What Seasonal Produce to Buy at the Downtown Farmers' Market in June

There are so many vegetables coming into season at the Downtown Farmers’ Market in June. Through the middle of the month, you will see a variety of types of lettuces. You can find it cut in bags for $3 to $5 or still in heads for around $3. Lettuce can be bought from many of our vendors including Mai’s Homegrown and Pella Fresh Vegetables. Think beyond salads — use lettuce leaves as a wrap (try filling it with egg salad or taco fillings).

Spring Onions

June offers a bounty of spring onions at very affordable prices. Prices usually range from $1 to $3 depending on the quantity. Red and white onions are available and are very versatile. Milder than other onions, they are often used raw. Use them in soups, with sautéed greens, in potato salad and as a garnish. Numerous vendors sell them at The Market including Neng’s Produce and Yang’s Homegrown.

Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes are expected to be ready by the middle of June. Blue Gate Farm and Grade A Gardens both sell them. Scapes can be used in place of garlic — one scape equals one clove of garlic. If you find yourself with more scapes than you know what to do with, make a compound butter and freeze it in small portions to use throughout the summer. Add the butter to foil packs of grilled potatoes and onions, fry eggs in it or use some on a baguette. A bundle of scapes costs around $3.

Strawberries

Don’t miss out on one of the sweetest treats of June: strawberries. Prices can vary depending on the amount you buy but expect to pay around $5. Strawberries are great for snacking on, adding to ice cream, for making jam or for baking a strawberry shortcake. Hassevort Farms, NHIA, Cricket’s Gardens and Dangood Farms are just some of the vendors where you can now find strawberries for sale.

From May to October, experience local artists, live music and entertainment at the Downtown Farmers’ Market featuring nearly 300 family farmers, bakers, artists and crafters from around the state. It’s easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.