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July 9, 2009

Fresh at the Market: Cukes and zukes in need of good home

By Doug Walton

With the return of summer heat, local farms and gardens are yielding a wide variety of crops for sale at the Muskogee Farmers Market.

Summer produce now available includes okra, vine-ripe and green tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, blackberries, blueberries, cucumbers and squash in all shapes and sizes, zucchini, green beans, beets, bell and banana peppers, jalapenos, carrots, garlic, cabbage, new potatoes, green and bulb onions, sweet potatoes and more.

Other goods at the market this week include fresh cut-flower bouquets; Amish breads, pies and cookies; jams and jellies; grass-fed lamb and beef; free-range eggs; authentic Mexican tamales, burritos and breads; natural soaps and lotions; jewelry, aprons, birdfeeders and other hand-crafted items.

On most Wednesdays, Michelle Carter-Brown and Shirley Cooper, Nutrition Education Assistants with OSU County Extension prepare and serve free samples of simple seasonal recipes featuring fresh market produce. Stop by between 10:30 and 11:30AM to watch the cooking demonstration, try a sample, and ask questions.

This Saturday, Tonya Lungstrum, Nutrition Education Coordinator with Muskogee Public Schools will be on hand to serve free samples of a tasty summer veggie casserole beginning at 9:30am.

Also, anyone interested in entering the Annual Salsa Tasting Contest on July 25th, can pick up and turn in their entry form at the market information table or at the main desk of the Muskogee Public Library. Entries are due by Wed. July, 22nd.

The Muskogee Farmers' Market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8AM until noon under the pavilions in front of the Civic Center at 5th and Okmulgee. Not all items listed above are available at market on Wednesdays. Visit the market to see what's there or call Doug Walton at 918-686-6939.

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