Sequim Farmers Market

When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 7

Where: Sequim Civic Center Plaza, downtown Sequim

Contact: manager@sequimmarket.com or 360-582-6218

On the web: www.sequimmarket.com

This Saturday (July 7), you will see the big red market wagon on Cedar Street, signaling the much anticipated return of Nash’s Organic Produce to the Sequim Farmers Market!

Nash’s farm has been a flagship for organic farming in Sequim since 1979. Over the years, the farm has diversified and expanded and offers our community with a truly unique opportunity to participate in the local food system: Nash’s farm provides food staples such as grains and beans, in addition to their abundant variety of vegetables and fruit.

The farm operation also includes pastured pork and chicken eggs, all of which are now available at the Sequim Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

An organic farm that grows staple food products for their local community is hard to come by. Most grains and beans are grown on a large scale, and distributed great distances through wholesale outlets. Nash’s Farm offers many direct-marketing options for customers seeking to purchase food grown on their farm, including at the Sequim Farmers Market.

The farm has a grain mill, with freshly milled wheat flour, corn meal, grits and rolled oats for sale, made with grains grown on their farm here in Sequim.

If you are coming to the market for your weekly supply of vegetables, visit Nash’s market wagon to enjoy the summertime flavor of fresh basil, a culinary herb that can be added to just about any meal.

At Nash’s Farm, Patty McManus-Huber says “We put basil in everything, from omelets to salad dressings. Add to pizza toppings, soups, spaghetti sauce, and pesto. A BLT in our house means basil-lettuce-tomato sandwich. Tomato and basil are a match made in heaven!”

When you bring your fresh basil home from the market, trim the last inch or so off the stems to help them take in water. Place the basil in a cup with a few inches of water and cover loosely with a thin plastic bag so as not to crush the leaves. Don’t tuck it in! Basil likes warmth and moisture, but it needs to breathe. Place it in a small corner of your counter, changing the water every few days. Storing it this way will make a healthy bunch last just over a week, in time for the next market day!

Basil for dessert? Try this simple and flavorful recipe with strawberries from Graysmarsh or River Run Farm: Boil down a pint of berries with 3 or 4 basil leaves until it makes a thick sauce. Let cool, and top a scoop of vanilla ice cream with this delightful taste combination.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/EBT can be redeemed at the market booth for food purchases at the Sequim Farmers Market. Receive $2 Fresh Bucks for every $5 EBT and an additional $5 Market Match for every $10 EBT redeemed.

Look for farm vendors displaying the FMNP sign to use your WIC & Senior FMNP vouchers at the Sequim Farmers Market, and don’t forget to visit the market booth to receive an additional $20 market match for every full packet of FMNP vouchers!

The market match provides additional food dollars to people with low income using their food assistance at the Sequim Farmers Market. This program is made possible with generous donations from Sound Community Bank and 1st Security Bank.

Enjoy our summer live music series with Victor Reventlow, performing this week from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

A special thanks to Bell & Davis Law, Brokers Group Real Estate and First Federal Savings & Loan for supporting the Sequim Farmers Market.

Elli Rose is the Sequim Farmers Market manager. Contact her at manager@sequimmarket.com or 360-582-6218, or see www.sequimmarket.com.