The Weblog
This weblog contains LocallyGrown.net news and the weblog entries from all the markets currently using the system.
To visit the authoring market’s website, click on the market name located in the entry’s title.
Citrus County Locally Grown: June 11th Market - New Vendor
Our growers thank you for supporting local growers and businesses. Your orders make a real difference
THE GARDEN DOCTOR TEACHING FARM
We welcome to the market The Garden Doctor. Located on 13 acres approx.in North Eastern part of Citrus County Kevin is offering squash at this time. The range of vegetables will be expanded as the seasons allow.
Next part of the plan is for a teaching facility here focused on backyard and community gardens.
3 ROCK FARM
Still has Organic Blueberries from Citrus County and of course, Lemon Blueberry Scones and Baby Collards and plenty of Eggs.
We lost our entire planting of OKRA to these Grasshoppers. The “approved” pesticides we used were not effective and they ate all our OKRA plants in two days.
Availability on nutrient dense Microgreens include: Arugula, Bok Choy, Mild Brassica and Radish!
DEB’S NATURAL SOURCE
GLUTEN FREE Breads fresh from the Tampa Bakery delivered just in time for market assuring perfect freshness.
Try the Ancient Grains, Cinnamon & Millet, Millet and Flax, Millet Sourdough, Pumpkin Millet Flax.
CAPT. TIM
Fresh Salmon or maybe some shrimp cooked ahead, cooled and added to a salad.
As an appetizer try some Crab Salad you will not be disappointed.
COFFEY BREAK FARM
3 Piece minimum waived
New Flavor: Italian Herb
This week the farm offers a new flavor of Goat Cheese: Italian Herb. They are also waiving the 3 log minimum, so this is an excellent time to try one (or more).
Check out the Mushroom Stroganoff with Goat Cheese in the recipe section.
You can do so much more with these cheeses than just cheese and crackers…Try spreading it on chicken breast or putting it inside a meatloaf. Or spread them on flatbread or top your favorite pizza.
With all these flavors available, you are sure to create something delicious: Garlic Basil, Honey Cranberry Pecan, Chocolate Cherry, Fig Walnut Date, Garlic Cilantro, Herbed Chili Pepper and Plain.
Also, if you’re looking for Goat Milk, this is the place!
ABBD FARM
RAW Jersey COW MILK is AVAILABLE! Since we need to get your order to the farm on Tuesday, we will stop taking orders for milk, MONDAY NIGHT. Please place your orders early!
Thank you for supporting your On-Line Farmers Market. Your purchases have made a difference to many families
Your CCLG Team
THE MARKET IS OPEN
The link below will take you there.
www.citruscounty.locallygrown.net/.*
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Lake Placid Online Farmer's Market: Last market before hiatus
Hey Everyone,
Hope you are well!
I just wanted to remind everyone, this June market is the last one before our two month hiatus (the farmers are super busy July and August, therefore we don’t have online markets then).
So if you need anything, now is the time to order! Let me know if you have any questions or want to add to your order at christiesausa@icloud.com.
Thanks!
Christie
Heirloom Living Market Lilburn: Tidbits and Reminder to Order!
Market Closes at 8:00pm TONIGHT!
Thank you to those who have already placed orders!
Offerings you
definitely want to check out…
Welcome Back! Krista and George Jones of Cedar Seeder (now called High Garden Center), are back with their Microgreens! Be sure and check out their offerings! Additional items will be available in the coming weeks!
Greg Hutchins of Heritage Farm has outstanding grass-fed Meats! On Special this week: Smoked Turkey Wings, Lamb Shoulder Roast (this is a great deal!), Pork Fat Back, Pork Shanks have SOLD OUT!
Also, you will see that Greg has listed an opportunity to pre-order Holiday Hams and Turkeys. Please know that this is normal if you order Local, Pastured-Raised, Grass-fed Meats. It takes time to grow out the animals! There is no “last minute” shopping!
Last year, I received numerous calls starting a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving (and again at Christmas) from folks who wanted Turkey and/or Ham. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! It won’t be available for long!
Marie of Bakery on Brooks is back! This week she has listed Gluten Free (GF) Almond Shortbread Cookies and her GF Cinnamon Rolls on Special. Both of these offerings rank as favorites! The GF Cinnamon Rolls are frozen which makes it really easy to have “fresh baked” breakfast treats!
Dabrielle of My Daily Bread provides us with delicious traditional wheat based Organic Baked Goods! From Challah, Sourdough, Ezekiel and other yummy Breads to Sweet Breads, Cookies, Jams and Jellies, Cheese Dips and Pasta Salads, Dabrielle is passionate about quality! Be sure and get your order in before close of Market!
Ricky Brown of Back River Farm is offering Sugar Snap Peas, New Potatoes and Turnips this week! At this time Strawberries from Back River Farm are sold out; however, if there are any harvested on Thursday, Ricky will bring them to Market for Table Sales!
Burnell Farms is going strong bringing us some great veggies! Cucumbers, Fennel, Kale, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Zucchini! Check out all of their offerings!
Vicky of Fry Farm has: Beets, Baby Fennel, Napa Cabbage, Rainbow Carrots, Kale, New Potatoes, Purple Potatoes, Rhubarb, Snap Peas, Patty Pan & Zephyr Squash, Swiss Chard and Zucchini! Vicky is also offering Holy Basil (Tulsi) freshly harvested! This fabulous Herb makes a wonderful, aromatic and delicious Tea that has many medicinal and health benefits!
Doug of Doug’s Garden is back with his Garden Boxes! This week he has the hearty ‘Early Summer Box as well as the ’Cole Slaw Box’! This Box has Kohlrabi as the main player and makes a wonderful Cole Slaw. Add in some apple for an extra treat In the history of the Market, Doug’s Veggie Boxes have always been a great hit with Members! I expect the same this year. Always a great variety and LOTS of yummy veggies and herbs! Look for them weekly. Doug is also offering: Whole Garlic, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Leaf Lettuce Salad Mix, Spicy Salad Mix and Buttercrunch Lettuce!
Grow With the Flow owned Reggie and Roger Ramos are offering: Cabbage Leaves, Collard Greens, Ovation Salad Mix.
Did you know that Carrell Farms will not be at any of the Traditional Farmer Markets this year? You can find their Water Buffalo and Alpaca products here! Shalley’s line of Natural/Good For You Soaps, Lotions, Lip Balms and more can also be found in their offerings!
The Veggie Patch is offering: Fruit Seedlings, Herb Seedlings, Veggie Seedlings. These will not be available much longer, so order now! Also offering: Fresh Herbs, Medicinal Herbs, Sauces, Pickles and lots of fresh Veggies. Be sure and check out all of their items!
Kathy Barnes of So-Koi, our resident Seamtress, Lilburn Market Coordinator and provider of some pantry items has added “Kool-Aids” to her offerings! These are neck scarves that you soak in cool water and place around your neck – there are special little beady-thingies that plump up and help keep you cool! Fabulous! And they work — just ask Sarah, Bethe or Maryanne who were lucky enough to get the first ones!
I have been using the Produce Bags and cannot believe how well it keeps my Greens and Veggies! These are a must for Greens!
Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to provide you with what you want from the local Farmers/Growers and Producers; but, please understand that Buying Local means supporting those who are committed to providing ‘Local’!
It takes a lot of work to provide the quality of the products found on our market. The growers and artisans offer us the best products to support the healthy choices we are making. Please consider showing your support for these Farmers and Artisans by ordering their products. Your food dollars matter greatly to these dedicated folks.
Back River Farm
Burnell Farms
Doug’s Garden
Fry Farm
Grow with the Flow
Peacefield Farm
The Veggie Patch
Milk
Cedar Rock Dairy (Cow)
Little Tots Estate (Goat)
Eggs
Rocky Acres
Little Tots Estate (Organic, Soy Free, pastured chickens) on Farmers’ Sale Table only
Bakery
Bakery on Brooks (Gluten Free/Organic)
My Daily Bread (Organic)
Grass Fed Meats
Carrell Farms
Heritage Farm
Microgreens
Cedar Seeder
Natural Products
Carrell Farms
Dances With Bees
Low Low Knows Bones
So-Koi
Handmade Items
Carrell Farms
Dances With Bees
Peacefield Farm
So-Koi
Flours/Grains/Salt/Seasonings/Sweeteners
My Daily Bread
So-Koi
Markets close at 8:00pm Monday. Please remember that minimums must be met for each Market to ensure delivery by our Farmers! Be sure and get your order in and thank you for supporting our LOCAL Farmers!
Pickup at Crossfit Market
Pickup Day and Time: Thursday 2:30pm – 5:30pm (later by appt only!)
Pickup Location: Crossfit O-Zone
519 Hurricane Shoals Road NE
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Click Here for Map
Pickup Day and Time: Thursday 2:30 – 4:30pm
Pickup Location:
Hamilton Mill Community Clubhouse
1669 Hamilton Mill Parkway
Dacula, GA 30019
Click Here for Map
Pickup Day and Time: Thursday, 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Pickup Location: All Saints Lutheran Church
722 Rockbridge Road, SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
Click Here for Map
Thank you for taking the time to read this bit of information!
Order now since you are just a click way!
“Like” us on facebook!
BUY LOCAL ~ Know your Farmer!
Heirloom Living Market Hamilton Mill: Tidbits and Reminder to Order!
Market Closes at 8:00pm TONIGHT!
Thank you to those who have already placed orders!
Offerings you
definitely want to check out…
Welcome Back! Krista and George Jones of Cedar Seeder (now called High Garden Center), are back with their Microgreens! Be sure and check out their offerings! Additional items will be available in the coming weeks!
Greg Hutchins of Heritage Farm has outstanding grass-fed Meats! On Special this week: Smoked Turkey Wings, Lamb Shoulder Roast (this is a great deal!), Pork Fat Back, Pork Shanks have SOLD OUT!
Also, you will see that Greg has listed an opportunity to pre-order Holiday Hams and Turkeys. Please know that this is normal if you order Local, Pastured-Raised, Grass-fed Meats. It takes time to grow out the animals! There is no “last minute” shopping!
Last year, I received numerous calls starting a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving (and again at Christmas) from folks who wanted Turkey and/or Ham. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! It won’t be available for long!
Marie of Bakery on Brooks is back! This week she has listed Gluten Free (GF) Almond Shortbread Cookies and her GF Cinnamon Rolls on Special. Both of these offerings rank as favorites! The GF Cinnamon Rolls are frozen which makes it really easy to have “fresh baked” breakfast treats!
Dabrielle of My Daily Bread provides us with delicious traditional wheat based Organic Baked Goods! From Challah, Sourdough, Ezekiel and other yummy Breads to Sweet Breads, Cookies, Jams and Jellies, Cheese Dips and Pasta Salads, Dabrielle is passionate about quality! Be sure and get your order in before close of Market!
Ricky Brown of Back River Farm is offering Sugar Snap Peas, New Potatoes and Turnips this week! At this time Strawberries from Back River Farm are sold out; however, if there are any harvested on Thursday, Ricky will bring them to Market for Table Sales!
Burnell Farms is going strong bringing us some great veggies! Cucumbers, Fennel, Kale, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Zucchini! Check out all of their offerings!
Vicky of Fry Farm has: Beets, Baby Fennel, Napa Cabbage, Rainbow Carrots, Kale, New Potatoes, Purple Potatoes, Rhubarb, Snap Peas, Patty Pan & Zephyr Squash, Swiss Chard and Zucchini! Vicky is also offering Holy Basil (Tulsi) freshly harvested! This fabulous Herb makes a wonderful, aromatic and delicious Tea that has many medicinal and health benefits!
Doug of Doug’s Garden is back with his Garden Boxes! This week he has the hearty ‘Early Summer Box as well as the ’Cole Slaw Box’! This Box has Kohlrabi as the main player and makes a wonderful Cole Slaw. Add in some apple for an extra treat In the history of the Market, Doug’s Veggie Boxes have always been a great hit with Members! I expect the same this year. Always a great variety and LOTS of yummy veggies and herbs! Look for them weekly. Doug is also offering: Whole Garlic, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Leaf Lettuce Salad Mix, Spicy Salad Mix and Buttercrunch Lettuce!
Grow With the Flow owned Reggie and Roger Ramos are offering: Cabbage Leaves, Collard Greens, Ovation Salad Mix.
Did you know that Carrell Farms will not be at any of the Traditional Farmer Markets this year? You can find their Water Buffalo and Alpaca products here! Shalley’s line of Natural/Good For You Soaps, Lotions, Lip Balms and more can also be found in their offerings!
The Veggie Patch is offering: Fruit Seedlings, Herb Seedlings, Veggie Seedlings. These will not be available much longer, so order now! Also offering: Fresh Herbs, Medicinal Herbs, Sauces, Pickles and lots of fresh Veggies. Be sure and check out all of their items!
Kathy Barnes of So-Koi, our resident Seamtress, Lilburn Market Coordinator and provider of some pantry items has added “Kool-Aids” to her offerings! These are neck scarves that you soak in cool water and place around your neck – there are special little beady-thingies that plump up and help keep you cool! Fabulous! And they work — just ask Sarah, Bethe or Maryanne who were lucky enough to get the first ones!
I have been using the Produce Bags and cannot believe how well it keeps my Greens and Veggies! These are a must for Greens!
Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to provide you with what you want from the local Farmers/Growers and Producers; but, please understand that Buying Local means supporting those who are committed to providing ‘Local’!
It takes a lot of work to provide the quality of the products found on our market. The growers and artisans offer us the best products to support the healthy choices we are making. Please consider showing your support for these Farmers and Artisans by ordering their products. Your food dollars matter greatly to these dedicated folks.
Back River Farm
Burnell Farms
Doug’s Garden
Fry Farm
Grow with the Flow
Peacefield Farm
The Veggie Patch
Milk
Cedar Rock Dairy (Cow)
Little Tots Estate (Goat)
Eggs
Rocky Acres
Little Tots Estate (Organic, Soy Free, pastured chickens) on Farmers’ Sale Table only
Bakery
Bakery on Brooks (Gluten Free/Organic)
My Daily Bread (Organic)
Grass Fed Meats
Carrell Farms
Heritage Farm
Microgreens
Cedar Seeder
Natural Products
Carrell Farms
Dances With Bees
Low Low Knows Bones
So-Koi
Handmade Items
Carrell Farms
Dances With Bees
Peacefield Farm
So-Koi
Flours/Grains/Salt/Seasonings/Sweeteners
My Daily Bread
So-Koi
Markets close at 8:00pm Monday. Please remember that minimums must be met for each Market to ensure delivery by our Farmers! Be sure and get your order in and thank you for supporting our LOCAL Farmers!
Pickup at Crossfit Market
Pickup Day and Time: Thursday 2:30pm – 5:30pm (later by appt only!)
Pickup Location: Crossfit O-Zone
519 Hurricane Shoals Road NE
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Click Here for Map
Pickup Day and Time: Thursday 2:30 – 4:30pm
Pickup Location:
Hamilton Mill Community Clubhouse
1669 Hamilton Mill Parkway
Dacula, GA 30019
Click Here for Map
Pickup Day and Time: Thursday, 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Pickup Location: All Saints Lutheran Church
722 Rockbridge Road, SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
Click Here for Map
Thank you for taking the time to read this bit of information!
Order now since you are just a click way!
“Like” us on facebook!
BUY LOCAL ~ Know your Farmer!
Heirloom Living Market Lawrenceville : Tidbits and Reminder to Order!
Market Closes at 8:00pm TONIGHT!
Thank you to those who have already placed orders!
Crossfit / Lawrenceville Market Pickup Hours
You may pick up the items you ordered starting at 2:30pm. Market will end at 5:30pm; however, you may pickup later if you have contacted me and you make payment prior to pickup. We now have other payments options available. Please call me on Monday and I will discuss the other options with you and answer any questions. You can reach me at 404-432-4337.
Offerings you
definitely want to check out…
Welcome Back! Krista and George Jones of Cedar Seeder (now called High Garden Center), are back with their Microgreens! Be sure and check out their offerings! Additional items will be available in the coming weeks!
Greg Hutchins of Heritage Farm has outstanding grass-fed Meats! On Special this week: Smoked Turkey Wings, Lamb Shoulder Roast (this is a great deal!), Pork Fat Back, Pork Shanks have SOLD OUT!
Also, you will see that Greg has listed an opportunity to pre-order Holiday Hams and Turkeys. Please know that this is normal if you order Local, Pastured-Raised, Grass-fed Meats. It takes time to grow out the animals! There is no “last minute” shopping!
Last year, I received numerous calls starting a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving (and again at Christmas) from folks who wanted Turkey and/or Ham. Don’t miss out on this opportunity! It won’t be available for long!
Marie of Bakery on Brooks is back! This week she has listed Gluten Free (GF) Almond Shortbread Cookies and her GF Cinnamon Rolls on Special. Both of these offerings rank as favorites! The GF Cinnamon Rolls are frozen which makes it really easy to have “fresh baked” breakfast treats!
Dabrielle of My Daily Bread provides us with delicious traditional wheat based Organic Baked Goods! From Challah, Sourdough, Ezekiel and other yummy Breads to Sweet Breads, Cookies, Jams and Jellies, Cheese Dips and Pasta Salads, Dabrielle is passionate about quality! Be sure and get your order in before close of Market!
Ricky Brown of Back River Farm is offering Sugar Snap Peas, New Potatoes and Turnips this week! At this time Strawberries from Back River Farm are sold out; however, if there are any harvested on Thursday, Ricky will bring them to Market for Table Sales!
Burnell Farms is going strong bringing us some great veggies! Cucumbers, Fennel, Kale, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Zucchini! Check out all of their offerings!
Vicky of Fry Farm has: Beets, Baby Fennel, Napa Cabbage, Rainbow Carrots, Kale, New Potatoes, Purple Potatoes, Rhubarb, Snap Peas, Patty Pan & Zephyr Squash, Swiss Chard and Zucchini! Vicky is also offering Holy Basil (Tulsi) freshly harvested! This fabulous Herb makes a wonderful, aromatic and delicious Tea that has many medicinal and health benefits!
Doug of Doug’s Garden is back with his Garden Boxes! This week he has the hearty ‘Early Summer Box as well as the ’Cole Slaw Box’! This Box has Kohlrabi as the main player and makes a wonderful Cole Slaw. Add in some apple for an extra treat In the history of the Market, Doug’s Veggie Boxes have always been a great hit with Members! I expect the same this year. Always a great variety and LOTS of yummy veggies and herbs! Look for them weekly. Doug is also offering: Whole Garlic, Kohlrabi, Leeks, Leaf Lettuce Salad Mix, Spicy Salad Mix and Buttercrunch Lettuce!
Grow With the Flow owned Reggie and Roger Ramos are offering: Cabbage Leaves, Collard Greens, Ovation Salad Mix.
Did you know that Carrell Farms will not be at any of the Traditional Farmer Markets this year? You can find their Water Buffalo and Alpaca products here! Shalley’s line of Natural/Good For You Soaps, Lotions, Lip Balms and more can also be found in their offerings!
The Veggie Patch is offering: Fruit Seedlings, Herb Seedlings, Veggie Seedlings. These will not be available much longer, so order now! Also offering: Fresh Herbs, Medicinal Herbs, Sauces, Pickles and lots of fresh Veggies. Be sure and check out all of their items!
Kathy Barnes of So-Koi, our resident Seamtress, Lilburn Market Coordinator and provider of some pantry items has added “Kool-Aids” to her offerings! These are neck scarves that you soak in cool water and place around your neck – there are special little beady-thingies that plump up and help keep you cool! Fabulous! And they work — just ask Sarah, Bethe or Maryanne who were lucky enough to get the first ones!
I have been using the Produce Bags and cannot believe how well it keeps my Greens and Veggies! These are a must for Greens!
Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to provide you with what you want from the local Farmers/Growers and Producers; but, please understand that Buying Local means supporting those who are committed to providing ‘Local’!
It takes a lot of work to provide the quality of the products found on our market. The growers and artisans offer us the best products to support the healthy choices we are making. Please consider showing your support for these Farmers and Artisans by ordering their products. Your food dollars matter greatly to these dedicated folks.
Back River Farm
Burnell Farms
Doug’s Garden
Fry Farm
Grow with the Flow
Peacefield Farm
The Veggie Patch
Milk
Cedar Rock Dairy (Cow)
Little Tots Estate (Goat)
Eggs
Rocky Acres
Little Tots Estate (Organic, Soy Free, pastured chickens) on Farmers’ Sale Table only
Bakery
Bakery on Brooks (Gluten Free/Organic)
My Daily Bread (Organic)
Grass Fed Meats
Carrell Farms
Heritage Farm
Microgreens
Cedar Seeder
Natural Products
Carrell Farms
Dances With Bees
Low Low Knows Bones
So-Koi
Handmade Items
Carrell Farms
Dances With Bees
Peacefield Farm
So-Koi
Flours/Grains/Salt/Seasonings/Sweeteners
My Daily Bread
So-Koi
Markets close at 8:00pm Monday. Please remember that minimums must be met for each Market to ensure delivery by our Farmers! Be sure and get your order in and thank you for supporting our LOCAL Farmers!
Pickup at Crossfit Market
Pickup Day and Time: Thursday 2:30pm – 5:30pm (later by appt only!)
Pickup Location: Crossfit O-Zone
519 Hurricane Shoals Road NE
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Click Here for Map
Pickup Day and Time: Thursday 2:30 – 4:30pm
Pickup Location:
Hamilton Mill Community Clubhouse
1669 Hamilton Mill Parkway
Dacula, GA 30019
Click Here for Map
Pickup Day and Time: Thursday, 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Pickup Location: All Saints Lutheran Church
722 Rockbridge Road, SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
Click Here for Map
Thank you for taking the time to read this bit of information!
Order now since you are just a click way!
“Like” us on facebook!
BUY LOCAL ~ Know your Farmer!
GFM : Monday is a good Day !
Wow, Monday again. Funny how that keeps coming up.
Beautiful Day, Sun is shining, garden is growing.
Greeneville Farmers Market is growing and remaining at the FairGrounds. Thanks to Bobby Holt and the Fair Board for Sponsoring the Greeneville Farmers Market.
The Online Market is now open for business. Place your orders, and pick them up on Saturday Morning, at the information Booth of the Greeneville Farmers Market, under the livestock Pavilion of the Greene County Fairgrounds.
Lots of FREE parking, clean restrooms, and undercover to protect everyone from the heat and rain.
Join us each Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm or sellout, and Wednesdays from 3 pm to 6 pm or sellout.
Thank you for supporting the Greeneville Farmers Market.
J. Shelton
McColloms Market: June FFFN Order - Just a Reminder
Good Morning!
I just wanted to remind everyone that the order is open until around 5 pm tonight. This is the last order until September.
The pick up will be at my house on Wed from 4:30-6:45.
Thanks.
Melinda
Martin's Farmstand: More rain!
It is lovely to listen to more rain on the roof! I was just out working in the greenhouse. The weather is lovely in the greenhouse. I just picked 5 pails of beautiful zucchini from our greenhouse. This is the last week for asparagus till next year.
We are starting to see some ripening strawberries already. We should be picking by next week. It looks as if we will have a small amount of strawberries at a time, spread over a long time. What should be the peak of the season will be empty because of the frost damage. The apple and pear trees have lots of nice little fruit on them. We may need to eat less strawberries and more apples this year.
Joyful Noise Acres Farm: Don't forget to place your orders.
Good morning, please don’t forget to place your orders before 8:00 tonight. We have plenty of fresh cheese, butter, milk and eggs.
Cedar Rock Dairy has steaks, ground beef and bones that are not listed on the market, send me a private e-mail and I will have it here on WEdnesday. His prices are about the same as Four Mile Farm. She will have more beef available the end of July.
Thank you for supporting local farms and artisans. Your food dollars matter.
Blessings,
Mary Beth
Northeast Georgia Locally Grown: Locally Grown - Availability for June 10th , 2015
Hey Local Food Lovers,
This week is fun for me because I can still go out and get a few last Taiwanese treats before the long flight home tomorrow (I’m about to eat 3 mangoes right after I post this), but can also order this weeks specialities from Locally Grown for pickup on Wednesday. The best of all worlds this week.
This is the last unusual post from Asia. Thanks to all who may have read these posts with a bit of curiosity about how people are eating half a world away. Due to a baby in tow we didn’t quite have as much flexibility as past visits when we were able to hunt down a few organic farms over here, and try and research what was going on in the sustainability of food front here in Taiwan. But from the purely local foods angle (Taiwan does a fantastic job of growing as much food as they possibly can considering the very small size of their island compared to the very large population….23 million).
Since it’s so difficult to discuss every delicious morsel of food I’ve put into my mouth these last several weeks I’m going to just focus on a few that I have taken photos for. What you are about to read are the captions from photos of these foods posted to the Locally Grown Facebook page
A few of these I’ve talked about briefly before, but have added some details that should be interesting.
Last week we visited Tainan which is one of the oldest cities in Taiwan (this former capital is in fact the origin of the country’s name), and very famous for foods that originated here…many of which have since become popular all over Asia. This one is called an Oyster Omelet. It is pretty much what it sounds like except that in addition to eggs and oysters they often also include sweet potato starch (which gives the whole thing a bit of a gooey consistency) bean sprouts, lettuce, shrimp and several different types of sweet or spicy sauce poured over the top. The oysters were fantastic and very fresh.
Another interesting aspect of small family owned restaurants all over Asia is that they usually do most or all the cooking on a portable gas stove or skillet in this case that is pushed outside of the restaurant. There’s several reasons for this. It’s too hot to cook indoors (most places don’t use AC), passerby can get a waft of the good smells of your food, and reduces the chances you burn your restaurant down. This is especially important since these families almost always live upstairs of the restaurant.
Accompanying this meal was milkfish ball soup. Very common in coastal areas (which is most of Taiwan). Milkfish is the most common fish in Taiwan and every single part of the fish is used. Something was really special about this broth too. In future visits hopefully my Chinese will be good enough to pry the secrets of this soup from the cooks!
Night markets are very popular in Taiwan. They are a bonanza of good traditional foods and snacks. Asian style pastries are one of the absolute best breakfast treats. If you’ve never heard of these, they are impossible to explain because there are literally hundreds of varieties, and bakers pride themselves on innovations in mixing flavors into new items. Very common are green onions, sausages (basically hot dogs) baked inside in different configurations, and dried shredded pork often with a sweet mayo….this is almost always my favorite. If you are curious about these pastries I have good news. There is a place called Sweet Hut on Buford Hwy right off 185 in Atlanta that does these just about as well as those I’ve had in Taiwan. Give it a try! And try their fried chicken bites too. Get them spicy.
One of our favorite treats at this particular night market was a fried Fantuan, otherwise known as a sticky rice ball. The traditional way this is made is with sticky rice filled with a fried piece of doughnut, pickled cabbage, and small bits of pork. This night market version was a little different. The whole thing was also lightly battered and fried, with a little spicy mayo in the middle. You got to kick things up a notch at night right? Then wrapped in seaweed to keep your hand from getting messy. It was terrific!
Another treat…. corn on the cob on a stick. But in Taiwan they coat the whole thing in their own BBQ sauce. Much better this way.
Ok, this next one is a little more applicable to us local fruit lovers.
Taiwanese love not just watermelons but a specific variety of watermelon known in the states as an Ali Baba (this was my wife and I’s specialty back when we were growing to sell). Originally from Iraq, it is a seriously superior melon. Watermelon here is most frequently served in triangles with the rind on after dinner. It’s a most refreshing way to end a meal. At the night market however, they have lots of fresh fruit smoothie stands where you can get a watermelon or papaya smoothie. We got both…and an Aloe Vera juice too sweetened with honey. Depending on the sweetness of the fruit, often these drinks are made with no sugar added. It’s just fruit and water.
You can also find these made with milk. In fact the 7-11’s in Taiwan (the most popular convenient stores in the country) actually sell cartons of watermelon and papaya milk. But of course the fresh ones are what you want.
It’s really hard to pick favorites, but I think my favorite dish of the entire trip was the sautéed eggplant! My wife has been making me braised eggplant with basil and chills for a long time, but this version blew my mind. There were some bits of pork in this and the garlic sauce was so savory. The delivery in a classic style bowl didn’t hurt either, but I’d do anything to eat this meal again. The green tea infused rice in the background was also amazing.
Some other nods. Wonton noodle soup. This is from a family owned street vendor. Both the cooking and the seating is all outside under the eaves of the buildings. In addition to the soup there is a side salad of eggs cooked in soy sauce and seaweed. At the same place we had Xiaolongbao. Pronounced Shalong bow. These little steamed buns most often filled with pork are one of my favorites. Served in a bamboo steaming basket. Dipped in sweet soy sauce. We always add some of the hot chili oil too.
Just a block or two from where my inlaws live is an amazing beef noodle soup place. The first time we ever went there the old guy owner was actually making the noodles. Fascinating. The way he would flip stretch and shake the dough kind of like a hot towel or something. Noodles are seriously important to the Taiwanese, and nearly all Asians I gather. Each country I’ve visited so far, you just pray you find their best version of noodle soup, because when you do, you’ll be very happy. So far in Taiwan this is it. The beef broth is super salty and spicy. First few times I had this it was a little hard to get used to. Now I actually add the hot chili oil to kick it up even more.
Last but not least, perhaps the best sweet treat in a hot tropical Asian country is shaved ice. At the beginning it just looks like a bowl of snow cone ice covered with brown sugar syrup. But at the bottom is your choice of lots of sweet often chewy things such as taro and other flavors of tapioca, grass jelly, sticky rice balls, passion fruit seeds, and sweetened mung or pinto beans. All the flavors mix together as you get closer to the bottom. This is the perfect treat on a hot day…..which is pretty much everyday here in the summer. It may sound weird, but I assure you, it’s awesome. You’ll never want another silly sugary snow cone again. Part of why it’s so good is all those ingredients are made fresh each day. They are sweet but not too sweet, and their is even a bit of nutrition in this dessert. But the main thing is the diversity of flavors and textures while being cooled down. Ahhhhh. I’ll miss it.
That’s a lot to chew on. I hope some of you get to taste a few of these dishes. Many are becoming more and more available in the states. But for the rest, I plan to learn to cook as many of these as I can. My wife already does a dang good job on quite a few of them.
Hope everyone has a splendid week. Don’t forget, just a few more weeks before the FARM TOUR. It’s a pretty slow week so far for orders, so order more and keep these farmers busy. Picks of the week still available are cucumbers, first fresh garlic of the year, and get you some garlic scapes for the grill, lots of leeks, sugar snap peas, squash, radish and even a few peppers.
EAT WELL,
Justin in Taiwan
Chuck in Rabun
Teri in Clarkesville
Andrew in Gainesville