Celebrate World Farmers Market Week
By Cara Mae Wooledge
Since 1999, we’ve celebrated coast-to-coast during the first full week of August in recognition of National Farmers Market Week. Now, for the second year in a row, the World Farmers Market Coalition and its members (including the Napa Farmers Market!) are joining in on the fun and going global with World Farmers Market Week August 6 – 12, 2023.
This year’s national and international theme is “Farmers Markets are Changing the Way”. This resonates deeply with my spirit, as I have the privilege of being witness to the joy around local food that we cultivate every market day. Even though it may seem small in the grand scheme of things, every interaction we have at the Napa Farmers Market, and farmers markets across the world, is meaningful and makes us feel more connected to our food and to each other.
Our official World Farmers Market celebration will be at the market on Saturday, August 12 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Stop by the Friends of the Market booth located in the market across from the West & Pearl Street entrance. We’ll have free stickers, temporary tattoos, and Harvest of the Month posters for kids and, if you make a donation at the market, you get to pull a gift card out of our basket of prizes generously donated by our farmers and small business vendors. Also, you won’t want to miss the Dancing Pea, who will be busting moves at the market all morning.
Big news: Story Time is back! We’re partnering with Napa Valley Unified School District for School Bus Story Time on Saturday, August 12 at 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00 a.m. Kids of all ages are invited to hop on the school bus parked on Yajome Street and enjoy stories read by NVUSD staff. Stay tuned for more Story Time showings, we’re hoping to bring this back as a regular occurrence.
Happy World Farmers Market week and see you at the Napa Farmers Market!
Heirloom Tomato, White Nectarine, and Mozzarella Salad with Blackberries and Sweet Basil
Adapted from www.foodwise.org seasonal recipes featuring farmers market ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
3 assorted large heirloom tomatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
3 assorted small heirloom tomatoes
½ pound fresh cow’s milk mozzarella, in brine, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 firm but ripe white nectarines, pitted and cut into 1-inch chunks
½ cup blackberries
6 to 8 medium-sized fresh basil leaves
3 tablespoons good quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Unio Moscatel wine vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATION
In a medium bowl, combine the cut tomatoes, mozzarella, nectarines, and blackberries. Tear the basil leaves into ¼-inch pieces and add to the bowl. Gently fold the ingredients together.
Drizzle the mixture with the olive oil and vinegar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Fold until well combined. Taste, and adjust flavors and seasonings, if necessary.
Place the salad on a serving platter and present immediately.
