One of the most versatile products is winter squash and there are so many varieties and possibilities. For the sweet recipe or the savory recipe, winter squash can be used for a multitude of items.
Check out this great post about various types of winter squash and how to make winter squash puree.
https://www.healthstartsinthekitchen.com/recipe/winter-squash-puree/
For our customers who usually visit us during the weekday markets. Here is an update in regards to weekday markets.
Due to construction taking place at the Ag Park, the Columbia Farmers Market have decided to not hold the Wednesday market this year. At least one weekday market will be reintroduced at the Ag Park next year.
Thursday Market, at the Forum Christian Church will happen this year. Unfortunately, Forum Christian Church also has construction going on this year, and their pavilion is inaccessible currently. As soon as the construction is done, the market will be able to go back into it. When there is a minimum of 3 vendors available for weekday markets, we will begin selling at Forum Christian Church in the parking lot. We will make sure to notify everyone when the weekday market begins.
The Veggie Patch was started in 1995 by Deanna Thies as a high school FFA project when she was 14 years old. Three years later her younger sister Jana joined in the business. As the years progressed, the business was transitioned to their dad Jim after his retirement from teaching high school agriculture. Deanna and Jana learned the value of agriculture, hard work, and producing high quality food at a young age. Now Jana’s son Owen is the 3rd generation of The Veggie Patch. At less than two years of age, he loves being outside, helping “Papa” pick produce, and is learning the foundations and values of agriculture at a young age. If we are able to educate the younger generation the success looks bright for the future of agriculture and feeding our future generations!!
It’s amazing when a community can come together for the betterment of all. For the last 22 years, we have been a part of the Columbia Farmers Market. It was always a goal to have a permanent structure, not worry about tents, have flush restrooms (lol), and have a Saturday destination spot for customers. Well, those ideas are coming to fruition!!! Make sure to check out the exciting 3D design of one of the greatest things that will ever happen to COMO.
On this day of giving thanks, what are you thankful for? We are thankful for the opportunity to spend time with family and eat good, local products.
It seems in the rush of wanting to buy presents and get to Christmas faster, we forget about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Let us remember why we gather together on this day so we can give thanks for all we have, those we get to spend it with, and the awesome food we get to eat.
Happy Thanksgiving from The Veggie Patch.
We get the question a lot of is it a pumpkin or squash? What’s the difference? What’s the difference between a summer squash and winter squash? Or is it a gourd? Well, thanks to the Missouri Botannical Gardens, here are the answers to your questions:
Even though the weather in Mid-Missouri (90 degrees in the 3rd week in September) doesn’t quite feel like fall, the official start date of fall is tomorrow. One of my favorite things to eat in the fall is winter squash. At The Veggie Patch, we raise a wide variety, but many people steer away from them because they can be hard to cut or cook. Check at the infographaic on some basic tips and tricks for proper cooking, or just use my tried and true method. Place the whole winter squash (don’t cut or puncture the skin) in a crockpot large enough to get the lid on. Do not put in any water or oil. The winter squash has enough natural moisture it will steam itself. Put the lid on the crockpot and turn in on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Depending on the size of the squash it may take a little less or more time. Once soft, cut through with a knife, scoop out the seeds, and enjoy or use however you like.
There is no reason to be afraid of winter squash, it is actually very healthy for you, minus the butter and brown sugar which sometimes gets piled on top.
It’s that time of the year when the transition is beginning between summer produce into fall and winter. This is a unique time when you can still get a combination of both. Cantaloupe and watermelon sits next to winter squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti,hubbards)and summer squash (zucchini and yellow) fill a table.
It’s a time of the year when New recipes can be tried or you make your summer favorites as much as possible because you know that produce soon won’t be available.
Thanks to the love of providing fresh local products and the value of good food, Deanna has started documenting her restaurant finds through a WordPress page and Facebook page. Check out where her next adventure will take her.
Food Adventures with Deanna – Foodie adventures! Exploring new cities through food, sweets, and drinks.https://foodadventureswithdeanna.wordpress.com/
If your not a fan of getting up early on Saturday mornings or need a mid-week fruit and vegetable fix, The Veggie Patch can serve your needs. The Wednesday and Thurday Columbia Farmers Marekts are now open. You can find the exact same items from the Saturday market on Wednesdays from 4-6pm at the ARC or on Thursday from 3-6pm at Forum Christian Church. We hope you can join us at one of the weekday markets.
