Farmers, shoppers ready for peak produce season

Boulder County Farmers Markets

Would you believe us if we told you this weekend marks halfway through the farmers market season? We can hardly believe it, but the calendar doesn’t lie.

We’re hitting our stride at the markets as more and more Colorado-grown produce pours in. These long, sunny days won’t last forever, but we’re enjoying every minute of it. In honor of this season’s milestone, we’re sharing four seasonal produce items to pick up at the markets this week.

Star of the show: Colorado peaches

Colorado peaches are a true taste of summer. Grown in orchards in the Western Slope, these peaches are renowned for their exceptional flavor and juiciness. The warm days and cool nights of Colorado’s unique climate create ideal conditions for cultivating peaches with vibrant colors and unmatched taste. Whether enjoyed fresh as a refreshing snack, sliced in a luscious pie or blended into a smoothie, Colorado peaches are a mouthwatering treat that captures the essence of Colorado produce.

MVP (most versatile produce): summer squash

With diverse varieties available — including zucchini, crookneck, patty pan and cue ball squash,  these vibrant and versatile vegetables are a must for your next market haul. Whether you’re grilling zucchini spears, sautéing crookneck squash for a colorful side dish or stuffing patty pan or cue ball squash with savory fillings, summer squash offers endless culinary possibilities. From their tender texture to their subtle sweetness, these bountiful vegetables are a delightful addition to any meal.

Get ‘em while they last: apricots

Apricots are a delightful summer fruit that brings a burst of sweetness and tanginess to the table. These golden gems are perfect for enjoying in a variety of ways. Bite into a fresh apricot for a juicy and refreshing snack, or slice them to top a bowl of creamy yogurt or oatmeal for a nutritious breakfast. For a touch of indulgence, bake them into a delectable apricot crumble or pie, where their natural sweetness shines through. Apricots also lend themselves well to savory dishes — try grilling them for a caramelized addition to a salad or pairing them with cheese and prosciutto for an elegant appetizer.

Most underrated: fava beans

Fava beans offer a delightful taste and texture that is perfect for the adventurous eater. Start by enjoying them in their fresh form, simply blanched and peeled, for a delightful snack or addition to salads. You can also incorporate fava beans into hearty soups and stews, adding a rich and earthy flavor to the mix. For a vibrant side dish, sauté them with garlic and herbs, or try tossing them into pasta dishes for a burst of color and protein. Fava beans can even be transformed into a creamy dip, like the classic Middle Eastern favorite, ful medames.

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Ful Mudammas

This recipe was shared from Maha’s Kitchen Secrets by Boulder County Farmers Markets Executive Director Mackenzie Sehlke. This is her favorite summer dish to whip up during these hot days when turning on the oven and stove just isn’t an option.

INGREDIENTS

2 pints fresh fava beans

2 tomatoes

1 small onion

1 cup parsley

Salt to taste

2-3 cloves garlic, crushed

2-3 lemons, juiced

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pita bread, pickles and sliced onions, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Remove fava beans from their shells as you bring a pot of water to boil. Once the water comes to a boil, add the fava beans to the pot and quickly blanche the beans for about 30 seconds. Immediately remove and add to a bowl of ice water. The waxy coating on the beans should shed on their own.

As the beans chill, chop the tomatoes, onion and parsley and set aside.

In a serving bowl, combine the fava beans, salt, crushed garlic, lemon juice and cumin.

Top with the chopped onion, parsley and tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil.

Serve warm with pita bread, pickles and sliced onions.