Tuesday, 23 March, 2010 9:00
by pat
The Shreveport Farmers’ Market will soon have something new to boast about. Southern Living magazine is including the local market in its new book, Farmer’s Market Cookbook. The book, focused on farmers’ markets from around the country, went on sale March 16.
The summer market will be held on Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon, starting June 5 through September 4 and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. in June and July only. The fall market will open after the Red River Revel Arts Festival leaves and will stay open until Thanksgiving.
Noma Fowler-Sandlin has been the manager of the Shreveport Farmers’ Market for three years and has been a vendor for five years. She says that the local market is made up of a diverse group of individuals that keep the past alive through handed-down methods and recipes, yet keep up with the future by new marketing strategies.
“It’s a great market and one that is really growing every year. Our farmers and vendors really know what they’re doing, and the shoppers recognize that. It’s no surprise that such a creative and knowledgeable group would be featured,” says Sandlin.
She doesn’t give the vendors all the credit for making the Shreveport Farmers’ Market so unique, though.
“It’s not just the vendors that make it special – it’s our committed shoppers, too, who have their favorites and come back every time the market is open. There are more of them each year. They are learning a new way to shop and staying connected with their food and who produces it.”
So what can shoppers expect from the 2010 Shreveport Farmers’ Market? According to Sandlin, a lot!
“Every year we are seeing more interesting foods. Last year, we got cheese for the first time. We will have hot, fresh beignets and café au lait this year, and maybe even a juice bar.”
The market offers produce, wine, beef and ready-to-eat foods that you can eat at the market or take home with your purchases. “It’s not just the greens, but the hot sauce for the greens. It’s a gourmet field day,” boasts Sandlin.
On Tuesdays shoppers are treated to home-grown music to go with the food. “It’s truly a family-oriented experience that draws people together and blurs that producer/shopper line.”
You can purchase the Farmer’s Market Cookbook at most book stores nationwide for $29.95. Sign up on Facebook to learn more about the Shreveport Farmers’ Market, Click here for the facebook page.