Jewel of the Wild | September 14, 2020

Fresh & Local:

Jewel of the Wild

The first appearance of muscadine grapes at Crescent City Farmers Market reminds us that early-autumn crops and their vendors will be returning to markets soon. Only in season from late August to mid-September, these southern grapes are incredibly disease resistant and usually are found flourishing in the wild, and also cultivated commercially. Painted in sun-glinting hues from bronze (also known as scuppernongs) to deep ruby, several varieties of these juicy, jewel-toned beauties can be found at CCFM in the late summer. Sweet and seeded with a slightly heartier skin, the muscadine is a true superfood full of grape flavor and heart-healthy antioxidants. Traditionally made into wine or jelly, muscadines can be enjoyed fresh and also freeze well, allowing you to save the season and preserve their nutritional value. Find them at all CCFM markets while the season lasts.

Good Food Word of the Week:

In addition to running farmers markets, a critical component of Market Umbrella’s work is to enhance food and nutrition access and awareness in our community. The Good Food Word of the Week seeks to shed some light on this part of our work and also to demystify the jargon.

H-2A

This week’s Good Food Word is H-2A – H-2A, or temporary agricultural workers program, allows on a temporary basis, agricultural producers in the US to fill seasonal labor gaps with foreign workers, often from Central and South America. Programs like this have been a part of American agriculture since the end of WWII, and agricultural producers of all sizes utilize it, including small local farmers. With local crops like berries available in abundance for only part of the year, temporary employees can make a lot of sense and as increasingly, the US has seen farm consolidation and fewer farm operators, it’s an increasingly difficult to find skill set. It’s been so important that even with recent elimination of other immigration programs, this one was untouched.

Picks of the Week:

P-EBT is available again!

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Observed mid-September through mid-October, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the history and influence Hispanic cultures have sprinkled into this melting pot we call the United States. Their cultural impact is far-reaching seasoning our cuisine, architecture, music and art. The Hispanic community is an integral part of our agricultural labor force, the literal hands that bring food to your table, but disparities in land ownership are apparent as only 2% of farmland in the US is owned by Hispanic farmers. And in this time of Covid where essential jobs are so frequently filled by Hispanic employees, there’s been a disparate effect on this community of color. You can help support your local Hispanic farming families and economies right here at Crescent City Farmers Market! Pick up some beautiful veg, delicious tamales or homemade chips and salsa from Isabel and her daughter, Jannet, of Mendez Farms or grab a nutritious and delicious cold-pressed juice or kid-approved fruit popsicles from Amanda or Leila of Amanda’s Frozen Fruit Bars.

Si Se Puede!

Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mesoamerican dish, made of masa, which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaf. Tamale-making is a ritual that has been part of Mexican life since pre-Hispanic times, when special fillings and forms were designated for specific festivals or life events. Today, tamales are typically filled with meats, cheese or vegetables, especially chilies, and we don’t need a reason to celebrate to enjoy Isabel’s market famous tamales!

Beans, peppers, and cheese
Hugged by masa and corn husks
Mmm give me some more!

Vendor of the Week:

Isabel’s Tamales & Produce

After a brief and well deserved summer hiatus, Isabel’s Tamales and Produce has returned to the market, much to the delight of anxious Mexican style tamale-deprived shoppers. Beloved farmer Isabel and the Mendez family grow a variety of items on their farm in Independence, Louisiana. For the time being she is back with limited availability at Sunday Parkway drive thru and plans to return to the Wednesday Bucktown drive thru soon. Look for her online offering of fresh veggies, muscadine grapes, and an array of homemade tortilla chips and salsas.

Recipe of the Week:

Southern Muscadine Pie

Peaches are long gone, but we are happy to welcome the grapes of the south! The rich sweetness of muscadines make it particularly great fruit to bake with and if southerners are good at anything, it’s making pie. Skip the jam this year, and try this Garden & Gun muscadine pie recipe.

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!