It’s about this time of year when I realize that the sun has returned to the Northwest, even if inconsistently.
For some, spring means daffodils and cherry blossoms, hay fever and antihistamines. I recognize these seasonal manifestations, too. Even more, spring means the kick-off of farmers market season. Good-bye root vegetables, canned tomatoes, and heavy stews. Something green is sprouting—asparagus, lettuce, spinach, arugula, chives.
To spend a Saturday morning outside, surrounded by my fellow market-goers, gawking at the abundance of fresh vibrant food, invigorates me. This moveable garden gives me a sense of renewal.
This spring, I’m celebrating not only the start of farmers market season but also the start of my adventure as the new Home Grown Chef here at 1859. I am thrilled to be a part of such a quality publication that brings to light all of the amazing stories that make Oregon an incredible place to live.
My roots run deep in Oregon—five generations deep on both sides. I am raising three members of the sixth generation of Oregonians on good food. I love English breakfast tea and pumpkin pie for breakfast. I can’t get enough hearty lentil soup paired with a lush Oregon Pinot in deep winter. I crave honey crisp apples from Hood River, steamed artichokes from Tillamook, and cantaloupe from Hermiston. No summer barbecue would be complete without salmon fresh off the Pacific City dory boats. In spring, I make an entire meal out of roasted asparagus from Dayton.
I love eating my way through the seasons and trying new food, cooking food, sharing food and writing about food. As you might have gleaned, I am nuts for the start of the farmers market season. I hope to see you there!
Sidebar—Sampling of dates, times and locations for Farmers Markets around Oregon:
Ashland
Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market
Downtown on Oak Street
Saturdays, 5/5/12-11/3/12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Astoria
Astoria Sunday Market
Downtown at Commercial and 12th streets
Sundays, 5/13/12-10/14/12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bend
Bend Farmers Market
Mirror Pond at the top of Drake Park, downtown
Wednesdays, 6/6/12-10/10/12, 3 p.m.-7 p.m.
NorthWest Crossing Farmers Market
Northwest Crossing Drive from Mt. Washington to Fort Clatsop
Saturdays, 6/30/12-9/22/12, 10 a.m.-2 .p.m.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach Farmers Market
Midtown parking area at Gower and Hemlock
Tuesdays, 6/12/12-9/25/12, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Corvallis
Corvallis Famers Market
1st and Jackson
Saturdays, 4/14/12-11/17/12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Dalles
The Dalles Farmers Market
5th and Union Street
Saturdays, 6/2/12-10/13/12, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Eugene
Lane County Farmers Market
8th and Oak Street
Saturdays, 4/7/12-11/10/12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Joseph
Wallowa County Farmers Market
Joseph and Main streets
Saturdays, June-October, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
wallowacountyfarmersmarket.com
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls Farmers Market
9th Street between Main and Klamath Ave.
Saturdays, 6/9/12-10/20/12, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Newport
Newport Farmers Market
Newport City Hall, Hwy 101 and Angle Street
Saturdays, 5/12/12-10/27/12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Portland Area
Beaverton Farmers Market
SW Hall Blvd and 5th Street
Saturdays, 5/12/12-11/17/12, 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Hillsboro Farmers Market
Downtown at Main St. and 2nd Ave.
Saturdays, 4/28/12-10/27/12, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Montavilla Farmers Market
7600 Block of SE Stark Street
Sundays, June-October, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Portland Farmers Market
PSU at SW Park Ave. & SW Montgomery Street
Saturdays, 3/17-12-12/15/12, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
For a complete listing of registered farmers markets in Oregon, see the Oregon Farmers’ Markets Association website.
Great Intro Carrie!
It was lovely meeting you (through your parents and learning more about you and your clan!
I look forward to reading more and following the direction the seasons take you.
Blessings!
Nancy Forrest
Designer
Dove's Nest Interiors