Bluegrass Farmers Market

Well, it's bittersweet but the 2009 season for the Bluegrass Farmers' Market comes to an end this Saturday. It means that our farmers get to start planning for next year, which is always exciting. But, it also means that we don't get to see our customers for a few months over the winter and that is always sad. Just because you won't see us each week, doesn't mean that we are not thinking about you. In fact, we spend many hours deciding what to grow next year and a bunch of that has to do with the feedback that we heard from you this season. If there is something that you'd like to see at our market next year, please let us know soon because we can sure pass it on to our farmers. Just reply to this blog and I'll make sure that it gets passed on. Remember...we grow for you!

But wait!!!! We still have one more market day to go and there's still plenty of goodies available!

Look for plenty of crisp apples, winter squash, sweet potatoes, a variety of white and red potatoes, peppers and even some homegrown tomatoes! Be sure to ask a farmer about winter storage..you'd be surprised at how long some things will last if stored properly!

Of course, the cooler weather doesn't stop our members from making their wonderful jams, jellies and butters. Think gift giving!!!! Or, how about including a jar of bean soup mix in that gift basket! And, there are always those wonderful home baked breads and cakes. Football season is still here and that means tailgating so how about some great beer cheese!

Before we say our goodbye's for the season we would like to thank all of our very supportive customers for making our 2009 season a wonderful one. We hope that you all know how much we have appreciated you this year. You've helped us grow in membership and that can only mean that we will be bigger next year! A totally homegrown/produced market is not an easy task to start...it takes customers who support the homegrown goodness to keep farmers coming back each week and you have certainly proved that we are wanted!!! Waking up before the sun comes up so that we can harvest our offerings is so much nicer when we know that we'll see the smiles on our customers faces as we stand there in the heat, rain and cold weather at the market. You make our day and you help keep us down on our farms which is where we want to be!

Our thanks to all of you many times over!

~*~ We'll see you in the spring ~*~

~*~ MARKET HOURS ~*~

Saturday 9 until 2

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Look for our new and bigger signs!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is Lexington's only

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

Stay tuned for monthly updates on what is happening with our farmers...we also love to talk about what we grow!

Granted, it is supposed to be damp and on the chilly side this Saturday but that won't stop our farmers from showing up with all of their homegrown goodness!

I am amazed at the amount of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and green beans still available. And, don't forget the wonderful winter squash, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, kale and apples. Yup, it's homegrown goodness at its best!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market also allows members to sell items that they have produced themselves. That means no store bought and repackaged stuff at our market! We have members who make their own beer cheese, hand blend herb seasoning, create mixed dry beans for soup, bake wonderful breads and cookies, make homemade soaps and even gather and mix goodies for potpourri! And, who can forget the wonderful jams, jellies and butters...some sweet and some spicy!

We only have two more weeks of our 2009 market season so stop by and say hi before we close for the year.

~*~ MARKET HOURS ~*~

Tuesday 3 until 6:30

Saturday 9 until 2

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Thursday 4 until 6:30

In the parking lot of the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Look for our new and bigger signs!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is Lexington's only

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

Hope to see you all at one of our market days...

we grow, raise, bake and make for you!

Brrrrr, there's a wee bit of a chill in the air! But that won't stop our farmers from bringing their farm fresh goodies to the market. Besides, they know that there is only 3 more weeks of the market left for the 2009 season and they are sure folks will want to stock up on some stuff for the winter months. There's nothing like cooking with a fresh from your freezer tomato when there is snow on the ground! And, don't forget the wonderful peppers...they freeze great too! Potatoes will hold for quite some time if you keep them in a cool place. And, we all know that beef can be frozen. Did you know that you can wrap and freeze the wonderful breads too? I guess you can tell what I have been doing all summer. lol

Our freezer is full of tomatoes, corn, beans, peppers and even some zucchini bread! We're ready for the winter, how about you?

Here's a bit of what you will find this week at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market. Remember, it's all homegrown or produced by our farmers!

TOMATOES

POTATOES

SWEET POTATOES

KALE

PEPPERS (HOT and SWEET)

WATERMELON

RASPBERRIES

CUSHAW

WINTER SQUASH

ASH FREE BEEF

BEER CHEESE

HONEY

HERB SEASONING

BAKED GOODS

JAMS & JELLIES

HOMEMADE SOAPS

BEAN SOUP MIX

AND SO MUCH MORE!

~*~ MARKET HOURS ~*~

Tuesday 3 until 6:30

Saturday 9 until 2

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Thursday 4 until 6:30

In the parking lot of the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Look for our new and bigger signs!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is Lexington's only

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

Hope to see you all at one of our market days...

we grow, raise, bake and make for you!

It's that time of the year...the outdoor plants need to be moved indoors and that means I have to make room for them. I started to clear out a corner that somehow managed to become a catchall for boxes of stuff. One of the boxes was filled with things, wonderful memory things! I sat down on the floor and began to reminisce about my childhood days. I clutched my grandmother's apron to my chest and I swear I could feel and smell her even after all of these years. Then I remembered how much fun it was to drive to her home each Sunday for dinner. The dinner table was always filled with fresh garden goodies! I quickly remembered that I have a fridge full of the same things that I had purchased at the market the day before. The boxes could wait, I needed to be my grandma for the day!

I tied her apron around my waist and headed to the kitchen to recreate a wonderful memory. I broke the Roma stringless green beans into a pot. I scrubbed the freshly dug potatoes. And, I added the farm fresh eggs to the ASH Free ground beef and “squished” in some bread crumbs and seasoning to make a Sunday meatloaf! I even made a raspberry cobbler! My kitchen smelled wonderful and I looked just like my grandma...grinning from ear to ear because I knew my family would enjoy the meal I had just prepared with loads of love. Thank you grandma for the memories and for the wonderful smells coming from your kitchen. But, I did have one giggle...my hubby thought I looked a bit like Beaver's mom in my apron! lol

Thanks for letting me take a trip back into my childhood. :) And thank you farmers for having the “makings” of a wonderful Sunday meal!

Of course, that got me thinking about what I could create next week! My mind was in a tailspin as I thought about what I could prepare the following Sunday. Hmmmmm, let's think...kale, a pot roast, sweet potatoes, sliced tomatoes, winter squash, pumpkin pie or maybe even a watermelon for dessert! I thought, why not make a whole day out of eating farmers market goodies!

Breakfast could be Fayette County farm fresh eggs and those wonderful potatoes fried up and served with some sliced tomatoes. Of course ya can't forget the wonderful jams and jellies to slather all over the great homebaked breads!

Lunch could be a snack thing with beer cheese, salsa made with market peppers, tomatoes and even the seasoning.

Dinner would be a “for sure” table loaded with market goodies! A perfectly seasoned roast beef, roasted potatoes and a sweet potato casserole, green beans, sauteed squash, greens, turnips and maybe some fried okra! And, for dessert...how about I bake an apple pie with some of those wonderful apples that I got at the market!

Yes, it would be a day of market goodness and smiles would be everywhere! Especially when the family sits down at a table decorated with a beautiful bouquet of fresh cut flowers.

It just doesn't get any better than that and it all came from the Bluegrass Farmers' Market!!!!

~*~ MARKET HOURS ~*~

Tuesday 3 until 6:30

Saturday 9 until 2

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Thursday 4 until 6:30

In the parking lot of the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Look for our new and bigger signs!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is Lexington's only

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

Hope to see you all at one of our market days...

we grow, raise, bake and make for you!

WOW, what a Saturday we had last week! EEK!!!

We had quite a few farmers who couldn't even get to the market due to flooding. But, for the few that could, it was a great day because our loyal customers showed up rain gear, umbrella's and all! We sure do thank you for braving the nasty weather! And, hopefully Mother Nature will be nicer this week.

Even though the summer sunshine is starting to dwindle and the fall season is bringing us leaves that need to be raked off of our lawns, the Bluegrass Farmers' Market still has a bounty of goods available! The fall season brings us sweet potatoes, winter squash, apples and plenty of other goodies. Heck, you can still find some of the best tomatoes, green beans and maybe even late corn and the ever popular watermelon at our market!

Did I forget to mention the beautiful flowers, fall decorations, herb seasoning, home baked goods, herb seasoning, beer cheese, beef, jams and jellies, honey and soaps? Yup, you'll find them this week at the market!

When you shop at a truly homegrown or produced farmers market you are guaranteed that everything comes from that farm but it also means that the selection might not include things that are not in season in Kentucky. Don't expect to find strawberries and we never have bananas unless you shop early in the season and buy a banana tree to grow your own! Gotta laugh at that one, but we really do have a farmer who grows and sells his banana trees in the spring! Something to think about for next year. :)

Our members are serious farmers and we strive to produce what grows best in our area. They do their homework instead of searching out a facility to buy so they can resell! No, you might not find everything, but you can guarantee that what you do find was grown or produced by the farmer that sells it!!! In my book, that says it all...truly locally grown and produced! That is a true farmers market and that's what the Bluegrass Farmer's Market brings to Lexington!

Just a bit of what will be available this week at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market...

POTATOES

Russet Burbank

Red Norland

Katadin

Red Lasoda

SQUASH

Acorn

Butternut

Delicata

SWEET POTATOES

APPLES

TOMATOES

GREEN BEANS

Romas

Half runners

Stringless Romas

PEPPERS

Green

Red

Hot

Sweet

KALE

OKRA

WATERMELON

BAKED GOODS

JAMS & JELLIES

HERB SEASONING

BEER CHEESE

BEEF

FRESH CUT FLOWERS & HERBS

HOMEMADE SOAP

POTTED PLANTS

HONEY

GOURDS

AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!

~*~ MARKET HOURS ~*~

Tuesday 3 until 6:30

Saturday 9 until 2

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Thursday 4 until 6:30

In the parking lot of the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Look for our new and bigger signs!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is Lexington's only

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

Hope to see you all at one of our market days...

we grow, raise, bake and make for you!

Once again I have to tell you that I love farmers! My favorite green bean is a Roma but they were always a pain because you had to “string” them. Well, not anymore...I was introduced to a stringless Roma last Saturday! They are wonderful, great Roma bean taste and no strings to fool with. Life doesn't get much better than that.

Well, except for the potatoes, tomatoes, green peppers, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, winter squash, zucchini, okra, eggplant, hot peppers, half runner beans, raspberries, watermelon and apples available on Tuesday and Thursday at the market! Heck, you'll even find jams and jellies and fresh cut flowers!

I'll say it again...it doesn't get much better than that! Hope to see you all at one of our markets.

Stay tuned for the Saturday offerings!

~*~ MARKET HOURS ~*~

Tuesday 3 until 6:30

Saturday 9 until 2

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Thursday 4 until 6:30

In the parking lot of the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Look for our new and bigger signs!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is Lexington's only

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

Hope to see you all at one of our market days...

we grow, raise, bake and make for you!

September is one of my favorite months of the year. Most of the warm summer crops are still available at the farmers market and some of the cooler fall crops are starting to make an appearance. It just doesn't get any better than that!

We can all still enjoy ripe tomatoes, freshly picked corn, wonderful green beans, tantalizing hot and sweet peppers, newly harvested potatoes, fresh cut rhubarb and sweet treats like watermelons, cantaloupes and raspberries!

And, we're just starting to see some of the cooler weather crops like kale, onions, garlic and shallots!

~*~ All 100% homegrown on our farms! ~*~

Don't forget about the beautiful and colorful flowers that will bring a smile to anyones face! Or, the herb seasoning that can make a chef out of anyone! How about some of those wonderful jams and jellies! And, the great beer cheese! Tender and flavorful ASH Free beef! Farm fresh eggs and Amish cheese that can't be beat! Home baked goods that will make you drool! Handmade soaps are a luxury only they are not luxury priced!

~*~ All 100% raised, grown or produced by our farmers! ~*~

September also has a day that we, as Americans, need to remember. September 11^th! Please take a moment out of your busy schedule to remember those that lost their lives on 9/11 and to thank our service men and women for continuing to keep us safe.

~*~ MARKET HOURS ~*~

Tuesday 3 until 6:30

Saturday 9 until 2

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Thursday 4 until 6:30

In the parking lot of the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Look for our new and bigger signs!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is Lexington's only

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

Hope to see you all at one of our

market days...

We grow, raise, bake and make for you!

It might be a holiday but our farmers are busy working today so that they can bring the freshest and the best to the Tuesday market. Hopefully they will take some time off today and enjoy a traditional Labor Day cookout with their family and friends. I know we will be grilling some wonderful veggies that I bought on Saturday to go along with the great steaks that I also purchased. I love the way our farmers support each other!

This week you'll be able to find juicy tomatoes...even heirloom ones! There will be heirloom peppers too! In fact, there will be peppers in all sizes and shapes, hot or sweet, big and little! The potato varieties are numerous with “spuds” that make wonderful salads, some that are great for baking, others that are wonderful boiled and mashed. Don't forget that taters are great on the grill too! There's still plenty of raspberries, rhubarb and watermelons available. Oh, and don't forget the beautiful green beans...they went fast on Saturday! So did the colorful flowers and fresh cut herbs. I think they probably will end up as centerpieces on more than one picnic table today! And, how could I forget the wonderful jams, jellies and butters!!! Talk about big flavor in a jar! If your sweet tooth gets the best of you, try a delicious jam cake.

Yup, homegrown goodness galore at our Tuesday and Thursday market! I'll be updating again on Thursday so you all will know what we'll have at our bigger Saturday market, so stay tuned!

~*~ MARKET HOURS ~*~

Tuesday 3 until 6:30

Saturday 9 until 2

We'll be set up in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, right next door to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. It's just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Parking is right there so you don't have to drive around hunting for a spot to park. The parking lot is also paved and that makes it very stroller and wheelchair friendly!

Thursday 4 until 6:30

In the parking lot of the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Look for our new and bigger signs!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is Lexington's only

100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

And, each of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

Yes they are!

One of our customers shared a recipe with me last week and I have to admit that it sounds like an odd combination but I was assured that it is wonderful and can't wait to try it. I'm going to pass it on to you so that you can add some items to your farmers market shopping list.

Watermelon Tomato Salad

5 cups seedless watermelon, cubed

1 pint grape or pear tomatoes

1 small red onion, chopped

¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

¼ cup fresh basil, minced

2 tablespoons lime juice

Combine the watermelon, tomatoes and onion in a large bowl. Mix the parsley, basil and lime juice in a small bowl. Pour this over the watermelon mixture and toss. Refrigerate for one hour before serving.

Thank you Glenn for sharing one of your favorite market recipes!

The great part is you'll be able to find the watermelon, tomatoes, onion and basil at the market during the week!

Hey but that's not all you'll find! Look for...

corn...yellow, white and bi-color!

tomatoes in all sizes and shapes...heirloom too!

peppers..hot, sweet, green, red, yellow and heirloom!

squash...Patty Pan, Magda, Cousa and even some good old zucchini!

potatoes...freshly dug in every size, shape and color!

okra...maybe a gumbo or a southern favorite, fried!

raspberries...red, yellow and all sweet!

rhubarb...think pies!

jams and jellies!

baked goods!

fresh cut flowers!

And, look for much more at our Saturday market!!!

Market Hours

Tuesday 3 – 6:30

Saturday 9 – 2

You'll find us in the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, next to the Glenn Auto Mall on Richmond Rd. We're just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Man 'O War Blvd.

Thursday 4 – 6:30

We'll be set up in the parking lot of the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

There's always plenty of free and convenient parking available. We're also very stroller and wheelchair friendly. And, don't forget to bring your four-legged friends...we're a petting bunch of farmers!

Lexington's only 1000% homegrown/produced farmers market!

We take great pride in the fact that each member is certified Kentucky Proud!

Let's all keep our fingers crossed that Mother Nature doesn't bring the predicted rain this Saturday during market hours. But, if she does you'll still be able to find a great selection of fruits and veggies available. After all, rain doesn't hurt homegrown goodness!

Look for wonderful tomatoes...heirlooms too! A huge variety of potatoes...heirlooms there too! Peppers, both hot, mild and even more heirlooms! Great corn in yellow, white and bi-color varieties! And, oh my gosh the squash selection is unbelievable! You'll find Magda, Patty Pan, Cousa and even some new to the local markets! Zucchini...think grilling and bread making! To die for green beans, fresh and crisp and ready to be enjoyed anyway you want to prepare them! Fresh cut herbs that add sooooo much flavor to anything!

Speaking of fresh cut herbs and other market goodies, here's a recipe that I played with this past week.

Market Tomato Basil Pie

1 pie crust or frozen prepared pie crust for one 9 inch pie
4 to 5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch  thick and patted dry
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste...I used a sprinkle of Good'n Garlicky
1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cheese of your choice...I used Amish Parmesan from the market and just shredded it!


Bake the pie crust empty in a 350F oven for 10 minutes, then allow to cool. Place a layer of tomato slices in the bottom, sprinkle with some of the basil, bacon and add salt and pepper to taste. Repeat until the pie is filled to about 1/2 inch to 1/4 inch of the rim. Mix the mayonnaise and cheese together and spoon over the tomatoes, spreading it evenly over the contents of the entire pie. Bake in a 350F oven for 30 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Now that I have your mouth watering, don't forget that you can serve this as a side dish with a tender ASH Free steak!!! I'm telling you that it just doesn't get any better than this.

As long as you are going to prepare a wonderful meal, you might as well enjoy some beautiful color on that table...fresh cut flowers! All shapes, sizes and colors including Zinnias and Teddy Bear sunflowers!

I guess the Northern girl in me has been transformed after living in Kentucky for all of these years. I now love iced tea and especially made with honey! I brew my tea and add the honey while it is still hot, give it a stir and let it cool...add ice and sip away! Don't just use any honey...the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is home to a 2009 Kentucky State Fair Grand Champion Honey!!! Yummy even right out of the jar!

Don't forget the farm fresh eggs, the home baked jam cakes, the unbelievable jams and jellies, even beer cheese and who could resist a farm fresh watermelon or some luscious raspberries!

Yup, the Bluegrass Farmers' Market has definitely got the homegrown and produced market covered!

We grow, raise, blend, make and bake for you!

We are Lexington's only 100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

Honest to gosh guaranteed homegrown or produced!

And, we all take pride in being certified Kentucky Proud!

Join us at one of our market locations.

Tuesday 3 until 6:30

Saturday 9 until 2

In the tree lined, customer friendly, easy parking lot of Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet at 3450 Richmond Rd. next to the Glenn Auto Mall just outside of Man 'O War Blvd.

Thursday 4 until 6:30

At the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike.

Hope to see you at one of our markets, we'll be there with our smiles on!

It's Monday morning and here I sit trying to think of the best way to let folks know what wonderful items are available this week at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market. I don't want to just post a list because that seems so boring. It finally came to me...how about I tell you about the wonderful bounty that we had this weekend at our home! The great part is, all of the goodies are still at the market. :)

Our weekend of market freshness started out on Saturday when I returned from a day of selling at the market. We unloaded our bounty and quickly decided that grilled veggies and a burger would be dinner! The ASH Free burgers were wonderful rubbed with some Herb'n Cowboy seasoning and topped with some Amish Colby cheese. The carrots, potatoes and peppers got washed and rubbed with a bit of bacon dripp'ins and a bit more herb seasoning and grilled right along with the burgers. We added some fabulous sliced tomatoes and a skillet full of the very best bi-color fried corn you've ever tasted. Tell me we didn't eat good on Saturday night and 99.9% of it came from the market!!! Fresh, homegrown and for sure delicious!

How the heck do you top that meal on Sunday? I'm not sure we topped it but we darn sure enjoyed it with all of the gusto of the previous evening. The day started out with more potatoes only this time we fried them in a skillet with some green peppers. Add some great farm fresh eggs and scramble it all together and top with a bit of Amish Parmesan cheese. It was heaven! I know we are supposed to be working and not thinking about “what's for dinner” but somehow the thought of more market goodies took over and we rested and pondered what our evening meal would be! Shame on us, but I have to admit that we were both pooped from a long week.

Our Sunday dinner bell rang and we sat down to yet another market bounty meal! I think you would call this meal a “farmers market special!” We had green beans, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers with dill seasoning and fresh raspberries for dessert. It just doesn't get any better than that!

Yes, my friends, eat'in is good when it's homegrown and fresh from the market! The great thing is you'll be able to find all the freshness that you want at our Tuesday and Thursday markets. Come by and say hi to the farmers at Lexington's only 100% homegrown/produced farmers market. You can find us at 3450 Richmond Rd. in the tree lined, customer friendly, plenty of free and convenient parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs right next to the Glenn Auto Mall. We'll be there on Tuesday from 3 until 6:30. And, on Thursday you can find us at the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike from 4 until 6! Don't forget to mark your calendar for Saturday's market from 9 until 2 at the Richmond Rd. location.

Our farmers thank you for your continued support of our family farms...we grow for you!

Lexington's only 100% homegrown/produced farmers market and we take great pride in that! We can also guarantee that each farmer is certified Kentucky Proud!

~*~*~ CONGRATULATIONS~*~*~

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is home to a

KENTUCKY STATE FAIR

GRAND CHAMPION

HONEY PRODUCER!!!

It sounds like such a simple question to answer but it's really not. There are different types of farmers markets, did you know that? Some markets are very small with only a couple of local growers. Some are more medium in size with ten to twenty plus local growers and producers. Then you have the larger markets where you find fifty plus vendors each week. Are the larger ones better? Not necessarily because many times the larger markets allow resellers which means that you really aren't truly at a “farmers” market...ask if everything is locally grown! But, sometimes that also means that you'll be able to find more variety such as tropical fruits, vegetables and items that are not grown or produced in your area. And, going to a market is always fun so who cares whether or not it is really homegrown. WE DO!!!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market would be considered a medium farmers market. We have twenty plus farmers or producers that are members. Will you see all of them each time you come to the market? Nope, because we only allow homegrown or produced items. That means “Farmer Joe” who grows only corn, will only be around for the few weeks that corn is in season in Kentucky...which by the way is now!!! But, we are very lucky to have many farmers who grow more than one item so you can be assured that our freshly harvested bounty is a great representation of what is in season in Kentucky!

Here's a sampling of what's in season right now and what will you be able to find at the

Bluegrass Farmers' Market this week..

CORN

TOMATOES

GREEN BEANS

PEPPERS

OKRA

POTATOES

ONIONS

SQUASH

ZUCCHINI

GARLIC

WATERMELON

BLACKBERRIES

RASPBERRIES

RHUBARB

FARM FRESH EGGS

FRESH CUT HERBS

CUT FLOWERS

Plus...

AMISH CHEESE

HERB SEASONING

ASH FREE BEEF

HOMEMADE SOAPS

DRIED FLOWERS

BAKED GOODS

JAMS & JELLIES

And, so much more!!!

Don't forget that what you find at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is always homegrown or produced by our Kentucky Proud members! We take pride in knowing that we can offer selections that you will not find in the grocery store! Heirlooms, select varieties, hard to find and unusual products along with good old fashioned “good eat'n” stuff!

If you've never been to a medium size farmers market where you'll find only growers and producers, it's worth the short drive out Richmond Road. Besides, we have plenty of convenient parking available and our market is stroller and wheelchair friendly! We've worked hard to make your shopping experience with us one of the best around. But, sorry, you won't find any bananas cause we just can't grow them in Kentucky! So, if you are looking for good homegrown goodness and like helping to support a local farming family...the Bluegrass Farmers' Market is the place to shop!

You can find us each Tuesday from 3 until 6:30 and every Saturday from 9 until 2 at our Richmond Road location. It's just outside Man 'O War next to the Glenn Auto Mall in the tree lined parking lot of Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet. And, don't forget our satellite market each Thursday at the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike. We're there from 4 until 6:30!

We thank you for your continued support of our farmers...

they grow for you!

I grew up thinking a potato was a potato...something you mashed and served with gravy. Or, you fried them to have with your eggs for breakfast. An extra special treat was a trip to a fast food for the occasional burger and “fries!” My mom used to boil small potatoes whole and season with butter and parsley. But, to me they were all just potatoes. In other words, a “tater is a tater!”

Well, have I ever learned different since I have been around real farmers vs. a grocery store to purchase my potatoes!!!

Did you know that a potato isn't just the starch and calorie builder that we all thought it was? They contain protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin C, niacin, folate and fiber! Who knew they could be so healthy! We all need potatoes in our diet and the varieties are numerous!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market members have done their homework when it comes to potatoes. No more boring, plain taters for me! We get to choose from a great variety of heirloom and commonly known “spuds!” Here's just a few of the varieties available at our market this week...

Irish Cobbler

Katadin

Red Lasota

Red Norland

Russet Burbank

Kennebec

Yukon Gold

Wisconsin Superior

Red Pontiac

King Henry

Yellow Finn

A bit more potato info...new potatoes are moist and waxy and are best for steaming, boiling and in salads. Oblong mature white potatoes are dry and starchy and best used for baking, mashed or “fries!” The round red taters have a sort of waxy texture and that makes them great for boiling or mashing. Usually round white potatoes are thin-skinned and they hold their shape well in salads....but they are great for boiling and roasting too! Yellow-fleshed ones are good for steaming, roasting and mashing. But I have to admit that they all taste great with gravy!!! If you are looking for a specific way to prepare potatoes, don't be afraid to ask the farmer...they grew them and they know the best ways to cook them!

Geez, looks like I went on a “tater” rant today but believe me that's not all that you'll find at our markets this week. Look for the homegrown treats available during a Kentucky summer month...tomatoes, corn, squash, peppers, melons, green beans, flowers, herbs, eggplant and so much more!

Market Hours at our Richmond Rd. location in the parking lot of Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet, next to the Glenn Auto Mall are...

Tuesday 3 - 6:30

Saturday 9 – 2

Thursday market hours at the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike are...

4 – 6:30

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is guaranteed 100% homegrown or produced!

And, we are all certified KENTUCKY PROUD!

We're the only Lexington farmers market that can say that!

~*~WE GROW, RAISE or MAKE WHAT WE SELL~*~

It just doesn't get any better than that! Unless you add the wonderful squash, peppers, taters and cucumbers too! Heck, throw in some onions, garlic and even some broccoli! Of course you can't forget the wonderful blackberries, raspberries and rhubarb!

The Bluegrass Farmers' Market is full of the Kentucky summer bounty!

And don't let anyone kid you, we grow it all ourselves! No reselling allowed at our market so you know you're getting nothing but homegrown goodness from our farmers. Remember that we know what we grow and it isn't your average grocery store varieties. Look for heirloom tomatoes such as German Stripey. Or fabulous squash such as Magda, Cousa or Patty Pan. Peppers...hot and mild! Potatoes, round, long, red, white and even fingerling! Of course, everyone is talking corn right now and we've got a crowd favorite, Silver Queen along with Ambrosia and bi-color! What about some wonderful green beans...Romas, Tenderettes, Pole, Kentucky Wonders and a few heirloom varieties too!

Yup, summer crops are in full swing at the Bluegrass Farmers' Market!

But, that's not all that you'll find. We have farm fresh eggs, Amish cheese, ASH Free beef, honey, herb seasoning, jams, jellies and fruit butters, the very best baked goods and even homemade soaps! Now, granted, our farmers didn't “grow” these but they darn sure either raised or made them!

Who could forget the beautiful cut flowers and gorgeous baskets loaded with colorful flowers! Or maybe even a fragrant herb plant...we've got those too!

As you can tell, the members of the Bluegrass Farmers' Market take great pride in what they do. That's why one of the stipulations to becoming a member is that each individual farmer is certified Kentucky Proud! We don't just register the whole market...we make sure each of our farmers really grow or produce what they take pride in offering to the market!

We are Lexington's only 100% homegrown or produced farmers market!!!

Take the short drive out Richmond Rd. to the beautiful tree lined parking lot of Pedal the Planet and Fast Signs, next to the Glenn Auto Mall each Tuesday or Saturday. We'll be bringing our farms best and wearing smiles!

Tuesday 3 until 6:30

Saturday 9 until 2

And, don't forget our Thursday market at the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike from 4 until 6:30!

We thank you for supporting our farms and families.

I was sitting here this morning trying to think of a way to let folks know just how wonderful the Bluegrass Farmers' Market really is and I decided that I'd probably just tell you what went home with me at the end of Saturday's market. I can tell you, it was quite a haul of fresh veggies and berries!

We enjoyed the most delicious fresh corn on the cob last night along with our wonderful ASH free beef burgers that were topped with fabulous tomatoes! Our plates looked more like serving platters by the time we added the crisp sliced cucumber and onion salad along with the extra heirloom tomatoes that we just had to try. By the way, the German Stripey's and Japanese something...sorry, I cannot remember the name of them...tomatoes were great! Heck, I'm not done yet. My hubby roasted some fingerling potatoes on the grill and Oh My Gosh, we're they ever good! He rubbed them with a bit of bacon drippings and then sprinkled them with coarse sea salt. Talk about heaven! You'd have thought that we would have been stuffed by the end of the meal but we managed to save room for a slice of fantastic jam cake that was drizzled with a decadent raspberry sauce that I made with those wonderful berries and local honey! I have to admit that the two of us could hardly move after dinner but, the funny part was, we were both thinking about the next meal! Lol Yup, there's still some wonderful greens beans, eggplant, zucchini and squash waiting for our next meal.

Geez, forgot to let you know that we started the day out with a huge breakfast of farm fresh eggs, fried taters, sliced tomatoes and homebaked bread loaded with homemade jam! Makes me wonder how we even managed to do anything yesterday. But we did get a bunch of green peppers chopped and frozen for use in chili this winter. We even froze some wonderful hot peppers so hubby could spice his up a bit more!

About the only thing I didn't come home with were flowers and plants. Believe me it wasn't because they weren't beautiful...it was because I didn't have anymore room in the van! I promised myself that I would save some space next week.

I have to tell you that it really makes you feel great to know that you can prepare and enjoy meals using nothing but locally grown goodies! And, the fresh flavor can't be beat. I'm already thinking about my farmers market list for this week!

Come join us at Lexington's only 100% homegrown or produced farmers market. You'll be greeted by hardworking farmers who can still manage to smile after harvesting that day and you'll leave with a bounty of fresh, homegrown goodness! It don't get no better than that!!!

Tuesday's market hours are 3 until 6:30 at our beautiful tree lined location at 3450 Richmond Rd. in the parking lot of Fast Signs and Pedal the Planet. It's right next to the Glenn Auto Mall just outside of Man 'O War Blvd. Don't forget about our new Thursday market at the Fayette County Health Department on Newtown Pike. Our farmers are there from 4 until 6! Stay tuned for the Saturday market offerings!

Hope to see you all at one of our market days...you'll be glad you came to visit us!

Lexington's only 100% homegrown/produced farmers market!

All of our farmers are certified Kentucky Proud!

We grow, raise, bake, blend and make...so that you can enjoy truly local goods!