Celebrate Labor Day & the last hurrah of summer with the DFM!
Wow, we’re gearing up to start the Saturday morning market with temperatures in the 60s and we’re pretty excited! Of course with this change we are reminded that fall is just around the corner, and while it can be hard to say goodbye to summer and all of the fun that it brings, we are grateful for new seasons of life and growth. From the plants that flourish with the fall rains, to those beautiful colors touching the trees, and the ability to walk outside with a light sweater on, there is so much to enjoy in these first few cool days that usher in this new chapter. Last week at Wednesday Market, we welcomed Duke University students on their orientation tour of the market. Some of our Sprouts Club kids have come to market sharing their stories of the new school year. For those of us past our school days, our fall season may look a little different but still holds a sense of changing. Whatever this month holds for you, wistfully saying goodbye to good summer vibes or whole-heartedly embracing this fall, we are grateful we get to watch the changing of the seasons together and wish you the best of new chapters this September and coming fall.
September is such a fun month for sourcing your veggies, fruits, and flowers at the farmers market. Our farmers carefully tend to their summer crops and help them thrive into the late summer season, which means you can still find freshly harvested watermelons, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, and peppers of so many flavors and varieties on their tables. Meanwhile, they also spend these summer days hard at work planning and planting for their fall crops. Already we are seeing pumpkins, apples, pears, beets, carrots, young ginger, popcorn, and lots of nutritious leafy greens ready to enjoy. This clash of summer and fall produce makes shopping at the market a “must-do” – both for the rich diversity of flavors to take home, and for the joy of walking around market and admiring the beauty. Want a glimpse of what else is in season this month? Take a look below or chat with your favorite farmers at the market this week to find out!
What’s in Season – September
Here’s a glimpse at what’s in season at market and in the surrounding area this month!
Find everything you need for a rocking Labor Day get-together this weekend!
Feeling wistful for the heart of summer? Why not celebrate big this weekend with a last hurrah to the summer season, supplied by the DFM? We have everything you need for a delicious get-together this Labor Day weekend. In addition to the beautiful array of fruits, veggies, and flowers on their way to the market tomorrow, our pastured meat farmers and prepared food vendors are gearing up to get you set for the holiday! Take a look at the list of vendors below to find your favorite items:
Bonlee Grown Farms – find Amy’s famous pickles, jams, mums for your table, and more!
Bouquet Garni Foods – Chef Eric always has something delicious ready to take home and enjoy, with a menu featuring various international flavors infused with French and West African flairs.
By the Brook Ferments – This season’s Smoked Tempeh blocks really wowed us this year, with rich flavor perfect to match your weekend BBQs and dinners. With rotating entrees and sauerkrauts, you’ll be sure to find a favorite too.
Chapel Hill Creamery – Find delicious ground beef for your burgers and a wide variety of cheeses that pair perfectly with dishes like pizza, tacos, or egg frittata!
Cilantro Artisan Foods – What better snack to bring to your hangout than handmade tortilla chips, salsa, and their amazing guacamole? That’s it for us!
Fickle Creek Farm – Farmer Noah has so many pastured raised meats on offer this week! You can usually find chicken, pork, and beef in many cuts as well as delicious and snackable jerkys and salamis every week at his table.
Isaac’s Bagels – This long weekend, sleep in and let them take care of your brunch with bagels and cream cheese spreads that are just too easy to love.
LaKay Farm is back at market this week with their eggs and chickens! We love this family and their farm practices! Stop by their table for a chat to learn more.
Meadow Lane Farm – to find ALL of the goodness Martha and her crew are bringing to market this week, check out our newsletter link below! In addition to late-season watermelons, Martha offers certified organic meats perfect for the grill and get together.
Melina’s Fresh Pasta – less of a BBQ fan, more of a pasta lover? Find Melina’s under the pavilion this and every week for some truly fresh and flavorful hand-crafted pastas and sauces!
Misty Morning Ranch – Farmer Ryan has a wealth of knowledge about the tender flavor and health benefits to ostrich meat. It is truly delicious. Stop by his table this weekend for your weekly stock-up or to try something new!
Moonbelly Meat Co. – Chef Anna skillfully crafts her artisan sausages, bacon, and more…with flavors like Korean BBQ, Pizza, Chimichurri and lots more. They’re sure to be a BBQ hit.
Red Tail Grains – Needing all the baking supplies this weekend? Red Tail Grains is a MUST check out for local heirloom flours and grains!
Short Winter Soups – If you’ve ever stopped by their booth for a weekly free sample of their handcrafted soups, we don’t need to tell you how special their soups are! Looking for something easy and delicious this weekend? Let them do the work for you!
Soul Cocina – Specializing in vegan and gluten free fare, Soul Cocina is a treasure of flavors in the prepared food department. Check out their papusas, enchiladas, three piece meals, tamales and much more!
Spicy Hermit – We can’t wait for Eunice’s butternut squash kimchi this season! Check them out for the flavor-packed and locally crafted kimchi that is great for your tastebuds and your body!
Stoney Mountain Farm – Farmers John and Olga specialize in lamb and woolen products, and this weekend if you’re looking for something new and special for your get togethers, you will certainly want to ask them to show you their amazing pasture-raised lamb cuts!
Sunset Ridge Buffalo – Jack is back, and bringing with him his buffalo steaks, sausages, and meat sticks! Enjoy this tender and low-fat meat while soaking in every minute of the long weekend.
Washington Crab – Seafood lover? Check out NC seafood vendor, Washington Crab and their huge variety of options
Vote for the DFM in the America’s Farmers Market Celebration!
Cast your vote before voting ends September 18th!
It’s time for the 2023 America’s Farmers Market Celebration! And you know what that means…you can help us win the “People’s Choice” award of up to $5,000 to fund important market programs! It only takes a moment and a couple of clicks to make a big ol’ difference. And we’d love it if you could help us spread the word by sharing with your work place, friends, and family. Click the link below to cast your vote!
Vote here!
Market Music
Enjoy live market music by jam band favorite, Old North State Jam!
Poetry Corner
Poet William Davis (Endless Will) is back! Find him on Foster Street for your own personalized typewritten poem.
Want to find out what else your local farmers are bringing to the market this week? Check out this week’s Newsletter! https://conta.cc/45SHpv7
When: Saturday, September 2nd, 8am – 12pm
Where: The Pavilion at Durham Central Park / 501 Foster Street