New Produce is Arriving Weekly!

Saturday, July 17th

8am - 1pm

NEW PRODUCE AT THE MARKET!

Can you believe it's mid July already? The summer is going by so quickly that it's sometimes easy to miss new items from our farmers.

Last weekend we saw the arrival of summer melons, including cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew! Tables were loaded with bicolor corn, yellow plums, and white peaches too. And did you see all the fresh cut flowers? You can't help but smile when you're carrying one of those big, colorful bouquets!

What's new this week? We won't know until our farmers arrive to set up for the day. Shop early for the best chance at limited items!

We look forward to seeing you Saturday at the market!

FOOD DRIVE

for residents in need

Chatham United Methodist Church Community Food Pantry is a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week resource for Chatham area residents to access nonperishable food if they are facing food insecurity.

Please support this cause by dropping off any of the following at the CUMC Food Drive booth on Saturday:

Nonperishable Food Items such as: canned protein (tuna, chicken, turkey, ham, other fish) peanut butter, jelly, bags of dried beans/lentils, rice, canned beans (all types), all canned vegetables and tomato/pasta sauce. Individually packaged snacks, baking mixes, pancake mix and syrup, condiments/salad dressings, cooking oil, and flour/sugar.

Personal Care items such as: diapers - all sizes, baby wipes, soaps (liquid and bar), shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotions, shave cream, disposable razors, deodorant, and diaper cream.

Cash donations will also be accepted.

Visit CUMC Community Food Pantry

CANTALOUPE - 5 SWEET FACTS:

1. Cantaloupes were first introduced to North America by Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World in 1494.

2. Cantaloupe is an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids). It is also a good source of B vitamins (B1, B3, B6, and folate) as well as vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, copper, and fiber.

3. Cantaloupe does not ripen after it is picked, so once a cantaloupe is removed from the vine it will not sweeten any further. Many people believe that allowing the cantaloupe to ripen on a countertop will increase the sweetness, but it’s not true! The melon will become softer and juicier if not cut, but an even uncut cantaloupe should not sit at room temperature for more than 4 days. The skin should be thoroughly washed before slicing.

4. They aren’t really “cantaloupe”. Did you know the melon we recognize as cantaloupe in the U.S. is called “reticulated muskmelon”? North American muskmelon has netted skin and a strong scent. Its European counterpart - the true cantaloupe - has ribbed pale green skin and looks very different from the cantaloupe we all know.

5. A new record was recently set for the world’s largest cantaloupe.

In 2020, Doug English grew a cantaloupe weighing in at 71.6 pounds! The previous world record was 69.6 pounds. Doug has submitted his cantaloupe to the Guinness Book of World Records and is awaiting verification.

CANTALOUPE AGUA FRESCA

Ingredients

5 cups ripe cantaloupe, approximately one large melon
4 cups water
1-2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1-3 Tbsp. sweetener (sugar, honey, or agave)
mint or basil (optional)

Instructions

Remove the skin and seeds from the cantaloupe and dice the flesh.
Add the cantaloupe and water in a high speed blender and blend together until smooth. Avoid filling your blender more than two-thirds of the way full. Work in batches if needed.
Strain the puree through a strainer or cheesecloth so that you get a nice clear juice.
Pour into a large pitcher and add the lime juice and sweetener to taste. If using mint or basil, muddle before adding and stir. Serve chilled or over ice with a little mint, basil, or lime as garnish. Makes 8 cups.

Recipe adapted from carolinescooking.com