Often paired with other spring delicacies like leeks and morels, fiddlehead ferns are a sure sign of spring’s return. The veggie’s descriptive name comes from a resemblance to the scroll-like head of a violin. These curly green stalks are actually young Ostrich fern fronds, available now through June. Fiddleheads have a mild flavor, akin to artichoke or asparagus. They are a good source of vitamin A and niacin, as well as some potassium, vitamin C and iron.
Fiddleheads are delicious sautéed, steamed, boiled or roasted. It is not recommended to eat them raw. Ready them for use by removing the tough stems, gently rubbing to remove brown scales and rinsing in cold water. Since most varieties of ferns are inedible and fiddleheads are not cultivated, we rely on experienced food foragers to harvest showy fiddleheads and bring them to market.
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It’s May and Portland Farmers Market is celebrating its weekday markets! Organic farmers, ranchers, cheese makers, artisanal bread bakers, flower growers and chocolatiers – all assembling under white canopies in two of Portland’s bustling gathering spots. So, whether you’re an “eastsider” or a “westsider,” you now have two more easy ways to support Oregon farmers and eat local. |
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Trade your lunch bag for a tote bag and wander over to the mid-day farmers market, now open on Wednesdays, from 10am to 2pm. The Wednesday farmers market is located on the South Park Blocks between SW Salmon and Main, near the Portland Art Museum and just one block east of the streetcar line. Harvest ingredients for supper, pick a bouquet of flowers for your desk, and get lost in the aroma and tastes of grilled sausages, wood-roasted lamb pita sandwiches and handmade tamales. If you need a jolt before heading back to work, check out new vendor Café Velo for a cup of brewed-to-order coffee served from a "bakfiets." Part bike, part coffee cart, this custom-made coffee café on bicycle was imported from the village of Nijland, Holland. |
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As Portland’s Eastbank community and neighborhoods thrive, so does Portland Farmers Market’s Eastbank venue, located on SE 20th and Salmon, between Hawthorne and Belmont. This family-oriented, community market opens this Thursday, May 15, 3:30pm to 7:30pm. Shop for organic produce, baked goods, eggs, pastured meats, and sample a vegan truffle from new vendor Missionary Chocolates. This market features easy parking for cars and bikes. Head to the the kids' arts and activity area in the SW corner of the market and pick up a reusable tote bag, offered free from Eastbank sponsor New Seasons Market. Kids of all ages can stay to design, color and assemble a one-of-a-kind "tote tag" that distinguishes their family's market tote. This kids’ activity station is generously sponsored by New Seasons Market, and will be open from 4pm to 6pm.  
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The Deck family joins Portland Farmers Market this season, offering grass-fed beef and pastured pork, lamb and chicken. Christine, John and their five kids, raise pasture-based livestock on 320 acres near the small town of Junction City, located between Eugene and Corvallis. The Decks bring high-quality, humanely raised, pasture-finished meats to the market each week. |
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