Farmers Market Report: December 29th-30th, 2012

With both Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on Tuesdays, the SFC Tuesday Market (at the YMCA at 51st and 183, 10am-1pm) was closed on 12/25, and will be closed both January 1st and January 8th. But all of the weekend markets will be happening this weekend!

It’s best however to go marketing without a specific list, as this is a week when even farmers sometimes go to see family, or family comes to them. There will no doubt be some vendors who will be missing.

One newsworthy item is, Star Farmers Market (who sell at Barton Creek (Sat) and Highland Mall (Sun) have fresh strawberries! “I don’t know why this is happening,” says Farmer Terry. “The strawberry plants think it’s March!”

Lily Pad Farm (Barton Creek) has got a futuristic hydroponic farm, with Tilapia living in the water the plants grow in, like on a spaceship! I have been meaning to try their Tilapia, and finally did. It’s just wonderful, and though it is “farmed”, it is grown in a clean, organic, healthy environment. The Tilapia filets are tiny, but are the perfect size to make a nice beer-batter fish-and-chips dinner. Plus, they come ready to cook, scaled and boned. Highly recommended!

If you haven’t had your share of Christmas Toffee this year, Gypsy Grove Foods at the Mueller Market has some gorgeous Christmas Toffee, as well as Spicy Pretzels and other Holiday Treats. Farmer Johnson has dug up a new crop of Yukon Gold potatoes, which are my potato of choice for both mashed potatoes and latkes. These babies are the perfect size, and if you don’t mind ugly ones, can be gotten for a reduced price! (I bought a $5 bag of uglies and they made lovely mashed.) At the HOPE Market (Sun) you can find these awesome “sights of Austin” coasters for your New Years Eve Party. They are made from actual ceramic tiles, and could not be more festive!

Happy Festivus, All!