Tomatoes, melons, peppers, squash abound in colorful large piles in wide varieties on the farmers’ tables. Watermelons continue, as do some peaches. The blueberry folks said they will be returning again this week.

Fresh herb choices continue and can be frozen in measured portions in ice cube trays to use in the winter. Onions, spinach, garlic, eggplant, shelled peas or beans can still be found. Interesting produce finds possibly include sweet potato greens, beets, and mustard greens.

Prepared food vendors also have had some unexpected offerings like squash pickles, pickled beets, Birdville Reserve Trappist Style cheese and Saint David’s Raclette Style cheese, pork loin in milk sauce and ratatouille.

Tamales are in the Hatch chili groove too with Hatch chili chicken or pork offerings. Patrons were cooling off last week with mojito popsicles and Key Largo Lime pie. In the non-edible artisan category pie earrings were on display and for the traveler solid goats milk lotion.

Protein items include pastured beef, pork, and chicken raised on a natural diet, free range eggs and Gulf seafood. Eggs are in more limited supply as laying hens’ production decreases with the heat.

Honey, a large variety of small batch prepared foods, breads, pasta, snacks, pies, cookies, scones, mixes, whole grains, coffee, doggie biscuits, vinegar, chocolate truffles, lemonade, soaps and candles round out the offerings.

Please note that we are a local, seasonal farmers market; meaning that our farmers bring only what is ripening in their fields each week and some produce is short lived due to a short growing season. Eating with the seasons takes education, awareness and patience! For a chart of what’s in season now, click here. Our farmers use various growing methods. Some produce is organic (not certified), some is sustainable, and some is grown conventionally. Just ask the farmers.

The Coppell Farmers Market is open every Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon at 768 W. Main Street in Old Town Coppell.  Lone Star Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) and bank ATM cards can be used to purchase wooden market tokens (market cash) at the CFM info booth in the center of the pavilion. For the most current market news and events, join the Coppell Farmers Market on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to a weekly email update at http://.coppellfarmersmarket.org.