Fennel is one of the coolest edible plants out there. Its history is as varied as it is ancient, and its uses are as diverse as they are global. This very well documented herb has been studied by scientists, shaman, and chefs alike for its medicinal, spiritual, and culinary uses around the world. Read on for a deep dive into this important and delicious herb.

A few days ago, this NFM foodie learned that Brussels sprouts are a controversial vegetable. Brand new to this debate, I, of course, took a stand. Brussel sprouts are one of my favorite things on this earth, and I believe that people who dislike them simply haven't tasted them properly cooked. If that argument doesn't land with dissenters, (and apparently it doesn't, more often than not), perhaps this divisive vegetable's fascinating background will compel non-believers to give them one more try.  

If you’re anything like us this year, your holiday gifting and #jollifying is happening on a budget. One great way to get creative and add a personal flair to your giving, without breaking the bank, is by making farmers market gift baskets! It’s easy to save by getting shelf-stable products in bulk at your local market, and dividing them into multiple gifts. Read on to learn our tips and tricks for creating lovely market gift baskets!

Sourcing ingredients for holiday meals doesn’t need to be a painstaking affair! We’ve done the research for you. Check back on this Holiday Pre-Order Guide for seasonal ingredients, dishes, and desserts from local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, chefs, and bakers. We’ll update this list regularly as our vendors roll out their seasonal specials for pre-order.

No gathering, small or large, is complete without delicious and unique beverages to accompany the meal. Check out our guide to local beverage makers that source ingredients from right here in Washington, and even their own backyards. We’ll update this list as seasonal specials become available, so check back often!

Looking to put a smile on your loved one’s face? Searching for ways to support local Washington farmers and food artisans this year? Get a gift that does both! Peruse our Gift Local Round Up for a range of tasty, fun, and Washington made gifts you can’t find anywhere else. We’ll update this list regularly as the holiday season goes on, so be sure to check back often!

Broken Shovel Kiwi Farm is one of a kind- the only vendor at our markets growing and selling hardy kiwis. Farmer Robert Williams is the one-man show behind Broken Shovel, an enthusiast put on earth to spread the word about the incredible little berry. “What I want to emphasize is it’s not just that [hardy kiwis] taste great,” Robert told us, “The health aspect is what got me interested.” Learn more about how Robert’s curiosity about hardy kiwis turned into a lifestyle.

There is something kind of adorable about hardy kiwis. It may have to do with their size- roughly a quarter of their more popular cousin the kiwifruit- or the scrappiness of their name. They may be small, but they sure are hardy. Hardy kiwis are certainly a berry to root for. Though the plant thrives in Pacific North West conditions, very little is known about its varieties and few people have even heard of it. If you ask hardy kiwi enthusiasts and growers, it’s time they entered the main-stream. Read on to learn more about this tenacious little berry.

Does anyone else imagine a big round pumpkin as the O in October when autumn rolls around? There are few things as delightful as the giant, bright orange squash glinting in the autumn sun, or glowing from within through a carved grimacing face. October is one of the few times of year we are actually encouraged to play with our food here in the U.S., a tradition that began far from our shores. Read on to learn the story behind pumpkins!

Farmer Chris runs a tight ship at Windy Acre Farm, a roughly 3 acre mixed vegetable farm nestled in Kent, WA. At 25, he is still considered a young farmer, though his experience rivals that of many of his older peers. Farmer Chris started Windy Acre when he was 15 years old and runs the business with the goal of working with nature, not against it. Learn more about this incredible young farmer!

Bread falls into two categories, with little middle ground. On one hand, it’s taken for granted, another item to check-off on the grocery shopping list. On the other, a fresh loaf can be praised as the greatest food on earth. Whether enjoyed as a bagel, baguette, or roti, bread in all its iterations is an essential staple around the world, with a story that’s older than you may think. Read on to learn why bread is ancient history.

Nature’s Last Stand has a diehard following. The farm has gone through a few iterations since it began at the University District Farmers Market 25 years ago. These days, John and his partner Caroline have had to pivot yet again as restrictions due to COVID-19 make it impossible for John to sell breakfast sandwiches at market. You can still find their globally inspired hand-crafted sausages, like their takes on the Filipino loganisa sausage, the North African merguez lamb sausage, and their Spicy Thai sausage, at market and online. Read on to learn more about this beloved farmers market staple, and how you can support!  

Beloved for its naturally custardy texture and tropical flavor, (think, banana + mango + maybe pineapple?), pawpaws are one of the only native fruits sold at the farmers market. Pawpaws are harvested when they are fully ripe and quite soft, so it is unlikely you will find them at the grocery store. One of the only places to purchase this hyperlocal fruit is at your neighborhood farmers market. Read on to learn more about this unique fruit!

If you've ever visited the University District Farmers Market, chances are you've seen Farmer Katsumi Taki surrounded by his incredible specialty crops. Fresh and candied ginger, chestnuts, yuzu, Japanese cucumbers- the list goes on. Farmer Taki himself is hard to miss- his beaming smile beneath a weathered straw hat warm you right up on even the drizzliest of market days. Read on to learn more about this wonderful farmer.

Tender and sweet, pears are the buttery textured autumn fruit of our dreams. Amazing in savory and sweet dishes, pears aren’t just versatile at the dinner table. We learned about how adaptable pears are on a global scale, and why they are so important to food economies around the world.  

Meet Jim and Carmela Cook, the two total sweethearts behind Little Wing Farm. In 1989, Jim and Carmela invited friends Scott and Wynne Beaton to check out a piece of land in Chelan, WA, which would later become Jerzy Boyz Farm. You might recognize the name, Jerzy Boyz sells apples the University District Farmers Market to this day! Driven by an urge to expand beyond apples, Carmela and Jim decided to start their own farm, Little Wing, on the same property. Read on to learn more about Little Wing Farm!

Fires and smoke in our state have impacted farm and food workers, including small owner-operated farmers, low wage earners, and who may not have the option to stop work or halt the harvest. Whether they are contending with scorched land, depleted sales, or the negative health effects of working outside in polluted air, the people that grow our food need support. Read on to learn how you can help our local farmers.

Given its popularity at the farmers market, it is surprisingly challenging to find information about likok, also known as bitter eggplant, or bitter tomato. Only a small handful of farmers grow and sell it, and those that do sell out quickly during its short growing season. The uncommon fruit is coveted by Seattleites who have immigrated from places like Northern and North Eastern Africa, India, and the Himalayas. Read on to learn more about this mystery crop!

Lee Lor Garden holds a special place in our hearts. They have been with us almost as long as the organization has existed, joining us at the West Seattle Farmers Market every Sunday since day one twenty years ago. Lee and Blia Lor's children grew up helping out in the booth and on the farm, and it has been a joy watching them grow up. We reached out to Lee and Blia’s daughter Melisa for a little context about the Lor family, and the history of their business.