Tagged: farmers markets

Have you noticed the unexpected knitting revival? Or how about the new stores devoted to the art of sewing, like Oak Street's Sew Fabulous? Another old-school favorite that’s enjoying a come back is canning.

Farmers markets are contributing to this rediscovery. Sure, any recession-minded shopper knows to purchase products at the peak of the season to get the best deals: say, okra in August versus June. However, it takes a particular set of skills to handle a bushel or a peck of what market vendors refer to as "seconds."

A common refrain at New Orleans farmers markets is the novelty song “Yes, We Have No Bananas.” It’s from the 1923 Broadway revue "Make It Snappy.” Though the French Market was resplendent in bananas back in the 1920s, in today's localvore markets bananas are not part of the equation. Isn’t that funny? They grow all over town.

You know, one of the benefits of open-air farmers markets is their flexibility and mobility. By contrast, brick and mortar retail is land-locked, and thus unable to respond to changes in neighborhoods. Farmers markets are nimble. They can pack up and relocate to sunnier spots.

The Louisiana mirliton is disappearing. But, there is hope.

In recent years, Lance Hill has become an unexpected mirliton midwife. He has assembled a fleet of farmers, backyard growers, and foragers to search for and propagate disappearing heirloom varieties of this unique vining, chayote squash. They scour farmers markets, garage roofs, storm fences and other places where fruit can still be found. I just viewed video footage of an incredible mirliton orchard in Harvey.