This week at the Farmers Market

Rough Draft Atlanta is partnering with Community Farmers Markets to let you know what’s in season at your local market. Each week, we’ll share a list of ingredients that are farm fresh, along with a couple of recipes that include those products.

Here’s what you’ll find in the way of produce at the farmers market this week: Tomatoes, peppers, peaches, corn, radishes, turnips, blueberries, kale, leeks, spring onion, cucumbers, zucchini/squash, broccolini, turnips, beets, lettuce/mixed greens, microgreens, green onions, gourmet mushrooms (oyster, lion’s mane, shiitake), herbs (parsley, chives, green onions, cilantro, basil, tulsi), carrots, plums, blackberries, raspberries, and Swiss chard.

Look for these specialty items: Foraged foods (chanterelles) pecans, smoked salmon and trout, flowers (marigolds, gladiolus, dahlias, lavender, mixed flower bouquets), plant starts, pastured pork, wild caught shrimp, eggs, goat + sheep cheese, milk, jam, chocolate, honey, oils, tea blends, cold pressed juices, hot sauce, vinegars, nut butters, spice blends, ghee, pickles, pasta, tortillas, apple cider, and bone broth.

Atlanta non-profit Community Farmers Markets (CFM) has been building community through farmers markets since 2011. Operating weekly outdoor farmers markets as well as rotating farm stands are strategies by which the organization addresses food access in Atlanta. CFM also offers educational programming in the community, financial incentives to make local food more affordable, and professional development for small businesses.

See y’all at the farmers market!

Spring Roll Bowl Recipe:

Ingredients:

Glass Noodles

• Dry instant rice noodles 
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for tossing after draining)

Vegetable Mixture

• 1 medium cucumber 
• 2 medium carrots 
• 2 medium watermelon radishes 
• ½ bunch scallions

Fresh Herb Garnish

• 2 mint leaves
• 2 cilantro leaves
• 2 Thai basil leaves 

Peanut Dressing

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup tamari or soy sauce
• ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or ¾ tsp ground ginger)
• 1-2 tbsp chili oil 
• ½-¾ cup warm water (to adjust consistency)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

Directions:

1. Prep the Noodles: Soak glass noodles in hot water for 3-5 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain well and immediately toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Julienne carrots and radishes into uniform matchsticks. Slice cucumbers into half moons. 
3. Make the Dressing: Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, sweetener, garlic, ginger, chili oil, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until smooth. Gradually add warm water while whisking until you reach pourable pancake batter consistency. 
4.  Herb Prep: Pick mint, Thai basil and cilantro leaves whole. 
5. Bowl Assembly: Start with base layer of glass noodles. Top with radishes, carrots and cucumbers. Cluster fresh herbs on top. Serve with dressing. Enjoy!

Spicy Miso + Cucumber Salad Recipe:

Ingredients:

Salad

• 2 medium cucumbers
• 2 medium carrots
• 3-4 shiso, thinly sliced 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp toasted black and white sesame seeds

Dressing

• 1 tbsp white or red miso paste
• 2 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1-2 tbsp chili oil (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• Pinch of salt (be careful—tamari and miso are already salty)

Directions:

1. Prep the cucumbers: Wash and slice the cucumbers into rounds. Place in a bowl and lightly salt them. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the miso paste, tamari, brown sugar, sesame oil, chili oil, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Combine: Toss the cucumbers with the dressing, ensuring they’re well coated. Let marinate for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors.
4. Finish: Add the green onions, garlic, sesame seeds, roughly crushed roasted peanuts and torn Thai basil leaves. Give it a final gentle toss to distribute the herbs without crushing them.
5. Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill for up to 2 hours. The flavors deepen over time.

You can also find the recipes for Spring Roll Bowls and Spicy Miso + Cucumber Salad on Community Farmers Markets’ Instagram.