What to Expect this Season

 

In Southern California, we are lucky enough to have sun all almost all year round – 329 days to be exact- so it’s easy to forget that we have seasons too. Luckily, the Victory Park farmers Market in Pasadena has a seasonal selection of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from.

 

The farmer’s market had been connecting local farmers with hungry residents for 35 years. It is a staple of the community and a regular weekend activity for many people. There is always something new to experience at the farmer’s market – from new faces to fresh produce, each week is different.

 

This month we can expect apples, dates, grapes, kiwis and lemons. All the winter squash are so versatile to roast, or soups. Butternut, Kabocha Acorn, and varieties of pumpkins are great as side dishes, or soup meals. Even roast the squash with apples or dates instead of honey. Bake a lovely fall fruit crisp or snack on fresh fruit throughout the week. Don’t forget that the market also has fresh fish, grass-fed beef, chicken and pork for roasting stews, or just good eating.

 

Fall and winter vegetables will also offer cooking inspiration. Hardy vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots and cauliflower are winter staples but don’t forget favorites like artichokes and snap peas which are available almost year-round. There’s no excuse not to eat your veggies.

 

Stop by the farmer’s market for some culinary inspiration, courtesy of seasonal produce.

 

The Victory Park Farmer’s Market takes place every Saturday from 8:30am-1pm at the 2900 block of North Sierra Madre Boulevard. Call (626) 449-0179 or visit www.pasadenafarmersmarket.org for more information.