The Market Report

Laura Avery welcomes a new vender to the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers' Market. She chats with Robert Jenkins of Carlsbad Aquafarm, which raises clams, mussels, abalone and oysters in an inlet in Carlsbad, California. The fresh shellfish will survive one week in the fridge as long as they aren't submerged in fresh water. To prolong their shelf life, cover them with a damp towel to keep them moist. Call ahead to order fresh abalone.

Thai Style Carlsbad Mussels

2 lbs Carlsbad mussels

2 Tablespoons Vietnamese or Thai fish sauce

2 cans coconut milk

2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger

2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

2 tsps ground red Thai pepper

Laura also chats with Jason Chamberlain of Wong Family Farms, who grows Shady Lady (beefsteak-style) tomatoes hydroponically outside at their Salton Sea farm. The plants' roots are suspended in water and fed nutrients. The tomatoes are firm and will ripen to a ruby red.

French Kiss by Pierre Adenot