music and fun for all. Tickets are $10 from Ted or at the door. When he’s not playing his harmonica (aka a tin sandwich, mouth organ or harp), Kevin Hamilton from Shared Harvest will be organizing a bus or carpool plan to help people get out there. Stop by to sign up. More information is available on www.facebook.com/ThorpesOrganicProduce/

Vendors This Week:
Ali Harris: rotis, sandwiches, salads, cold drinks
All Sorts Acre: lamb, wool, shepherd’s pies, sheep milk ice cream
Bees Universe: honey, eggs, bee products
Chocosol: chocolate, coffee, tamales, drinks
Cock-A-Doodle-Doo gluten-free baking
Country Meadows: cheese, eggs, olives, oil
Culture City: fermented foods, condiments
DeFloured: gluten free baking
Dufferin Park Bakers: wood-fired oven breads & pizzas, salads, snacks
Earth & City: pestos, smoothies, salads, wraps
Everdale: fresh organic produce
Forbes Wild Foods: blueberries, mushrooms & other wild foods
Kind Organics: sprouts, salad mixes, teas
Knuckle Down Farm: fresh organic veggies
Marvellous Edibles: pastured poultry, meats, organic vegetables
Mnandi Pies (3rd week of each month): Zimbabwean style hand pies
Monforte Dairy: cheeses of many kinds
Pine River: fresh organic vegetables
Plan B: fresh organic produce
Shared Harvest: fresh organic vegetables, herbs
Sosnicki Organic Produce: fresh organic vegetables
Southbrook: organic Ontario wines
Spade & Spoon: pickles, jams, maple syrup
Stas: french fries, grilled grass-fed & organic meats
Tapioca Toronto: Brazilian style crepes
Ted Thorpe: fresh produce
Urban Harvest: body care, seeds