March 18 - 24, 2024
Fresh and Local
Welcoming Spring with Superstar Strawberries
Daylight saving time has begun, extending the hours of our Thursday Mid-City Market until 7pm! With longer days ahead, the vibrancy of spring is here with the arrival of festivals, abundant sunshine, and the peak of strawberry season!
Strawberries are now at their peak, boasting irresistible flavor and abundant supply, which translates to more affordable prices. Whether you're inclined to make jams, shrubs, preserves, or simply freeze them for refreshing smoothies, this is the ideal time to stock up and preserve the bounty for the off-season. Luckily, we feature a variety of local producers at each market, such as Johndales Farm, Faust Farms, and Isabel's Tamales and Produce.
Louisiana strawberries are special—they are seasonal treasures that burst with unparalleled sweetness and flavor, exclusive to our region. Although strawberries are available year round in the grocery store, they may be grown out of the country and harvested a little under-ripe so they will withstand the 3,000-mile trip. That’s why they may not taste as good as a berry harvested locally in March. So, how can you ensure the next strawberry you bite into has an irresistible, sweet flavor? The answer is simple: Know your farmer! By supporting our local producers at CCFM, you contribute to the sustainability of their farms and the broader agricultural ecosystem.
Historically, Ponchatoula and our surrounding regions boasted hundreds of strawberry farms, yet their numbers have dwindled over the years. Despite facing challenges like excessive rain or freezing temperatures, locally grown strawberries thrive under the care of our dedicated farmers. We cherish these farms for their commitment to quality, and we encourage you to show your support at any of our weekly markets.
Picks of the Week
We ❤️ Daylight Saving!
Well, in the Spring at least - because now our Thursday Mid-City Market gets to stay open until 7pm! This gives us an extra hour to check in with our favorite vendors, buy fresh produce, and maybe even eat some delicious snacks. Help spread the word to your friends and family who are looking for after-work-friendly market hours.
In addition to the sweet sunset, we’re celebrating Market March Madness all month long with the Friends of Lafitte Greenway. This Thursday, March 21st, we’ll be featuring:
3-7pm: Art Market in the Station, Strawberry Salsa Cooking Demo, and Blue Bikes Helmet Giveaway
4pm: Music by Vegas Cola
4:30pm: Market March Walking Group
6pm: FitNOLA Boot Camp
Is Cabbage the New Bacon?
The New York Times wants to know! According to Kim Severson, author of The Morning, cabbage is having a moment on the culinary scene in America. We know and love cabbage for its versatility - from kimchi, to coleslaw, to a trusty wedge salad, cabbage is a reliable foundation for any fresh and crunchy meal.
New Orleans is no stranger to cabbage. During the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade, riders throw cabbage to the crowds honoring the long history of the leafy green in Irish culture. And just last month in Bourg, about an hour southeast of New Orleans, Jenny Bourg grew Louisiana’s biggest cabbage at 44 pounds and 7 feet around!
You’re in luck - it’s cabbage season! Come visit any of our markets and stock up on cabbage from vendors like Joe Fekete Family Farm, Indian Springs Cooperative, and Monica’s Okra World! Or purchase some ready made sauerkraut or kimchi from Gingerbooch Fermentables.
Source: WGNO
Source: The New York Times
Volunteer with CCFM
We have an exciting day of programming at our March 28th Thursday Mid-City Market and need some extra hands to help operate smoothly. If you love the market and want to support our events, we have several shifts available between set up, break down, and a cooking demo. Visit the volunteer sign-up link here and reserve your spot today! Please reach out to Amanda, our Outreach Manager, if you have any questions or accessibility concerns.
Vendor of the Week
Recipe of the Week
Spring Harvest Salad
Welcome the freshness of spring with this delightful Spring Harvest Salad. Roasted Brussels sprouts and tender squash meet crisp kale and juicy apple slices, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Topped with toasted pecans and Parmesan shavings, this salad is a celebration of the season's bounty. Drizzled with a citrus-infused vinaigrette, it's a perfect addition to any springtime meal, bringing a burst of flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe of the Week here
What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook and it might be featured in our Weekly Newsletter!
Markets
Uptown
Mid-City
Thursdays
March 21, 2024
3 pm to 7 pm
Lafitte Greenway Plaza
500 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway at the Bayou
City Park
Sundays
About Us
Market Umbrella is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3), based in New Orleans, whose mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella has operated the Crescent City Farmers Markets (CCFM) since 1995.
The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly year-round throughout New Orleans. The CCFM hosts 70+ local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 150,000 shoppers annually.