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First Wave of Crops Off to Markets
May 6, 2009
First Wave of Crops Off to Markets
Farmers' Markets
DENISE MILLER
For the Journal
This year, April snow showers will bring May flowers, as well as many good things to eat at local growers' markets.
May and June still are considered early in the season by New Mexico growing standards.
But there has been a considerable increase in the use of hoop houses and simple wind protection devices that allow growers to extend the season by planting crops earlier and getting them to market sooner for anxious customers hungry for local food.
This month, expect to find a variety of fresh greens, including spinach, arugula, kale, bok choy and salad mix, along with herbs, goat cheese, mushrooms, jams, vinegars and more.
Shoppers never know what lovely surprises await them at market -- asparagus, peas, strawberries and garlic scapes, which are the shoots growing from the bulbs. Rhubarb may be just around the corner.
When people are curious about what will be on market tables the following week, they should ask the growers what they have coming up or visit the neighborhood market weekly.
Nature's surprises are worth the trip, as is the hard work of our dedicated farmers. Here's to a healthy and happy season of eating local.
