Celebrating Diversity | February 3, 2020

Fresh & Local:

Celebrating Diversity

It’s February! And, while our thoughts are turning to parades, king cakes and throws; let us not forget it is Black History Month. We feel it is important to recognize, celebrate and support the black farmers and food producers of CCFM, past and present. Almost a century ago, black farmers made up 14% of America’s farmers. Today, they account for less than 2%. Historically, black farmers have been denied rights to access land, to resources, and to fair markets in which to sell their products. In 1999, class action lawsuit Pigford v Glickman acknowledged systematic, discriminatory practices used by the USDA against black farmers and they were ordered to pay out over $1 billion to African-American farmers; making it the largest civil rights settlement in history.

The Crescent City Farmers Market is proud to support over 35 black-owned food businesses. Ben Burkett, Terrance Travis and Byron Travis regularly represent the Indian Springs Farmers Association which has 30 minority grower members in and around Petal, Mississippi. Jeremy Otis of Pickled Nola is picked, packed and pickled right here in New Orleans, Louisiana. Pointe Coupee Minority Farmers Cooperative from Batchelor, Louisiana has five minority growers including Lester Williams and Bruce Harrel. Slinger of sprouts and salads, Mike Beauchamp with Know Dat Grow Dat is our featured vendor of the week. We said farewell to long-time vendor Morris Richardson of G&M Goat Farm from Wiggins, Mississippi, who retired in December 2019. Of course, in memoriam Johnny Clark, Billy Burkett, and Penn Travis. CCFM supports black farmers and businesses; use your dollars to do the same at market this month, and every month.

Throw me some throwback, Mista!

CCFM is turning 25 this year!! You can celebrate your favorite farmers market with new and throwback merchandise. Now available at all market locations. Pick up one or all and rep your favorite farmers market!!

$10 CCFM tumbler with reusable straw and lid, plus free coffee

$5 CCFM gardening gloves

$20 insulated tote - available for the first time without a Friends of the Market membership!

$8 CCFM veggie paisley bandana

Kohlrabi, more like Coolrabi

Kohlrabi might look like an alien broccoli stalk with turnip green arms and well, that’s kinda what it is. Though German for “cabbage turnip” (kohl = cabbage and rübe = turnip), this is no root vegetable! Kohlrabi actually belongs to the Brassica family along with cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Available in green, purple and white varieties, it has a crisp texture and milder, sweeter turnip flavor. Like its cruciferous cousins, kohlrabi is packed with good-for-you nutrients. Chock full of antioxidants and more Vitamin C than an orange, it boosts your immune system and protects your cells against damaging free radicals. It’s also high in fiber helping to keep you fuller longer, manage blood sugar levels and promote digestive health. Simply delicious sautéed, grilled or roasted, kohlrabi might be best enjoyed raw as a snack or in a slaw or salad in order to preserve its nutrient-dense qualities. Check out this short Youtube video on how to tackle prepping this out-of-this-world veg!

Vendor of the Week:

Mike B Knows Dat and Grows Dat

Mike Beauchamp, owner and operator of Know Dat Grow Dat, knows that good health starts with what we eat. As a retired pharmacist, Mike wanted to promote disease reduction and help people have longer, healthier lives. He chose to specialize in microgreens because they’re packed with concentrated nutrients and aromatic flavors. He started using the raised beds at Hollygrove Market & Farm to grow produce using organic techniques. Since then, Know Dat Grow Dat now offers microgreens at our Ochsner and Bucktown markets, as well as ReFresh Farmer’s Market on Mondays in Midcity. These impressive little greens pack a nutritious punch and can spice up any salad or sandwich! In addition to cultivating microgreens, Mike is a talented saxophonist and enjoys cultivating community around eating good food.

Tuesday’s Green Plate Special:

Luncheon

Let’s do Luncheon, y’all! Luncheon is a pop-up and catering company brought to you by Colleen Allerton and Camille Staub. These two Louisiana natives cook food inspired by their travels, but tied to their roots. They're committed to sourcing ingredients locally and sustainably. Luncheon will be popping up at the Green Plate Special on Tuesdays through February to help you get the good times rolling. You can also find them at the Wednesday Ochsner and Thursday Mid-City markets and Levee Baking Co. on the weekends for brunch soon. Holler if you see them; they'd love to say hey!

Recipe of the Week:

Kale Pesto with Whole Wheat Pasta

Not gonna lie, we’ve made this recipe 3 times in 2 weeks. This super easy kale pesto from the folks at Bon Appetit know what they are doing (go figure, right?). While this recipe calls for Tuscan aka dino aka lacinato kale, you can use any kale, or leafy green, of your choice. Want to see how it’s done? Take it one step at a time with Chris Morocco from the BA test kitchen.

- Cristina Berthelot, Market Manager

What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook or even Twitter and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!