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.
Okra time! | July 11, 2022 |
Fresh & Local:Okra time!When we talk about summer seasonality, one of the hot-season stars of our region is okra! This tasty green veggie, which is awesome pickled, fried, or stewed, abounds at Crescent City Farmers Markets markets in July. With its natural mucilaginous properties, okra is a great thickener in gumbo, soups and stews. For the slime-adverse, certain preparation techniques can reduce sliminess. There are a variety of approaches to slime reduction with some saying that it’s the slicing that activates the sliminess, so preparation like pickling it or a single slice lengthwise for roasting can reduce slime. Others count on the addition of high acid foods like tomatoes to cut down sliminess. Everything tastes good fried, so that’s a tried and true technique with this summer staple that will be with us for the next few months. Also joining the party are watermelon and field peas - two foods that really shine in the summertime! Shoppers can be seen hefting huge watermelons back to their cars from our markets, with equally big smiles on their faces. Tomatoes are headed out as the summer heat intensifies, so do catch them now before they’re gone. |
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Picks of the Week:WIC: Meet at the MarketCome and meet Jefferson WIC at the market to receive additional fruits and vegetables. Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) food benefits cards will only be distributed at the Meet at the Market sites. Visit the Welcome Tent to receive an additional $28 in CCFM tokens through our match program. Mark your calendars for upcoming dates: Tuesday Thursday Sunday |
Grow With UsWith your help, we’re growing a stronger, healthier community. From weekly Crescent City Farmers Markets in New Orleans, to technical assistance and business trainings for vendors, and now through the Greaux the Good initiative to bring Market Match to farmers markets and produce retailers across the state – Market Umbrella relies on the support of donors like you to increase our efforts to ensure access to healthy, locally-grown food. Grow with us and make a donation today! To donate to Market Umbrella at Crescent City Farmers Market, text CCFM to 44-321 or visit https://secure.givelively.org/donate/marketumbrella-org. |
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Vendor of the Week:Backwater Foie GrasNow welcoming Backwater Foie Gras, an established CCFM Thursday market vendor, to Tuesday market! Backwater Foie Gras was started in 2019 as a way to return to natural, sustainable, pre-industrial farming. They have taken inspiration from friends who moved to LA from France and from 5,000 years of agricultural and culinary tradition. The family farm, run by three generations out in Bush, LA, encourages curious customers to reach out to them online or pay a visit to the property to better understand what it means to humanely raise foie gras. Ross McKnight, the market face of the operation, says that their pasture-raised, artisanal approach to farming the ducks has been a game-changer for many doubtful minds and that right now, the focus is “creating something beautiful in cooperation with the natural abilities of these amazing waterfowl.” The dedication and effort that keeps the family together and in business are present in their care for their quality products. Find Ross at our Tuesday and Thursday markets with foie gras and other duck charcuterie, as well as various frozen cuts of duck. |
Recipe of the Week:Mediterranean-Style OkraIt’s officially okra season! It’s that time of year when okra can be found at every market and on several farmers tables. As we welcome back this savored summer crop, we simultaneously say goodbye to tomatoes. During this very brief overlap, we want to share the joy that is Bamya - a Mediterranean-style okra and tomato dish. It is the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this recipe - it's far from medi-okra! 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! |
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About Us
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.