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Market Watch: Record breaking attendance means great food

Last week’s Market was one of the best ever, and that’s saying something considering how long Market Watch has lived in the area. Thanks to good weather, good press, summer’s bounty, and the never-ending support of the community, the Market came dang close to breaking an attendance record last weekend (according to those in the know), and July is early in the season to do so. Way to go, C-U! Maybe it was the hula hoops in Row Five (they’ll be back this weekend, by the way).

The usual summer suspects will be at the Market this week: sweet corn, peaches, blueberries, summer squash, heirloom tomatoes, all the things you want to cram yourself full of while you can — and this week will herald the arrival of another summer favorite: eggplant. We had a few last week, and more varieties will start to appear as we head into August. This versatile and very pretty vegetable is a staple in several different types of cuisines and can also be grilled like a good, old-fashioned burger. Check this site out for some ideas.

Produce this week:

arugula, basil, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cilantro, cucumbers, eggplant, field greens, garlic scapes, green beans, green onions, kale, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, leeks, nectarines, onions, parsley, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, spinach, summer squash, SWEET CORN, swiss chard, tomatoes, turnips, zucchini and I’m sure I’m forgetting something

Sprouts at the Market:

The second Sprouts session is happening this Saturday. This month’s theme is “color families” — what can a orange vegetable or a yellow fruit do for you? The event goes from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and is a self-guided nutrition/farm trivia tour through the Market that includes tasting of some fruits and vegetables. Kids and their caregivers can stop and sign in at any Sprouts table (look for the chick symbol!) or at the Sprouts main tent at the NW entrance to the Market (you only need to sign in once). This event is free and is open to kids of all ages, but is geared toward 4-10 year-olds. All participating kids will receive a Sprouts certificate, and Sprouts shirts will also be for sale. We’ll have another event in August (all about corn) and the final Sprouts event will be in late October (healthy trick or treat). Bring the kids — this event is happening rain or shine!

See you at the Market!

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