Food & Drink Cook’s Pantry
ABOVE: Grower Christine Mous of Rose, left, shows a customer a variety of pickling cucumbers, cucumbers, green beans and potatoes at her Muskogee Farmers’ Market booth. BELOW: Fort Gibson grower Deno Clopton, left, has had her booth in the west corner of Muskogee Farmers’ Market for many years. She sells all sorts of vegetables, fruits, flowers, as well as jams and jellies.
Blong Vang of Claremore sells bitter melon, bitter eggplant and garlic at his produce booth at Muskogee Farmers’ Market.
“This is a producers-only market,” Herringshaw says. “Our vendors are not trying to pick early to ship their fruits and vegetables all over the country, a process that often produces a bland-tasting crop.” This and the skill of the markets’ vendors contribute to the enjoyable quality and superior condition of produce found there. Muskogee Farmers’ Market has about 15 vendors, with only a few calling the year off because of the pandemic. Herringshaw says they also are looking for new vendors.
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Summer Edition 2020
“We have room for about 10 more produce vendors. One thing that attracts people to farmers’ markets is the novelty in trying new things that can be found here.” Available in August will be squash, okra, tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers and watermelons. September will see the return of cooler weather produce, such as radishes, apples, lettuces and grapes. In addition to produce, the market also features organic meats, honey, wines, artisanal foods, and arts and crafts. On Saturdays there is live music. A popular local vintner is Pecan Creek Winery
located in Muskogee. Here, the Rev. Bob Wickizer, rector of Grace Episcopal Church and co-owner of the winery with Dr. D.I. Wilkinson, shares a wine sauce recipe that can be adapted to any vegetable, meat, fish or shellfish. Cassie Herringshaw also shares a recipe from the most recent newsletter put out by Peace of the Prairie Organic Farm. For delicious recipes the best ingredients are a requirement, and the quality and variety available at Muskogee Farmers’ Market make even the simplest summer dishes exquisite.