Celebrate celery!

Do you see bunches of leafy celery at the market and walk right past them thinking they're too boring to buy, especially when compared to those fetching heirloom tomatoes and fairy tale eggplant?

Celery is probably one of the most under-rated veggies at the farmer's market but it shouldn't be: It's cooling, hydrating, and packs a mean flavorful crunch. It’s also affordable, lasts for days in the fridge and is incredibly versatile. You should know that the celery you buy from our farmers tastes nothing like the tightly bound supermarket stalks that are as bland as they are pale. Market celery is a darker, vibrant  green and has a pronounced fragrance and flavor.

If you're tired of eating green leafy salads, invite celery to the salad bowl for crunch and character. Pick up some fennel, celery's bulbous cousin, also at the market this week, to make this lemony David Tanis salad. The perfect opening act or side gig for these simple grilled pork chops with a balsamic pepper and plum reduction with chops from Letterbox Farm or R&M. Or make this marinated celery salad with chickpeas and parmesan for a satisfying and refreshing vegetarian main. 

The gnarly root of the celery, also known as celery knob, is no less interesting. Delicious when roasted and folded into mashed potatoes or julienned, raw, in a classic celeri remoulade one of the most popular French bistro appetizers.

Though it's so tempting to opt for the beautiful heirloom tomatoes at the market right now, don't forget the less intriguing, but no less versatile slicing tomatoes. Exactly what you need for a perfect BLT. Or stack, with layers of mozzarella, aromatic basil and Agape Premium EVOO. Or, use pesto instead since the Pesto Bros. are back again this week. You can also use thick tomato slices as a lighter alternative to a bun for your Plantidote burgers. 

Did you know that Painted Goat Farm is now selling halloumi? If you're a fan, pick some up this weekend to make this seared halloumi and nectarine salad. Nectarines and peaches are at their peak!

La Milpa de Rosa Tortillería is here so make sure you pick up some blue corn or yellow corn nixtamal tortillas to make one night this week a taco night. Don't forget the chips. Buy two bags, they won't be back for another month! Ditto for MOMO DRESSING and their fabulous dressings and marinades. And of course, that edamame dip. Bombay Chutney is also here, to stock up on those samosas and authentic chutneys like plum and mint. 

The zucchini is looking mahvelous this year. Worthy of starring in an easy-to-make summer galette with ricotta from Maplebrook Creamery.

Too hot to cook? Let Soupernatural help you beat the heat with their refreshing soups: watermelon and tomato gazpachos, summer pea with mint, and silky zucchini. Or try their protein- packed kale and quinoa salad.

Market peaches made me want to bake. How about this peach-rye cake that doubles as a breakfast bread, depending on whether you serve it with White Moustache yogurt or ice cream. Don't forget to pick up your Wild Hive flour from Le Roux Trading Co.

See you at the market!