Spot shrimp make waves as the last of the outdoor farmers markets close for the year

Whether it's farms or fish, things are definitely changing in Alaska.

"Summer is gone, with the reminder — snow — creeping down the mountains every day," says Dannon Southall of 10th & M Seafoods. "With that being said, there are some great fresh seafood options available. The talk of the town is fresh spot shrimp from Southeast Alaska. This fishery opened at the beginning of the month and usually only lasts 10 days to maybe two weeks."

Southall says 10th & M has spot shrimp for $21.95 per pound. And there are other seafood treats too.

"The Gulf of Alaska is producing some wonderful fresh fish this time of year, even with winter around the corner," he says. "Fresh rockfish, cod and halibut are coming across the docks and we will have all three in house."

Fresh cod fillets are $6.95 a pound, rockfish are $9.95 a pound, and headed and cleaned halibut averaging 10 to 20 pounds are $9.50 a pound.

On the farm scene, the Anchorage Farmers Market — the last outdoor farmers market — closes this weekend.

And it's a bit of a shock to Sarah Bean of Arctic Organics.

"It's hard to believe we're heading toward the last farmers market," she says. "We'll be doing one last sweep through the field this week to make sure market-goers can get the most locally grown vegetables and potatoes possible this weekend. Also, we will be harvesting out the second greenhouse, including tomatoes, peppers and the last of the basil in bulk quantities for pesto-making."

In addition to Arctic Organics, other vendors lined up for Saturday's final market include Ed & Tina's Krauts & Pickles, Happy Valley Chickens' eggs, Mom's Garden, Persistent Farmer, Seldovitsch Farm, Stockwell Farm, Sun Fire Ridge, Turkey Red Café breads and treats, Vang Family Farm and VanderWeele Farm.

Bean says to look for Brussels sprouts, carrots, red and golden beets, leeks, scallions, red and green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red and green cabbage, giant heirloom kohlrabi, snow apple and purple top turnips, rutabagas, five varieties of potatoes, four varieties of kale, rainbow chard, mustard greens and some additional items.

Thankful Thursdays

Moonstone Farm is joining the regular vendors at this week's market with cabbage, kale, kohlrabi and other remaining produce. "This may be a one-shot deal, so you'll want to make sure and get to the market early," says Julie Meer of Farm 779.

Farm 779's offerings this week include a large selection of ferments, including two flavors of kimchi, karnivore kraut, coconut kefirs, fermented vegetable blends, kvass, kombucha, sweet Yensis onions, carrots and cabbage.

Country Health Foods will have fresh sprouts and tofu from Alaska Sprouts, while Far North Fungi is bringing their blue oyster mushrooms to the market.

Center Market

Alex Davis of AD Farm says the "veggies are being stockpiled for winter," and there will be plenty of them to search through at the three markets inside the Mall at Sears this week.

Produce options include red and green cabbage, kohlrabi, red and golden beets, four varieties of cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, kale, carrots, new potatoes, spaghetti squash and acorn squash.

Davis also has eggs, raspberry jam and pork cuts including loin roast, pork chops, fresh side sliced, ground pork, Italian sausage, spicy sausage, chorizo, fajita meat, ribs, roast, bone for broth, fat for rendering, feet and hocks. Davis also offers custom-made 40-pound boxes with a variety of cuts.

Other items or vendors: Alaska Sprouts with sprouts, micro greens, tofu and basil; Alaska Flour Co. with a large selection of barley products; Mosquito Mama balsamic vinegar; Northern Lights Mushrooms; Doggy Decadence; Windy River Farm with grass-fed beef; Tonia's Biscotti; Evie's Brinery with kimchi and krauts; Jonsers with handcrafted nectar; and Monica's Confection Connection with sweet treats.

Alaska Seeds of Change will be at Saturday's market and will have baby cabbage available for the first time. Other fresh produce includes a selection of herbs, lettuce mix, boc choi, rainbow Swiss chard, arugula, Toscano kale, Siberian kale, red Russian kale, stevia and strawberries. Alaska Seeds of Change will also be at Wednesday's APU Farmers Market.

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

Local farmers markets

Wednesday in Anchorage: APU Farmers Market, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 4225 University Drive; 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: Anchorage Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 15th Avenue and Cordova Street; 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.