Local produce inventory expanding at farm markets

If you haven’t visited the Matanuska Community Farmers Market yet, you’re missing out.

In addition to an outstanding and colorful array of fresh, local produce, the Wednesday market features locally raised whole frozen chickens, from Healing Acre Farm in Meadow Lakes, and some delicious baked breads and sweet treats from Bradley Lake Bakery in Palmer.

Judging by the line of people at the bakery’s booth each week, the quality of its products is not a secret. A micro-bakery specializing in bread and bagels, Bradley Lake’s offerings at the market are so popular that there often is not enough of everything to meet the demand.

Crusty baguettes, sourdough loaves, and three varieties of bagels take their place at the market alongside what the bakery describes as “seasonal goodness and gluten-filled adventures” like rhubarb blondies and blueberry muffins.

The Matanuska Community Farmers Market is located near downtown Palmer, in the parking lot of the United Protestant Church, or “Church of a Thousand Trees,” on South Denali Street. It runs from 4 to 7 p.m. each Wednesday. Bushes Bunches farm stand continues to debut some annual firsts. Last week, yellow summer squash made its first appearance, along with a fresh batch of new Yukon Gold potatoes.

They join early carrots, salad turnips, radishes, English cucumbers, and tomatoes among the growing inventory at the store, which is open daily on the Old Glenn Highway, just outside Palmer. There is also a limited quantity of eggs and frozen whole chickens from Polaris Farm in Palmer. Coming soon to Bushes Bunches are zucchini and pickling cucumbers. Anyone wishing to be on the “reserved” list for the high-demand pickling cukes can stop in and sign up, or simply call 907-745-1115.

Speaking of things coming soon, Moonstone Farm will have snow peas available for the first time this week. That means Moonstone’s famous pickled snow peas are about three weeks away.

Owners David and Michelle Church will also be adding beets, celery, and poblano peppers to the inventory for their twice-a-week markets, which run Thursdays and Saturdays from 2-6 p.m, at their 2141 S. Church St., Palmer location. As usual there will also be cucumbers and an assortment of greens and fresh herbs, including, kale, collards, chard, mixed lettuce, dill, basil, sage, thyme, parsley, oregano, and marjoram.

Fresh, locally grown produce continues to be available each week at the Friday Fling in downtown Palmer, too, and at the Wednesday Wasilla Farmers Market located near Iditapark.

Sun Circle Farm also offers its goods on Tuesdays, from 4-7 p.m., at its roadside stand under the big purple roof on Farm Loop Road in Palmer. Check Sun Circle’s Facebook for updates on produce availability.

Farther north, the Willow Farmers Market offers locally grown, made, and baked goods each Friday from 2-7 p.m. at its location at Mile 68.8 Parks Highway. As a bonus, live music is a regular feature of the weekly festivities.