Ah, sweet corn! It takes very little effort for most of us to make something delicious from an ear of corn. But consider the farmer bringing it to market! Not only must the soil be prepared, cultivated, planted and tended, the farmer must fend off the raccoons, deer, ground hogs and often birds that are as wild about this crop as we are.
What fun this past Saturday to see young children at the Fayette County Farm Market happily chewing a sample of raw sweet corn! While many of us grew up with the “boiling” method of cooking, more and more folk roast or even microwave sweet corn both for flavor and retention of nutrients. And that is just the “corn on the cob” joy. Chowders, salsas, puddings, breads and sautes have corn bases.
While best when eaten within 24 hours of picking, sweet corn is easy to freeze and can be used almost like fresh for a favorite recipe. There are many recipes for combinations of the myriad vegetables in season now…especially corn, tomato and zucchini with additions of onion, garlic, basil or thyme. These recipes for stir fries, pasta and salads are often incredibly simple, even for those who “don’t cook.”
It is hard to imagine that the indigenous peoples of Mexico took on the slow and careful task of domesticating this important grain nearly 10,000 years ago.
The market runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. each Wednesday in the TSC parking lot (1650 Columbus Ave.) in Washington C.H. This location provides easy access to vendors and parking. Credit/debit cards are accepted as are SNAP EBT cards and Senior Farmer’s Market coupons—stop by the Jones Farm Fresh Produce for assistance. Those using the SNAP EBT card for produce receive matching dollar tokens (one for one) for additional fruits and vegetables! So,”buy one, get one” for fruit and vegetables, up to $10 EVERY market day!
The following vendors have indicated that they plan on selling this Wednesday, and other vendors may participate as well:
B.Y.E Gardens (Brian and Elaine Yoder): Tomatoes, cucumbers, candy onions, zucchini, yellow squash, cabbage, cinnamon rolls, sweet breads, peanut butter cookies, homegrown popcorn, cold drinks, free strawberry lemonade.
Chilcote Farms (Bruce and Marlene Chilcote): Honey, caramels, cookies and small cakes.
D.J.’s Farm (Dennis Anschutz): Baked goods and seasonal produce.
Gerhardts (Kevin Gerhardt): Bi-color and white super sweet corn, cucumbers.
Jones Farm Fresh Produce (Jon and Taylor Jones): Sweet corn, green beans, red potatoes, candy onions, tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, pork chops, sausage patties, ground pork, jalapeño sausage links, sweet Italian links and chicken breast.
King Farms (Jeff and Sandi King): Sweet corn, green beans, and homemade pies and cookies.
The Peach Man (George Hermes): Local peaches, nectarines and honey.
This and That (Mary Ford): Garden and home crafts (coasters, mug rugs, aprons, OSU items, jewelry, and NEW summer goose dresses), baked goods (pineapple upside down cake, apple butter bread, peanut butter fudge).
Windflower Farm (Elaine Anschutz): Various baked goods and treats, culinary mixes, catnip, lavender, crafts, dog treats, info on FCDS.
Katrina Bush is a vendor with the Fayette County Farm Market.
