Figs, fall squash and funky produce for the Equinox

If you know me at all, then you know I avoid Central Ave. like the plague. But when I find myself with an errand I must run on that endless strip of strip malls, I make sure to pop into H-Mart where wandering in the Asian produce aisle is a good reset. I'm fascinated by the less common chois and the twisted melons with their funky textures and oblong shapes.

So it is always with great joy that I watch the folks at the Great Joy Farm tent unpack their crates, unveiling something new and different for our market each week. Lately they've been bringing both bitter and winter melons.. Bitter melon looks like a very wrinkly, crepey grass-green cucumber. Winter melon looks like a cucumber on steroids. In fact, last week they had a 25 pound bitter melon that they were cutting up three-inch wide slices to sell to those in the know. 

Bitter melon is quite popular in India, but also in the Philippines, Malaysia, China, Australia and Latin America. Bitter  melon, also known as bitter gourd, can be steamed, stir-fried, deep-fried, baked, braised or sauteed. Its versatility is comparable to that of zucchini. Fans say it has a flavor that is uniquely addictive that has you coming back for more. If you're new to this vegetable, try this simple stir-fry.

The fig trees at Wright's Farms have been having a crazy good year. There are so many ways to eat figs! This sweet and salty fig toast caught my eye, mainly because Painted Goat Farm is here this week and wouldn't their spreadable goat cheese make this recipe extra divine?

As did this recipe for roasted figs with bacon and chili...which ticks all of the boxes as far as I'm concerned. And of course, figs are fantastic in desserts, too, as in this apple and fig custard.

FYI – Wright's Farm is bringing their first Cortland and Gala apples this week...along with their first fall squash (delicata, spaghetti) and those adorable mini pumpkins crowding windowsills this time of year.

Here are some rotating vendors you want to make sure to hit up: The Spirits Lab (ready-made cocktails in a beautiful bottle...what's not to like?); Eltee's Goods (for some extra tomato jam umami on those grilled cheese sandwiches). Also, Simply Masala is back so you knowone of your weeknight meals next week will be an authentic Indian meal).  You can plan on a healthy, easy burger night too, because Plantidote is in the house! Danielle is due in October...so if you're a fan, I imght grab a few extra patties if I were you. Just sayin'.

Harlem Valley Homestead is having a few special events that they asked us to share with you. First up, their always-festive, Fall Harvest Festival which is this Saturday, right after the market and a cool Wild Edible Walk, featuring Sarah Lucas is a master forager in addition to being one of our favorite salespeople at the market.

And don't forget to pick up some of their delicate and yet oh-so-flavorful sprouting cauliflower this Saturday.

See you at the market!