September 21, 2008
Farmer’s Market fun
The last time I went to the Farmer’s Market I arrived late in the morning. I had a good time, but there was very little fresh produce available. I’ve been meaning to go back and finally managed it today. This time I went at around ten in the morning and found an abundance of beautiful fruit and vegetables on display.
Many things that are availabe only seasonally in other areas grow year-round in Hawaii. The fall root vegetables are some of my favorites and were featured today, but were by no means the only selections on display to choose from.
Locally grown bananas, papayas and mangoes were displayed alongside farm-fresh eggs. Most of our eggs are shipped over from the mainland and may be two weeks old before they appear in stores, but there are several egg farms here on the Waianae Coast. The difference in taste is remakable.
I bought some honey a few days ago. Local honey contains local pollens and can help build resistance to allergies, so I consume a lot of it. Even though I didn’t need any today, it was nice to see that a bee-keeper from Molokai is now selling his honey here.
Despite the early hour it was quite warm and bubble drinks and other cool beverages sold well today. There were seveal orchid vendors on hand, too.
I don’t generally eat early in the day, but omelette breakfasts were sold in addition to plate lunches this time.
Music is a part of every gathering, of course. Danny remembered me from last month. He spotted me in the crowd, announced to one and all that the next song was for his mistress and proceeded to sing Daytime Friends and Nightime Lovers for me. What a tease!
I remembered to bring my mesh green bag this time. I packed it with beets, some honeycomb and a package of butter mochi. I grew up eating honeycomb, but have never found it in Hawaii before, so I’m looking forward to enjoying this taste treat from the past. I’m also looking forward to finding whatever surprises show up next time the Farmer’s Market comes to the Waianae Coast.
[tags]farmer’s market, fresh produce, Hawaii, Waianae Coast[/tags]
Posted by skeet @ 12:30 am • Food and beverage, Hawaii
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September 21st, 2008 at 11:23 am, winnie Says:
The beets are beautiful. I will have to make an effort to get there next weekend. Looks like fun too!
September 22nd, 2008 at 11:18 am, Joana Says:
I love shopping at the Farmer’s Market, nothing beats the prices and freshness of the goods there. The chili in the first picture look yummy. Do you know what kind it was? Sandia, Big Ben, or maybe Barker? I think your Farmer’s Market definately has a better selection then ours, after all, the environment you guys have is much better for growing an assortment of produce.
Argh! Those omelette plates - so yummy looking!
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:00 pm, skeet Says:
The Farmer’s Market is at the Sheraton Makaha on the first and third Saturdays of each month, Winnie, so you’ll have to wait a couple of weeks. Are you on the Waianae Coast?
September 22nd, 2008 at 8:10 pm, skeet Says:
Joana, the peppers weren’t labeled, so I don’t know what kind they are. They look much like my “Hawaiian chili peppers.” University of Hawaii has developed a number of hybrids - peppers, beans, tomatoes, lettuce & who knows what else - that do better in our climate than the varieties you may be more familiar with. I really like Manoa Lettuce (Manoa is the area where the main campus is.) It looks like a compact iceberg, but not quite as crispy & it’s almost sweet, like a Bibb. Good stuff!