Fresh cod, dahlia tubers, new pasta and more at this week’s markets

The 2018 halibut season is just around the corner. But the fishery doesn't open until March 24, so patience is required.

While the taste buds may want fresh halibut, Dannon Southall of 10th & M Seafoods says there are plenty of good choices available right now.

"Right now, the seafood world has a few fresh fish offerings," Southall says. "Fresh true cod is still coming in with fillets going for $6.95 per pound. These flaky white fish fillets are a great fresh alternative until fresh halibut season starts."

Southall says troll-caught king salmon from Southeast has been inconsistent due to some unpleasant weather, but "hopefully the weather will break and allow the fisherman to target these winter treats."

In addition to the Alaska options, Southall says there are plenty of warm water fish, including tuna, mahi and marlin.

Thankful Thursdays

There's some new pasta from Rosie's Pasta at the Thursday market inside the Mall at Sears.

Julie Meer of Farm 779 will handle the sales of the pasta.

"This week, the market welcomes a new vendor all the way from Sterling," Meer says. "Rosie's Pasta steps into the spotlight with dry vegan noodle soups. Get there early and snap these up. Her fettuccini and beet, spinach and tomato spirals will also be available. Local pasta is back!"

For Meer's own products, she's highlighting coffee-infused ketogenic cookies and body products this week.

"A rich dark roast coffee infusion pops the deep complex taste of cacao like never before," she says. "If you love our original ketogenic fat bombs, you will revel in these. In our coconut bee-based body product line we have added a caffeinated cream."

Meer also has vegetable krauts and blends, coconut kefirs, fermented veggies, kombucha tea and other items.

Duane Clark will have grass-fed beef, black cod fillets, smoked black cod, Pacific cod, sockeye salmon, spot shrimp, scallops, salsa, jams, zucchini relish, honey, chaga, birch syrup, Denali Dog Treats and Alaska Sprouts products.

Center Market

Rob Wells, The Persistent Farmer, will have dahlias at the market on Wednesday and Saturday.

More importantly, he has good news for everyone: "By this weekend, the possible sunshine will be 12 hours and more coming, so seedlings and plants need to be started."

Wells says his inventory is complete and he has a large selection of tuber options. And he's willing to start tubers for those who don't want to do it themselves. "You can pick up healthy transplants, about 12 to 18 inches tall, in May when it's time to plant outside," he says.

Earthworks Farm will be at all three Center Markets this week with honey and skin-care products. If you want the honey, don't delay.

"We're near the end of our jars of our gourmet honey," owner Dee Barker says. "Come by to get the last of our jars. Our next harvest will be at the end of August this year."

The skin-care lineup includes their "Big Irish" soap. Barker says the soap features
shamrocks and a peppermint and eucalyptus scent.

Alex Davis of AD Farm will be at all three markets and he knows some folks are itching for a taste of summer.

"Thinking about dusting the snow off the grill?" he asks. "We have goat, beef and pork calling your name. I can even make a custom grill pack to order."

The pasture-raised pork cuts include loin roast, chops, fresh side sliced, ground pork, spicy sausage, Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, chorizo, fajita meat, ribs, roast, bone for broth, fat for rendering, feet and hocks. Vegetable options include beets, potatoes and carrots, while Davis also has chicken eggs, raspberry jam, pumpkin butter and apple butter.

Rempel Family Farm is at the Saturday market with cuts of yak meat and storage vegetables. The veggies include orange and purple carrots, parsnips, daikon radish, stripetti squash, kohlrabi, four varieties of beets, purple onions, green and purple cabbage, and 11 kinds of potatoes.

Davis says these items or vendors will also be at the market on various days: Alaska Flour Co.'s barley products; Alaska Sprouts with micro greens, sprouts, tofu and basil; Alaska Seeds of Change; Wild Child fermented salsa; Far North Fungi's mushrooms; Mosquito Mama balsamic vinegar; Windy River Farm grass-fed beef; Tonia's Biscotti; Evie's Brinery items, including krauts; Jonsers' hand-crafted nectars; and Doggy Decadence treats.

Pop-up for the Pups

Drool Central will have a pop-up from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at Alaska K9 Aquatics, 549 W. International Airport Road. Daisy Nicolas will have loads of treats for dogs, along with fresh-baked "muttfins" and other items featuring Alaska seafood and produce.

Steve Edwards lives and writes in Anchorage. Contact him at akmarketfresh@gmail.com.

Local farmers markets

Wednesday in Anchorage: Center Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., The Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street

Thursday in Anchorage: Thankful Thursdays market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., The Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street

Friday in Anchorage: Center Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., The Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street; Fourth Avenue Indoor Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 333 W. Fourth Ave.

Saturday in Anchorage: Center Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., The Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street; Fourth Avenue Indoor Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 333 W. Fourth Ave

Sunday in Anchorage: Fourth Avenue Indoor Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 333 W. Fourth Ave.