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Farmers Market: Summertime veggies still in abundance

By Glenn Johnson/Contributor

As some of you noticed, I didn’t write a column last week. Well, if the technology goes in the trash can, that’s what happens. But we are up and running again, so I can bring you up to date on what’s going on at the local Farmers’ Market.

All the growers who have been coming the last couple of months are still putting in the time and effort to attend the market each Sunday. All the summertime veggies are abundantly displayed on various tables, except corn, which seems to be moving slowly this year for some reason. All in all, it’s a typical summer at the market.

Elsewhere, the number of California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in San Luis Obispo County has hit 60. Most of them are in the North County. There is only one organic grower at the Nipomo market. But, who knows what the future holds? Still it’s nice to see things changing before our eyes.

In the world of market managing, a meeting was held last week in SLO with a representative of the statewide WIC program. It looks as if next year will see some changes in the program which could affect the sales of some growers in a positive way. This is not such a big deal here in Nipomo, but at the Santa Maria market it could be a huge plus.

Enough gossip and on to the market, starting with our local growers first. Eufloria Flowers is still bringing dozens of long-stem roses each week. Check in with Lin for all the varieties that are available. At the other end of the market, Vince is bringing the first of this year’s apple crop from right here in Nipomo. In addition he has tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. These also are the ingredients he uses to make the various salsas, pickles, cookies, cakes and breads that are on his table. I’m eating some of his sourdough French bread as I type this.

Elsewhere in town, the first of this year’s fig crop is starting to be harvested. Now this is about a month earlier that usual but that hasn’t stopped customers from lining up to get their share. It also looks to be the biggest crop in several years, so there should be plenty for all comers. The avocados are still coming to the market, and I expect that to continue until sometime in October. There are quite few summer squashes available, and in a variety of shapes, colors, and flavors. There’s bound to be one just right for you.

Citrus of all kinds are always available. At the moment, blood oranges are in full swing and coming to the market by the buckets full. The limes have seen the worst of their summertime slump, and are making a solid rebound as we head into September. The berries never have to rebound; they are always available. Strawberries and raspberries are doing great business each week, too.

Finally, remember that each week our hummus man and seafood vendor provide items that are not produce, but they fit right in with the rest of us. So join us from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday across from the Post Office on Tefft Street.

Grower Glenn Johnson writes a regular column for the Adobe Press.