Perfect Squash Blossoms

Today I am going to let my pictures do most of the speaking for me. In case you haven’t noticed, we are in the height of summer and in my opinion this is about as good as the farmers market gets.

At times like these I wonder why anyone bothers to eat unhealthy.

The squash blossoms from Star Route Farms were absolutely breathtaking–little treasures just waiting to be taken home, stuffed with herbs and goat cheese and deep fried. If I had more time this weekend these would have definitely been on my shopping list.

Mango Plums

Summer Fire Nectarines

Peaches and nectarines are peaking, firm but still sweet and juicy.

Flavor king pluots are the rage at many of the fruit stands, but do not over look the flavor queens, flavor hearts, flavor grenades or any other part of the “flavor monarchy,” as I call it.

The mango plums at Catalán Family Farms were particularly impressive Saturday morning.

Mission Figs

Flame and Thompson Grapes

I’m tempted by strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, grapes and currants at every turn.

This time of year I am always sure that each week I try a new variety of melon. Today I bought an ambrosia melon from The Peach Farm–Ed was nice enough to pick me out the best one. A single sniff of the rind and I new I was bringing home something special.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Cranberry Beans

Not surprisingly, the second best smelling things in my market bag were my peppers from Happy Quail Farms. This time I am trying the hot banana pepper!

Yes, you read that right. Jealous?

Oh, and have you tried the summer tomatoes? I can’t decide which I like more: the early girls, the cherry tomatoes or the big fat heirlooms? I usually end up buying all of them.

Tomatoes and Figs

Hot Banana Peppers

I hope you are all having as much fun right now as I am!

Today’s purchases:

• Sun fire nectarine (Frog Hollow Farm)
• Ambrosia melon (The Peach Farm)
• Heirloom tomatoes (The Peach Farm)
• Early girl tomatoes (The Peach Farm)
• Cherry tomatoes (The Peach Farm)
• Flavor grenade pluots (Blossom Bluff Orchards)
• Swiss chard (Star Route Farms)
• Haricot verts (Dirty Girl Produce)
• Cipollini onions (Dirty Girl Produce)
• Baby savoy cabbages (Dirty Girl Produce)
• Paprika peppers (Happy Quail Farms)
• Hot banana pepper (Happy Quail Farms)
• Mediterranean cucmbers (Happy Quail Farms)
• Cauliflower head (Swanton Berry Farm)
• Strawberries (Swanton Berry Farm)
• Gem lettuces (Marin Roots Farm)

What did you get at the market?