Cherry Street Farmers' Market

What do you do with your Saturday mornings? If you haven't been to the Cherry Street Farmers' Market- set your alarm next weekend! This is well worth the early rise!

This was my first time to visit the farmers' market- I know, I know. But before entering the working world, I'm not sure I saw Saturdays before noon. Now, I am sure to make it a weekly habit! I recall the market in years past being located in a parking lot but now it has taken over Cherry Street itself. Blocking of through traffic every Saturday from 7-11am, the market now stretches multiple blocks. Way to go, Tulsa!

My expectations were far exceeded when I realized you could purchase almost all of your groceries from fresh, local sources right there on Cherry Street! I expected to see a lot of produce, but I was impressed by the vendors selling meats, eggs, cheeses and breads. Not to mention all of the herbs and plants! While you're doing your weekly shopping, don't forget to grab some breakfast- I saw plenty of people munching on breakfast burritos and other tasty treats.

The thing I loved most about the farmers' market is that there is no guessing what produce is in season- you're looking at it! This weekend it was mainly greens- arugula, fresh lettuce, cilantro, bok choy, mustard greens and Swiss chard. Radishes were also in abundance. Except for a small offering of strawberries, fruit did not make an appearance but I am looking forward to it!

I decided to pick up some items that I haven't tried in my kitchen along with some other tasty treats:

I finally was able to locate some tarragon plants! At $2.50 each, they were a great deal and I'm going to enjoy it in my chicken salad all season long.

Though many stalls had fresh radishes, only one offered French breakfast radishes. I'm quite unfamiliar with this root so I am looking forward to trying out some new dishes with these pretty things!

Oh creme fraiche... I have heard about it for so long yet have never tasted it or been able to track it down in Tulsa. But the folks at Wagon Creek Creamery  have changed that!

They may be a franchise, but Great Harvest Bread Co. makes a great loaf of bread! This High 5 Fiber was soft and tender and packed with nuts and seeds.

Last but not least, I could not resist the meat. Perfect for grilling are Cattle Tracks Beef onion garlic bratwurst- can't wait to fire up the grill. And the chorizo I got from Pork and Greens will make a tasty dish! Any suggestions on how I should use it?

Next weekend, do yourself a favor. Wake up early, grab your dogs and head down to Cherry Street to stroll the market. Beginning May 4th, the Brookside Farmers' Market will be open every Wednesday as well! I cannot wait to see what the season has in store!