The Strawberry Moon
According to the farmers' almanac, the moon is currently orbiting in a waxing crescent phase, on a low path opposite the sun, and will rise as a full moon on June 2nd. This time of year is known, according to the Algonquin calendar, as the Strawberry Moon.
Been waiting all year for this moon.
The Cherokee call them ode-e-min, a name that translates to
heart-berry and, in Italian, they're called fragola, which has as its root word:
fragrant.
They are also one of the best reasons to buy local and buy fresh. These strawberries are red, through and through, and juicy enough to stain fingertips and nice shirts. We like them best just a little warm from the sun.
Other produce harvested under the Strawberry Moon: still lots of fresh greens like kale and chard, spinach, salad greens and dandelion, bok choy and pac choi, micro greens too; fresh herbs are here, always good to keep some around the kitchen; romaine and butterhead lettuce make their debut at Two Gander Farm; asparagus all over the market still; Wimer's Organic has cucumbers and foot-long green beans.
Stop and smell the peonies at Livengood's stand; might have more lilies of the valley too, such a rare treat.
Looks like we're in for a snap of cold weather so we're going to stock up on soup...
...and stock up for the holiday weekend: Canter Hill or Shore Catch for the main courses of the barbecue; Wild Flour has the challah rolls, burger buns, hot dog rolls plus cookies for dessert; Amaranth Bakery makes these macaroons that float away in your mouth, how do you do that?
Don't forget dessert: John & Kira's chocolates or Jenny & Frank's Gelato, look for their Memorial Day flavor, the Star Spangled Vanilla Gelato with bits of cherry and blueberries; last chance for Simply Mango Sorbetto and show your military ID for a discount.
Happy Memorial Day and may the Strawberry Moon shine bright on all of us this season.
