A Perfect Summer Pairing
June is in full swing! Pretty soon, the kids will be picked up from the school bus for the last time, our evenings will be spent catching fireflies, and the best way to spend the day will be by a body of water. Warmer days also mean its strawberry and rhubarb season, a combination that is perfectly timed in harvest to blend together for a strawberry rhubarb pie. For those who have not tried rhubarb, I encourage you to give it a chance during the window that you will find at the Millbrook Farmers and Makers Market. Its tangy sour flavor offsets and compliments the sweetness of the strawberry. Most people are familiar with or have heard of strawberry rhubarb pie, but it can be enjoyed and added to other dishes in numerous ways. One note of caution, do not eat the leaves as they are poisonous – the stalk is fine and not a problem. Best to buy it at the market, along with just-picked strawberries!
Another fun June fact; June is Pollinator Month. Pollinators are an incredibly important part of our agricultural community but an even more important part of our ecological system. Pollinators include bees, butterflies, and even some moths. Without their work, we would see a barren landscape void of plants, flowers, and food. There would be no rhubarb and certainly no strawberries! You can encourage pollinators in your yard by planting pollinator-friendly plants. It’s easy and simple, and it will go a long way to helping them survive and thrive. If you are interested in learning more and how you can help, I’ve included the link to the NYS DEC webpage on pollinators (https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/113395.html)
As of this writing, I’m still awaiting confirmation from Judson’s Farm – I know many of you have been asking and looking forward to their return and the wide array of fresh products they bring. I hope they can make it, but they don’t want to show up empty-handed, and if you learn nothing else when your farming is, patience is the key – so let’s hope but if not, be calm. They will be here soon.
Last week we had a good market, and it was great to see so many people. This week is going to be busy as well. We have more than 20 vendors scheduled to participate. Music will be provided from 10:30-12:30 by The Acoustic Medicine Show, and Merritt Bookstore is also hosting a book signing. This is also a good week to come by the market if you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift, as we will be hosting several wonderful wood artisans, and what better way to find a unique and special gift than a handmade one-of-a-kind gift for Dad
One last reminder, we are selling Millbrook shopping bags at our Manager's tent. They come in two sizes; large and small. They are a great way to bring home the product from the market and be used for other shopping needs. All proceeds support the market and the Millbrook Business Association, so please show your support and pick up a bag next time you’re at the market.
My thanks and appreciation to all our customers as the market's success is due to your participation and support. As I’ve said, without you, all we are is just a bunch of people setting up tents in a parking lot….Be well and be safe, and I look forward to seeing you Saturday.
Greg
Market Manager