Street Beets July 10th, 2015: Marketus Giganticus, Who Is Back, and New Products

To the left are Rocky Acres Orchards Saskatoon Berries. Did you know the actual name for these Canadian icons are Service Berries? Many people don't know this but they are a cousin of apples. With a sweet, nutty taste, the fruits have long been eaten by Canada's First Nation people, fresh or dried. They are well known as an ingredient in pemmican, a preparation of dried meat to which saskatoon berries are added as flavour and preservative. They are also often used in pies, jam, wines, cider, beers, and dried used for cereals, trail mix, and snack foods. A popular Market food! These berries are high in biotin, riboflavin, maganese, and fibre. Tomorrow Rocky Acres will have pails of Saskatoons!

As far as new products on the street, above is the first Kohlrabi of the season from Waldeck Colony. The taste and texture of kohlrabi are similar to those of a broccoli stem or cabbage heart, but milder and sweeter. They are highest in phosphorus and Vitamin C. A customer was telling me today that he likes to shred them for coleslaw. This makes sense as the taste is similar, but in a smaller package, than a whole cabbage. They can be eaten cooked or raw!

As I said in the title, it is Marketus Giganticus! We are now running out of room to fit everyone on the Plaza, so we start wrapping around onto Scarth Street now. Vendors who are back (some after a small hiatus): Lincoln Gardens, Scandinavian Sweethearts, Bon Burger (coming in on Saturdays now), Golden Prairie Wild Boar, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, Hi Low Angus, and Muscle Panda with new healthy meals. Missing from the Market tomorrow with regrets are: Saltine, The Flour Shoppe, Prairie Smoke, Mr. Spudds Poutiniere, and Prairie Dawg.

You can check out the Science Center for a jumping test. Also Kids' Club with the WaWa Shriners is back near the Lorne Street and 12th Avenue corner on the Plaza. You can find the PDF of the huge map here and zoom in to see the booths better. Let's have an awesome Market tomorrow. See you at the Info Booth. Just know, I have to sneak out and take photos sometimes! Ada