This week at the Farmers Markets

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: Apples, okra, eggplant, peppers (sweet peppers, poblano, shishito), beans, tomatoes, blueberries, muscadine grapes,  onions, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, melons, pumpkins, butternut squash, candy roaster squash, arugula, beets, bok choy, lettuce/mixed greens,  microgreens, green onions, gourmet mushrooms (oyster, lion’s mane, shiitake), herbs (chives, green onions, cilantro, basil, tulsi), carrots, and sweet potato greens.

Look for these specialty items: Foraged foods, pecans, smoked salmon and trout, flowers, 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!

Sweet Eggplant + Pepper Toast Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 Chinese eggplants
• 3 small bell peppers (or comparable sweet peppers)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tsp Baharat seasoning (or a comparable warm seasoning blend: 5 spice, za’atar, etc.)
• Salt, to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Start by charring your eggplants and peppers over your burner — if you have an induction burner, char your veg in a ripping hot pan. 
2. Once fully blackened, transfer the eggplant and peppers into a sealed container or covered bowl to let them steam. (This thoroughly cooks the eggplant; if it’s undercooked, your sauce will come out grainy and clumpy!)
3. Once steamed and soft, partially peel the char off and transfer everything to a blender with the remaining ingredients.
4. Blitz on high speed until smooth.
5. This would ideally be served over warm toast with a fried egg. Enjoy!

Apple, Honey + Cheese Tartine Recipe:

Ingredients (servers 2):

• Crimson Crisp (@georgiapeachtruck )
• Goat Gouda Cheese (@lamontagnedessaveurs )
• 2 tbsp honey 
• 2 thick slices sourdough bread
• 1 tbsp olive oil, for toasting (optional)
• Flaky sea salt, to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves or cracked black pepper, for finishing (optional)

Directions:

1. Slice the sourdough into thick pieces and toast until golden and crisp – brush with butter or olive oil beforehand.
2. Spread fresh honey on the toast while it is still warm. 
3. Thinly slice the apple and layer it on top of the toast. Coat the apples with honey. 
4. Slice your cheese and layer it generously over the apples and warm toast so it softens slightly.
5. Drizzle with honey and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt.
6. Add fresh thyme or cracked black pepper on top, and serve right away while the toast is still warm!

You can also find the recipes for Sweet Eggplant + Pepper Toast and Apple, Honey, + Cheese Tartine on Community Farmers Markets’ Instagram.