Here’s the weekly update from the West Seattle Farmers’ Market organizers – remember the market’s not taking a winter break; it’s 10 am-2 pm Sundays through month’s end, then 11 am-2 pm for a while starting in January:

First, a preface from Farmers’ Market managers:

The early December weather created unprecedented flooding and power outages across parts of our state. Market farmers hit hardest were those with farms close to the Chehalis River and in Montesano. Tolt Gardens (Steve Hallstrom-Oakville) was heavily flooded. They are dealing with some hoop house damage and lots of muddy residue, but were able to get much of their equipment and crops up to higher ground with the help of their neighbors. Their well water is not contaminated at this point and they report that they are safe and sound. Estrella Family Creamery lost power for 4 days but were able to keep their livestock milked and safe. It was a great relief to see Anthony Estrella and his family at the U-District market on Saturday. Both report that many of their neighbors were not as fortunate.

The Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance established the Good Farmer Fund this year exactly for this type of weather related crisis. The Good Farmer Fund is meant to help our market farmers with direct access to emergency funding due to farm loss, crop loss and personal hardship. The Good Farmer Fund was funded this year through net proceeds from our annual fundraising event, The Incredible Feast, created by Tamara Murphy of Brasa restaurant. Anyone interested in making a contribution to the Good Farmer Fund can contact the NFMA at 206 632-5234 or send a check made out to the Good Farmer Fund c/o the NFMA at

4519 ½ University Way NE, Suite 200, Seattle , WA 98105
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Attached is this week’s Ripe and Ready report.

NEW AND NOTABLE THIS WEEK:

MORE GREENS! Minutina- a new green from Willie Green’s Organic Farm in Monroe . This lacy leafed newcomer has a mild spinach-like flavor with dense texture.

Rockridge Orchards in Enumclaw is bringing a new variety of arugula – Italian Wild Arugula – which is spicier and hotter than summertime arugula.

· Winter Vegetables are in good supply and will be on the farm tables for weeks to come.

· Greens – mixed greens, chard, kale, lettuce…

· Fresh Duck, Fresh Chicken, Fresh Lamb are available every week at all markets through the winter.

· Wild Mushrooms

· Artisan Cheeses – Estrella Family Creamery, Mt. Townsend Creamery, Samish Bay, Appel Farms, Seabreeze Farm

· Pasture-raised and finished beef, pork and poultry

· Smoked Fish

· Fresh Oysters, Clams and Mussels

· Potatoes – 15 varieties

· Apples – Great cooking and eating varieties

· Wine and Hard Ciders

· Preserves, Jam and Syrups

· Dried Fruits

· Holiday boughs and wreaths – fresh from the farm

· Pies, Pastries, Artisan Breads, Chocolates