By Katherine Jones
For the Salisbury Post
Among the items available at the Salisbury Farmers Market this week will be greens in a variety of types. There are plenty of collards as well as turnip greens, kale, tender greens and curly mustard. I consider these to be Southern comfort foods and I enjoy them very much, especially with cornbread. Although Southern comfort food has a reputation of having too much fat and sodium, the fact is that greens are jam-packed with nutrients. Greens are an excellent source of vitamins K, A, C and E as well as calcium, folate and dietary fiber. They are usually harvested in our area in the fall from September through December. Fresh greens can be refrigerated for up to three days and can be frozen after cooking.
Another fall favorite in abundance is turnips. This is a special favorite for me as well. Turnips have become more popular and are used in stews and soups. My preference is to boil them in seasoned water until tender, then drain and mash like you would potatoes.
Among other items on hand this week are apples in many varieties, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, fresh ginger and peas. There will still be a few tomatoes, squash and peppers, as well as spinach and Swiss chard.
Garden Greenhouse has some exceptional mums if you would like to liven up your porch or patio. As you know, it is time to get pansies planted in the landscaping or containers, and you can find a good selection to choose from.
Bread Basket and How Sweet It Is are busy making all the seasonal baked goods we look forward to so much. Bread Basket will have candy apple pies, apple dumplings and pumpkin bread. How Sweet It Is will have Halloween cut-out cookies and candy corn-colored pound cake. Both vendors are happy to take orders if you have a special occasion coming up.
Let me remind you that the market hours will be changing Nov. 3, with vendors setting up for business from 10 a.m. until noon. Market manager Harry Agner is accepting vendor applications if anyone is interested in applying for approval to operate a booth in the market.
For more information about the Salisbury Farmers Market visit the website at www.salisburyfarmersmarket.com. The market is located in downtown Salisbury at the corner of South Main and Bank streets.
Katherine Jones is an Extension Master Gardener volunteer for the Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County.