Squash is on its way to the Farmers’ Market

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Supper’s over.

Dishes washed.

Nothing’s left,

but a piece of

squash.

These are the lyrics sent to me recently by my father, who added that this was “a popular Canton [Indiana] song in 1940.” The internet search informs us that these are the refrain from SOME (and I stress, “SOME”) versions of the Old Dan Tucker song, which has many versions. It is reported as being written in 1958 (long after my father first remembers it) and is appears in one of the Little House on the Prairie books. Regardless the origin and year, these are great lyrics.

Sweet corn and tomatoes are now available in abundance at the Fayette County Farmers’ Market, the blackberries are ripening, and melons will be available this week. Squash is not far behind; several of my pumpkins have already turned fully orange. With the abundance comes the necessity to eat your fill of your favorites every week, or find some way to preserve them (or both!). Freezing and canning are the most common methods, but drying is an important preservation method, and when properly dried, produce takes up less valuable space. Winter squash just needs “coolish” and dark, and may be stored under a bed or in a closet! But each variety has different storage capabilities. The OSU Extension office as well as our local library have a wealth of information on preserving and storage.

The Market is open Saturday morning from 8:30 to noon and is located in the municipal parking lot on the corner of South Main and East East streets. SNAP EBT food benefit cards, Senior Farm Market coupons and credit/debit cards are accepted. Those using the SNAP EBT card for produce receive matching dollar “Produce Perks” tokens ($1 for $1) for additional fruits and vegetables. So,”buy one, get one” for fruit and vegetables, up to $20 EVERY market day.

All first responders (police, EMTs and firefighters), teachers, medical providers and Farm Bureau members may pick up $5 coupons during the first two market weeks of each month. These coupons may be used to make farm market purchases anytime during the season.

The following list contains the names and products of the vendors that expect to set up for the Saturday Market. Other vendors may participate as well.

DeBruin Family Farm (Grant & Toni DeBruin): Organic produce including blackberries, peppers and tomatoes. Organic butter. Wildflower cards, gourds and chocolate chip cookies.

Forgotten Way Organic Farm (Cathy Ludi): Therapeutic grade essential oils, wooden signs, homemade soap, vanilla, balms, dry shampoos, and foot soaks. Organic free range eggs.

Garland Farm Sweetcorn (Isaac ad & Justine Garland): Sweet corn

Gerhardts (Kevin Gerhardt): various varieties of melons including watermelons, super sweet white corn, many varieties of field ripened tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, banana peppers, jalapeño peppers, fresh dug potatoes, and zucchini.

Greens & Greenery (Katrina Bush): Seasonal, chemical free produce: tomatoes, garlic, green beans, white and yellow potatoes, hot and sweet peppers, tomatillos. Dried herbs (basil, sage, catnip, sacred basil herbal tea). Beeswax body care products. Buckeyes, baklava, seasoned pretzels.

Jones Farm Fresh Produce (Jon & Taylor Jones): Sweet corn, tomatoes (slicing and cherry), red potatoes, green beans, onions, cucumbers, garlic, peppers, squash, peaches, pork chops, sausage patties, maple links, sweet Italian and jalapeño brats, ground pork, bulk sausage, chicken chorizo, wings, ground hamburger and brown eggs.

King Farms (Jeff & Sandi King): Super sweet corn, green beans, new potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, homemade pies, iced sugar cookies.

Parsons Blackberries (Sophia Parsons): Blackberries

Persinger Cottage Foods (David Persinger and Julie Mosny): The Jam Man will have jams, jellies and peach butter. The Pie Lady will have many pies (cherry, strawberry rhubarb, strawberry, blackberry, black raspberry, peach pies), Cinni mini’s, Bun’s Bars, rhubarb crisp, oatmeal raisin cookies, cinnamon rolls, pecan sticky buns, and local raw honey.

Wood Designed by DW (Debbie Welch): Wood crafts: decorative bird houses, wooden totes, patriotic & wooden Ohio signs, pigs, cows, chickens. Hand made crocheted dishtowels, clothes, potholders, pocket books and baby booties. Special orders welcome.

B.Y.E. Gardens (Brian and Elaine Yoder): Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, cabbage, sweet corn, flowers by Justin, cinnamon rolls, lemon rolls, raspberry rolls, peanut butter and butterscotch cookies, sweet breads, small pies (blueberry, cherry, raisin, peach, apple). Last Saturday for baked goods until September. Call to place orders 740-606-6333

By Thy Hand (Mark and Lori Chrisman): Angel food cakes, specialty breads, pies, cookies, dip mixes.

Chilcote Farm (Bruce & Marlene Chilcote): Honey, sheet cake, butter pecan cake, cookies, and sweet corn.

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By Katrina Bush

For the Record-Herald

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