If You Ate Today, Thank a Farmer!

Looking for some fresh, locally grown produce?  Visit the Wayne County Farmers Co-op market this weekend in Dunlow, WV.  The market will be open from 10am-2pm on Saturday, August 6.  The Market is located at the Dunlow Presbyterian Church off of Route 152.
Our first visit was last month for the grand opening.  We were on a mission to provide an entirely locally sourced meal for an event.  We came with a hefty grocery list, and the Wayne County Co-op did not disappoint. In fact it exceeded our expectations!
I am familiar with everything the co-op offers, as I have been a member since the inception of the group, so I knew it was capable of doing great things.  But actually seeing months of planning, preparation and hard work on the farm come to life was an incredible experience!
Pulling up to the market I was filled with excitement to see the bustling movement of the scene.  We first sought potatoes, which we easily found and purchased an entire bucket full.
We then moved down the line and found beautiful heads of cabbage.  Some were the size of basketballs!  From the same farmer we also purchased some of the most incredible sweet corn I have ever tasted.
Further down we encountered massive heirloom tomatoes and several different kinds of squash.  Some of which were delicious types we had never seen nor heard of before.
The market offers all the staple crops: corn, potatoes, onion, cabbage, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, greens and several more.  This month you can expect to see some peppers and green beans by the bushel!  The market has several items that were entirely organically grown. It also features hand made artisan crafts like soaps and lotions as well as home made breads and pies.
The Wayne Farmers Co-op has been in existence since March 2016.  It has been incredible to witness the momentous explosion of interest surrounding this group.  Members are passionate and dedicated Wayne County residents who care about the health and financial security of our area.
In just a few months the Wayne Farmers co-op has grown into the largest Co-op in the state of West Virginia!  I truly feel this group will be instrumental in stabilizing our local economy and ushering in a new era of agriculture and agrotourism in Wayne County.
Following the market at 2:30pm the co-op will hold one of its regular monthly meetings.  Anyone who is interested in becoming a member is welcome to attend.  This month’s meeting features a very special guest speaker, West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick.
Lastly I leave you with a recipe for one of my favorite, simple summer classics.  I call it
The Squat-Zu Medley!
In a pan combine:
-Squash and zucchini sliced about a quarter-inch thick
-Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper
-Additional optional items include onion, garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, herbs and spices, hot pepper, lemon juice
-Cook on medium heat, stirring periodically until vegetables are tender
-Sprinkle with mozzarella and/or parmesan cheese to finish
-PF

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January 16, 2018