Market Umbrella is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3), based in New Orleans, whose mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella has operated the Crescent City Farmers Markets (CCFM) since 1995.
Recipe Archive
What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!
Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
It’s been said that we are gluttons for pain and suffering. Is that why we crave a steamy bowl of gumbo on an unbearably hot day? Maybe, but I think it is because there’s nothing better than shrimp and okra gumbo. And let’s face it, we are entering deep summer AKA okra season. Long sunny days and the bounty of fresh okra at the market keep us dreaming of chilly nights and a dark roux. Well, I say there’s no reason to wait - eat it now! Just make sure you throw some chopped okra in the freezer to save the season. Check out this recipe by Acadiana Table if you need some inspo. We won’t tell anyone ;)
Mom’s Easy Purple Hull Peas
Simple and straight to the point. Moms know best and it shows in this easy recipe. Smokey, salty and a little bit of fat - the essentials for making a great pot o’beans. My secret is to add a splash of pickle juice or apple cider vinegar in the last 10 minutes. Fresh peas are a special seasonal treat and in limited supply! Keep an eye out at market for these purple beauties, another gem of the summer months.
Esquites
Esquites is a delicious snack that is a staple in Mexico and parts of the Southwest. This dish is a great way to enjoy fresh sweet corn with an added twist of chile, Cotija cheese, mayo, and lime juice. It’s like Elote (Mexican Street Corn) but in a cup. Each bite hits all of the right notes: zingy, creamy, and delightful. Buen provecho!
Soft-Shelled Crabs Meuniére
If you’ve never had a soft shell crab before, you might be surprised to find that you can eat the whole thing— shell and all. One bite and you’ll find that the meat is tender, juicy, and delightfully crab-y. Though eating them deep-fried in a sandwich is arguably the most classic method, there are other great ways to prepare them. This recipe calls for lightly dredging the crabs, sautéing them, and making a quick sauce out of the pan drippings. Simple and delicious!
Soupe de Pêches Blanches (white peach ‘soup’)
Simple and refreshing, this white peach soup makes for a pretty dessert or perfect treat on a summer afternoon. In honor of Bastille Day approaching on the 14th, this recipe celebrates the rich tradition of French cuisine while utilizing local seasonal ingredients. Market Manager Cristina Berthelot swears by this recipe to stay cool and laissez les bons temps rouler!
Watermelon Salad with Feta
Hot days, cool salads :) We love a good summer watermelon salad and this recipe by Love and Lemons hits the spot! Pick up a juicy red (or yellow) watermelon at the CCFM Drive-Thru (order ahead) or Tuesday Uptown Market!
Squash Blossom Salad
‘Tis the season! Squash blossoms, or flores de calabaza, are edible flowers that are delicate and mild in flavor. These farmers market favs are as summer-y as they are versatile, and are beautiful in any dish. If you’ve never cooked with them, don’t let it intimidate you! In this salad they require little preparation and are the star of the show.
Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab Remoulade
What’s the best way to eat green tomatoes? Fried and covered in remoulade, of course! This dish is a summery Southern classic, and is pretty easy to make at home. Crispy, juicy, tangy, saucy. What’s not to love?
Stovetop Eggplant with Harissa, Chickpeas, and Cumin Yogurt
Harissa is a spicy-smoky chili paste that’s widely used in North African cuisine. It works beautifully with eggplant and adds a rich tomato-y taste to any dish. Most grocery stores carry Harissa, but if you can’t find it, you can use tomato paste and chili peppers as a substitute. This one-pan dish makes for a meal that is hearty, delicious, and summery!
Fresh Peach Salad
When we think of ways to eat peaches most of us picture-making tarts, making preserves, or enjoying them just as they are. Peaches are fantastic when they’re worked into a savory dish as well! This salad hits all the notes of summer with peaches as the centerpiece. The great thing about a salad is that you can add, subtract, or substitute whichever ingredients you’d like. Bon appetit!
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About Us
The Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly year-round throughout New Orleans. The CCFM hosts 70+ local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 150,000 shoppers annually.