Good Food’s Weekly Farmers’ Market Digest

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 to Damien Raquinio, co-owner of Golden State Papaya, the first commercial papaya farm in California. We also hear from chef Jerry Su who is shopping for stinging nettles. He uses the spikey greens in a stinging nettle chimichurri at Eagle Rock Public House.

Listen to her report below and keep reading for your weekly shopping list.

What You Should Buy This Weekend from the Farmers’ Market:

– Tomatoes at Peacock Family Farm. They provide both greenhouse and field varieties with growing locations in Arroyo Grande and Dinuba.

– The Kitty Cot Apricots from Murray Family Farm are picked daily.

– Zucchini blossoms from Life’s a Choke in Lompoc. The females are directly attached to the fruit, while the males are attached to a long stem.

– Young shallots at Weiser Family Farms.

– We’re in peak season for California avocados. JJ’s Lone Daughter Ranch from Redlands sells at least five varieties including Gwen, Pinkerton and Hass.

Recipes for Your Market Haul:

Italian Stuffed Tomatoes

Mama’s Apricot Strudel with Cream Cheese Crust

Pescado con Salsa de Flores de Calabaza (Fish with Squash Blossom Sauce)

David LeFevre’s Shallot Mignonette

Vegetarian Recipe: Potato Frittata with Avocado and Three-Chile Salsa