Even though the sign at the Lents International Farmers’ Market told me it was time for potatoes, winter squash, pumpkins, and pears, I just wasn’t ready to go there.  As long as it’s not raining in Oregon and there are still tomatoes, peppers and berries at the market, it’s still summer and that’s all there is to it. 

Markets visited this week: Hillsdale Farmers’ Market, Portland Downtown Wednesday Farmers’ Market, Lents Market. 

 Although tomatoes are dwindling in overall numbers, the varieties continue to surprise me!

The guys at Gathering Together Farm told me these were banana slug tomatoes, but I think they were pulling my leg.  Google banana slug tomato and you get zilch.

They do kinda look like a banana slug though!

The following two types of tomatoes are brought to you by Ayer’s Creek Farm.

Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter Tomato is another veggie on the US Slow Food Ark of Taste and has a nice story behind it: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/programs/ark_product_detail/radiator_charlies_mortgage_lifter_tomato/

If I were to grow this one on my own, I would totally buy my seeds from this guy: http://www.mortgageliftertomato.com/

And this is just one of many different types of Ox Heart tomatoes that come in different colors and shapes.  They have few seeds, so are good for slicing and making tomato paste.

Fresh Tolosa Shelling Beans from Viridian Farms.  These already made me nervous because I have no idea what to do with them, and then I read a post on fresh shelling beans by David Lebovitz and now I’m terrified.  There are beans in France that are certified authentic by the government, like wine.  Clearly, I have a lot to learn about beans….

Wicked Hot buffet of peppers from Spring Hill Farm.  I never knew Habeneros were orange.  And those Cherry Bomb peppers are too cute.

ROOAAAAARRRRRR!

Lion’s Mane mushroom from Springwater Farm.

While snapping pictures of these sweet little Pimento Peppers, a woman in her late sixties approached me and shared that she hadn’t seen these peppers since she was a kid, with a longing in her voice that told me how much she loves them.  Her mom used to grow them.  I love it when stuff like that happens.

 And now for something completely different, from the Lents International Farmers’ Market:

Smooth Luffa Squash…………………………….and Rough Luffa Squash.

And the vendor trying not to be in the pictures who told me that Luffa Squash is great for stir fry because it’s spongy and soaks up the flavors of the dish.  Do you see what’s directly in front of her???  (Hint = Don’t Eat It!)

Chayote squash.  The son of the farmer told me that his Mom told him that these taste like baked apples.  My interest is peaked.  Hopefully they’ll have some next week.

Lemongrass

The Lents Market was a lot of fun.  It’s on a nice corner in the Lents neighborhood, had music, and vendors and customers from all over the world!

And finally, I leave you with Garbonzo Bean Guy. 

He told me that at this time of the season, garbanzo beans have gotten a bit sweeter.  He cautioned me that it takes some work to get them out of the shells.  “I know,” I said.  “I made hummus with them a few weeks ago.”  I felt like a foodie, if only for a few fleeting minutes!

Have a great week!

Want more veggies? You can see more Market Photos here.  Or read last week’s veggie story about the Jimmy Nardello Sweet Italian Frying Pepper here.