Easy to recognize because of its various purple colors and interesting shapes, the eggplant is a warm-weather, sun-loving vegetable that you can find at the Mississippi Farmers Market this season. Also referred to as an aubergine, the egpplant is a popular meat substitute in many vegetarian dishes.

Eggplants taste better eaten when they harvest at a younger age. Common varieties are Black Beauty, Black Bell, Dusky, Cloud Nine, and Little Fingers.

Not quite sure how you want to eat your eggplants? Well, there a ton of ways to enjoy this delicious vegetable! You can keep it simple, or you can get creative. To prepare for cooking, you'd typically slice off the top and bottom. Next, you'd peel the skin. This is optional, however, since the skin is edible. From there, you'd cut the eggplant into strips, cubes, or any other shape you prefer.

Now, do you need a recipe to get the most out of your Market eggplants? Well, here is an eggplant Parmesan recipe that you would enjoy!

We are three quarters into the year 2020, and it's been an interesting one, to say the least. Some people might have been able to scratch a few items off their New Year's goals list, and others may have had a year that has been rather unpleasant. Regardless, we are all united in coping with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and its effects on our everyday lives.

One thing we admire most about the Market: It gives is a way to provide a safe, happy place for members of our community. People can come out, shop fresh, and enjoy an array of nature's summer offerings. Our hard-working farmers and producers have provided so much effort just for us to eat.

The Market is no longer open on Thursdays, but we want you to join us every Saturday, rain or shine. When you shop with us, you are supporting local farmers and taking the freshest ingredients home to feed your family.

We are thankful for our shoppers who say "I care" by wearing masks and other protective coverings and only touching items that they intend to purchase to help keep everyone safe. We ask that you please continue doing these things.

If you haven't done so already, consider placing your order in advance by contacting the participating vendors listed above. After placing your order, you would simply pick up your items from the Market during normal hours of operation.

Remember to be on the lookout for vendors on BOTH sides of the Market—the east and the west. We are open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.