Hey there – Spring is here and your local Farmers Markets are buzzing with activity. This is the time of year when you can find the tender roots, shoots and sprouts of seasonal produce. You say you don’t know what to do with that asparagus and those fiddle head ferns? Ask the experts – the growers are a great source of tips and recipes for making the most of the harvest.

Last week at my local Farmers Market in Narberth PA (Montgomery County), you could pick up a wide variety of tender greens like spinach, arugula, spring mix and escarole. The asparagus, spring onions, radishes and carrots are sweet and crisp – ready for salads and sautés.  And grab those rhubarb stalks and strawberries – they won’t be around for long and nothing tastes like Spring more than a strawberry rhubarb crumble. If you are fortunate to have mushrooms at your market, don’t be afraid to try an unfamiliar variety like a chestnut oyster mushroom or maitake. Ask the vendor how to prepare them if you are hesitant about using them. Mushrooms are amazing and versatile!

Your local Farmers Market will probably also have a tasty array of baked goods and other prepared foods – last week at my local market we also had barbeque, cupcakes and interactive artwork. Stopping by your local market will be so much more fun than shopping at your local grocery store, and you will be supporting the local growers, food producers and artisans who rely on YOU to help them do what they love to do.

Check out our recipes on our Slow Food Philly website for more inspiration.  Consider coming to one of our Slow Food Philly cooking workshops where you can learn more about locally sourced ingredients and get involved in the local food scene. And learn some tips and techniques for cooking with these ingredients. Our most recent event on May 1, 2025, featured duck eggs, asparagus, ramps and rhubarb! Check out the recipes on our website and watch for upcoming events. If you are looking for a market near you, this website  National Farmers Market Directory, has up to date information about markets in your area.

If you are at the Narberth Farmers Market, located at One Station Circle, Thursdays from 3-7, stop by the volunteers’ table and say hello!