Some of you have asked whether we are just for the summer or all year. The answer: We are open every Friday, all year! And don't forget, the market is open rain or shine so make sure to still come out and support us even if there are some sprinkles in the air.
Thanks for your continued support over the last two months! We are still recruiting farmers and vendors - you're weekly support is crucial in this process.
Back-to-School Health & Fitness Event, 09/07/12Now that school is in session for many, our State Senator Ed Hernandez will be coming out to give food demonstrations encourage our youth in healthy eating at the market. We partnered with the City of Monterey Park, Alhambra Unified School District, and the Asian Pacific Islander Obesity Prevention Alliance.
Come and bring the whole family for a night of healthy fun!
Scheduled activities include:
5:00pm community Zumba class,
5:30pm food demonstration, and
6:30pm a community walk around Barnes Park.
Come by our Information Booth to use your EBT funds. Starting September 7th, we will also offer a Market Match program, which gives Calfresh recipients an additional free $5 to spend at the market when they spend $5 - thanks to our partnership with Hunger Action Los Angeles. This is a great opportunity to increase the buying power of EBT receipients - please spread the word to family and friends using EBT/Calfresh.
Mark Boujikian Farms, or MB Farms, is a family-owned farm from a small California town called Raisin City (near Fresno). An appropriate name as the juicy raisins sold here are dried from all the table grapes that are now in season.
The farm grows over 17 different kinds of table grapes, so be sure to check out the growing number of varieties being offered in subsequent weeks.
Rolando, who has been selling with MB Farms for the past five years, says the best part of his job is getting to meet new people. So next time you're at their stand, make sure to introduce yourself to Rolando as you try the amazing samples they provide!
Table Grapes Recipe & Nutritional Benefits
According to the Network for a Healthy California, "One cup of grapes is an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin K. Vitamin C helps the body heal cuts and wounds and helps lower the risk of infection. Vitamin K helps stop cuts and scrapes from bleeding too much and starts the healing process."
While it's simplest to enjoy table grapes by hand, you can also add grapes into savory dishes by either roasting or incorporating them chopped into dishes, like into a coleslaw or chicken salad.
Here's a simple roasted grape recipe from Alexandra's Kitchen:
Roasted Grapes with Thmye, Fresh Ricotta & Grilled Bread
Adapted from Real Simple Magazine September 2011
grapes
olive oil
kosher salt
fresh thyme sprigs
good rustic bread, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 450ºF. Spread grapes onto a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Lay thyme leaves over top. Toss all together gently with your hands. Place pan in the oven for seven to nine minutes or until grapes just begin to burst. I prefer the shorter roasting time — it’s nice when some of the grapes remain intact.
2. Meanwhile, heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Brush the bread with olive oil. Grill until nice and toasty.
3. Assemble the open-faced sandwiches: Spread fresh ricotta over bread. Top with roasted grapes. Discard thyme sprigs. (While the thyme sprigs look pretty, it’s a little impractical to serve the sandwiches with the sprigs…they don’t taste so yummy.)
See you Fridays at the market (4pm-8pm)!
