JENSIZED LAST ACTIVITY IN MEMPHIS TOWN

Memphis Botanic Garden Farmers Market

By Jen

Continuing my frozen treats bender, I asked Twitter Tuesday where I could get some Italian ice like the cup I had at Italian Festival. I got several good recommendations, among them Mama D’s, a staple at farmer’s markets around town.

The Memphis Botanic Garden hosts its farmers market every Wednesday from 2-6. It just so happens to be right between my job and my house. Lucky me! I’d never been to this farmer’s market so I was eager to check it out. It’s not new, I just hadn’t had either the time or a reason to go before.

The market is in a grove of pine trees, so there’s lots of shade. Yesterday was breezy and a little cool (by Memphis-in-June standards at least) which made for perfect produce browsing conditions.

Mama D’s stand is right at the entrance. Here’s the menu, which I assume varies week to week:

I got a strawberry lemonade ice on my way also got… uh… some other stuff. I didn’t plan on buying produce but everything looked so fresh and delicious. Those peaches cost $3. How could i resist? I had one at breakfast this morning and it was perfectly ripe. Money well spent. By the way, anyone have a good squash casserole recipe?

The zinnias came from Whitton Farms . $5 for a bunch of 12. They had hydrangeas, sunflowers and lilies too… and some other flowers my black thumb knows nothing about. Wait, I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. it’s more of a grey thumb since I’ve managed to keep my verbena and lantana alive.

I also saw Las Delicias chips and guacamole; vegan bread; local honey; jam; handmade soaps; Aunt Lizzie’s cheese straws (and other Southern delicacies), McCarter Coffee; Mathis Creek Farms beef and pork; some jewelry, crafts and accessories; lots of blackberries, blueberries, peaches and everything else that’s in season.

The market’s open every Wednesday until Halloween. It’s on Cherry Road between Park and Southern. Admission and parking are free.

Chocolate therapy