Just a Rumor?
It was almost a month ago that I heard through the grapevine that Oceanside Farm was selling asparagus to restaurants. Just a rumor?
Recently I heard that Al Poindexter at Anchor Point Greenhouse has already sold pounds and pounds of cucumbers this spring. Just a rumor?
Every year Bob Durr tells me about his latest experiment, his new corner on the veggie market. He always makes me promise not to tell until it’s ready though, so I can’t start that rumor. But with more high tunnels than anyone on the southern peninsula, I think it’s safe to say that Bob is growing lots of food.
But this is Alaska. How much can we really grow? Is it all just a rumor?
No, I have personally already had arugula and radishes from our local farms. And if you look at the Alaska Food Hub online farmers market, which opened for sales weeks ago, you will see all kinds of offerings from hearty farmers bursting and ready to offer up fresh local food: greens, turnips, rhubarb, herbs, honey, flowers, meat, eggs and starts of all kinds for your own garden.
It’s official. We love home grown food and we know how to grow it. Our farmers are supporting us with their fingers in the dirt raising veggies, but also tending those tender starts to the sturdy stage where you can bring them home to nurture for your own on-demand fresh veggies. Is there anything better than a tomato you just plucked off the vine?
It’s not a rumor — it’s true. The Homer Farmers Market opening day is this Saturday at 10 a.m.
The taste of spring in fresh veggies isn’t the only reason, of course, that we all love to hit the Market. The familiar faces of the vendors behind the jam samples that greet you as you come in, the smell of halibut cooking for tacos, the music playing on the stage, kids playing in the sand box. The Market scene is more than just about food; it’s about community.
So head on down to the Market this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to see for yourself what our community’s farmers are up to.
Kyra Wagner is the coordinator of Sustainable Homer and the Homer Farmers Market’s biggest fan.
