What better way to remember summer than that image from last weekend, sitting on the porch in the sun with friends, our teeth stained blue with fresh berries? Another time this week, sharing a meal with friends, the appetizer is laced with minced kale in an attempt to find another use for this abundant vegetable. We all agreed that it was a success. There is a wonderful spectrum between creating new food experiments and honoring old traditions.

Now that the sun from last weekend has ducked behind the rain clouds, we suddenly remember that fall is closing in. The trees are starting to change their colors and each windstorm scatters more leaves on the ground. And yet, the harvest continues.

It is easy to see. Down at the Homer Farmers Market you can see it in the availability of all the root vegetables that are just begging for a spot in your root cellar, or at least your fridge. The plentiful heads of cabbage are a dream for that pot of sauerkraut, or at least a nice cole slaw to share for lunch.

Or maybe you are steering away from the traditional dishes and are browsing the internet for some kind of ethnic dish that will help you use up the fennel, kohlrabi, peas and zucchini that has been staring at you expectantly from the refrigerator shelves since your last trip to the Market. You can find anything on the internet, right?

Whatever your relationship is with your food, easy traditions or desperate inventions, it is important to keep the season in mind. There are only a couple more Market Saturdays left in September to stock up on the incredible tastes of the farmers’ harvest. Whether you are looking for harvests of herbs or vegetables, honey or fruit, we are in a time of great abundance.

So take advantage of the season. Head on down to the Homer Farmers Market on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or on Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m.

Or, hit one of our local farmer stands or go online to the Alaska Food Hub. Any way you do it, enjoy the local harvest.

Kyra Wagner is the coordinator of Sustainable Homer and the Homer Farmers Market’s biggest fan.