| Sep ’09 |
| 12 |
Tasty, healthy, and a joy to behold- yes, Apple season has arrived!!
Apples are probably the best way I know of becoming reconciled to the inevitability of Fall. I whine & complain a little about losing the sparkle of summer until I think to myself ‘but wait a minute- this means apples are here again’. Your Hoquiam Farmers Market is ready to help you overcome end-of-summer malaise by providing bounteous choices of apple varietals. Gala apples fresh picked from the tree will be delivered Wednesday morning, and no-name mystery apples gleaned from a 75 year old orchard will be offered at a very low price. These may not be the prettiest apple ever to sit on a teachers desk, but they make up for the occasional blemish with their heirloom taste!
Apple trees were carefully packed into wagon trains headed west. When the hardship of the journey became ever more excruciating, family treasures were left along the trail but the apple tree starts were kept. There were apples for first of the season pies and applesauce, apples for cider, apples that could be left on the tree all thru the winter, apples that dried well, and crisp apples that burst with juicy flavor. There were dozens of types, all with a specific use. Most of those varieties are rare now, because they don’t suit the current mass market standards of size, beauty, or ability to be shipped around the world. But oh, how sweet those good old apples taste!
How about Crab-apples? How long has it been since you had crab-apple jelly? We also have Quince apples. When the weather turns crisp & cool, spending a day making jams and jellies, sauces and pies can be a day to treasure. Nancy is turning her skills toward fall flavors this week by baking the first of the season Pumpkin Pies! The aroma is captivating. A fellow walked in last week, following his nose. His eyes were sort of glazed over and he asked what that wonderful essence was- I told him that Nancy was still stirring jam, the pies were cooling on the racks, and the cinnamon rolls had just been frosted. He wants to move to Hoquiam now.
Fresh produce continues to pour in; D’Angou pears and Asian pears, carrots, tomatoes, and lettuce. Potatoes are soon to be harvested, and the cabbages and squash are ready. Mushrooms are springing up in the forests and onto our tables, ready to be sauteed with some of Anthony’s sweet Italian sausage, or alongside Lytle’s fresh oysters. Bread baking day is Friday, and Nancy makes wheat, potato, French, and Swedish carraway rye- oh yeah! Hometown goodness, right here in Hoquiam!
Don’t forget to wear your short choker setter pants & suspenders this Saturday in honor of Logger’s Playday! The history of Grays Harbor deserves to celebrated, the stories preserved, the memories passed from one generation to the next. The annual Pancake Breakfast begins at 6 am at the gymnasium of Our Lady of Good Help at 2nd & M street- this is your chance to eat like a logger and know that you’re doing a good thing! For the rest of the schedule, click on http://www.cityofhoquiam.com/fest_lp/
Remember, you can ALWAYS call us to place an order at the Deli or to have Nancy bake your favorite pie, or put a hold on those oysters so that dinner is secured!
Grays Harbor Public Market is open 5 days a week!
Wed. & Thurs. 9-5
Fri. & Sat. 9-6
Sunday 10-4
Located at 1958 Riverside, just before the bridge in Hoquiam
(360) 538-9747
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