Think spring! Sure, it's barely February, but a trip to the Center Market or quick visit to The Persistent Farmer's website might have you making spring and summer plans right now.
Rob Wells, of The Persistent Farmer, says he is taking orders for dahlias. "I just took my dahlia tubers out of cold storage so they will warm and begin to sprout," he says.
He is planning to make March deliveries of tubers. He also will start the tubers and delivery plants in May. Check out thepersistentfarmer.com for a look at the selection or contact Wells at 907-982-7182.
"I have a bigger selection than ever, but some of the varieties will sell out fast, so get your order in soon," Wells says.
Center Market
Julie Meer of Farm 779 says she will have a special glimpse of spring and summer at Wednesday's Center Market.
"Farm 779 will introduce their specialty line of Alaskan-made 8-to-10 frame bee hives with or without bees," Meer says.
For those not ready for bees, maybe some of Farm 779's root vegetable kraut, coconut kefir, kefir soda, kvass and body balms and butters will be the right fit.
Earthworks Farm won't have hives with them on Wednesday, but they will have bee products -- lip balm, lotions and moisturizers made from honey and beeswax. "We are bringing back the popular hot lips lip balm with all natural ingredients: Alaska-grown beeswax, coconut oil, safflower oil and cinnamon and clove essential oils," Dee Barker says. "Surprise someone special with our new heart-shaped mini-lotion bars."
Keeping up the bee theme, Duane Clark's Country Health Foods will have local honey and honeycomb on Wednesday and Saturday. He also will have local grass-fed beef and yak, along with shrimp and Alaska Sprouts items.
Alex Davis will have a variety of beets, carrots and potatoes, along with pork items, barley products from Alaska Flour Co. and fresh eggs. Davis is at both the Wednesday and Saturday markets.
Also at both markets is Mosquito Mamas with handmade Holly's Borealis Berry Balsamic Buzzzzz dressing. "For me, it had only ever been a salad dressing," Holly Thorssin says. "Mosquito Mama customers since have suggested so many new uses that it's sort of become a sauce for everything, even a marinade for strawberries! And it's incredible mixed with Sriracha and roasted with vegetables too!"
La Grassa will be at both markets offering spinach and original hand-cut pasta, vegan strozzapreti, mushroom and ricotta ravioli, Alaskan potato gnocchi; and four cheese and roasted garlic ravioli.
"Our sandwiches were a hit at the market, so they are joining our weekly selection of vegan and nonvegan breads, cookies and brownies," says Melanie Albertson of Sweet Flours. This week, look for ratatouille, eggplant steak and chipotle mushroom vegan sandwiches, along with nonvegan eggplant parmesan, chicken and avocado, and turkey and Swiss.
Other market vendors to look for include: Monica's Confection Connection with a variety of sweet brittles, and a jalapeno one with a little kick; Drool Central with a variety of grainless products, including fish chips made with Alaska cod skin and carrot chips made with Alaska carrots; Alaska Vegan & Gluten Free with a full menu, including Moroccan tagine, soups, spaghetti sauce and salad dressing; Sweet Caribou will feature a variety of macarons, cupcakes and brownies; and Alaska Black Cod will have smoked and raw black cod, teriyaki marinated black cod and raw halibut.
Top Shelf Artisan Market
New vendor Golden Farms will be at the market taking orders for locally grown pork. "Come by and support our newest local sustainable producer and vendor," says market organizer Meer.
Other vendors include: Jonesers with hand-blended teas and nectars, along with local sustainably grown veggies; Farm 779 with kefirs, krauts, coconut bacon, kefir sodas and a new topical body product; and Country Health Foods with Alaska seafood and local grass-fed beef.
Steve Edwards lives and writes in Anchorage. Contact him at akmarketfresh@gmail.com.
Local farmers markets
Monday: Depot Farm Market, noon to 6 p.m., Palmer Depot
Wednesday: Center Market, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street
Friday: Top Shelf Artisan Market, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 550 S. Alaska Street, Palmer
Saturday: Center Market, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mall at Sears, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street