Good Food’s Weekly Farmers’ Market Digest

Written by
Laura Avery Juggling Melons
Laura Avery Juggling Melons

Every week Good Food visits the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers’ Market and brings the latest news from farmers and chefs.

This week market manager Laura Avery talks with pastry chef and cookbook author Robert Wemischner. He shares his recipe for iced plum and tea sangria.

Plus, melons have returned to local markets. Farmer Victor Gomez tells us about the 5 varieties he has this week at Munak Ranch farm stand.

What You Should Buy This Weekend At the Farmers’ Market

– Figs and Roumanian Rainbow sweet peppers from JF Organic Farms in the Yucca Valley. The peppers need zero preparation. Drop them right on the grill for your 4th of July BBQ.

– Elderflowers and elderberries from Murray Family Farm in Bakersfield. The elderflower is what gives St. Germain Liqueur its fragrant flavor. Steven Murray cultivated these elderberries for his rare fruit collection.

– Mr. McNulty nectarines, Virgin Blush peaches, and Gladiator nectarines from Fitzgerald’s in Reedley. The Gladiators have the same high acid/high sugar flavor that remains unchanged since the 1940’s.

– Ambrosia melonsRocky Sweet melonsHoneyloupe and watermelons from Munak Ranch in Paso Robles. Listen to Victor Gomez discuss his five varieties of melons on this week’s market report.

– The fragrant mint, rosemary, and thyme are freshly picked for the market by Rutiz Family Farm in Arroyo Grande.

– Dry-farmed Gold Nugget mandarins and Burgundy plums from Canyon Orchard. The mandarins are a personal favorite of farmer Mike Cirone. He recommends taking them along on a bike ride for an easy refreshment.

– Look for white corn from Tamai Family Farms and Valdivia Farms.

What to Cook on the 4th of July Using your Market Haul:

Grilled Corn with Jalapeño Butter

Elote al Echo Parque (aka Grilled Corn on the Cob, Echo Park Style)

Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

Melon, Cucumber and Mint Salad

Watermelon Mojito

Lamb Burgers with Moroccan Spices and Orange Salsa

Handmade Ricotta with Grilled Stone Fruit

4 Patriotic Desserts for the 4th of July