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GROW

Time to Plant Melons

Big, fat, juicy homegrown melons are intensely fragrant and flavorful, and quite satisfying to grow from seed. Plant seeds in rich soil, make sure they get lots of sun and water, and give them plenty of room to grow!

When you grow heirloom melons, save the seeds for next year's crop! Learn more about seed saving through our Just Seeds Initiative, and learn water conservation techniques for thirsty summer crops in our upcoming Water Conservation gardening class!

Here are some of our favorite heirloom varieties -- these are unlike anything you'll find in the store. Read More » »

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SFC Farmers' Market Scavenger Hunt

The SFC Farmers' Markets are bursting at the seams with summer fruit, tomatoes, squash, and so much more! Visitors to the market last week enjoyed our new summer layout in the park, with vendors extending all the way to 5th Street. To make exploring the market even more fun, we're organizing a scavenger hunt.

Ready to play? On Saturday at the Downtown market, visit the vendors on 5th Street. Note five of the vendors on this side of the market in the comments on this Facebook post or pick up an entry form at the market info booth--all correct answers will be entered in a drawing to win a cookbook from The Happy Kitchen and a basket of juicy Texas peaches!

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June Cooking Classes

They're spicy, sure, but there's more to chiles than just heat. Underneath the tongue-tingling effects of capsaicin compounds, you'll discover layers of fruitiness (they are, after all, fruits), and sweet complexity along with the characteristic mild bitterness all peppers share. We love how customizable the heat levels are--just remove seeds and veins for less zing. In a classic case of "what grows together, goes together," you'll find that chile peppers of all types play very nicely with fruit. Peaches are plentiful now--ripe and juicy and fragrant--perfect for sweet and savory summer recipes. In addition to your favorite cobbler, pie, and ice cream recipes, give this easy peach salsa a try. You'll be spooning it over everything from quesadillas to grilled pork chops.

Want more? We've got cooking classes coming up all about chiles & seasonal market fruit! You can also check out Joy making this recipe over on Austin Fit Magazine's Cooking Channel.

Read more and get the recipe for Spicy Peach Salsa »»

SFC AND COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Come grow with us!
Exciting career opportunities at SFC: Development Director, Farmers’ Market Operations Manager, and Summer Youth Program Assistant. Click here for more info »


Sweet! June marks our celebration of fruit at SFC Farmers’ Markets.
We’re reveling in an early summer bounty of peaches, plums, melons, blackberries, and strawberries. Want inspiration for your market finds? Visit our Peachy Keen, Melon Miscellany, Berries Black & Blue, and Sweet Strawberries boards on Pinterest. And if it’s happy hour in your world, you’ll want to take a look at Did Somebody Say Sangria?


Free Cooking Class for Cancer Patients and Caregivers
Friday, June 13th. More details here »


We love our market customers!
Saturday is customer appreciation day at both Downtown and Sunset Valley farmers’ markets. Come on out for goodie bag giveaways and lots of love!


Celebrate Summer with Snacks & a Seasonal Fruit Sangria Lesson at The Bonneville
Join the SFC Friends of Food for a fun & free happy hour event on Wednesday, June 11th! More info & RSVP here »


Who's up for a game of washers?
Come throw a few on Saturdays at SFC Farmers' Market at Sunset Valley-check out washers at the info booth for FREE!


Want to help Sustainable Food Center and offset your carbon footprint at the same time?
Reliant and EarthShare of Texas have launched The Reliant EcoShareSM, a program that allows Reliant customers to support EarthShare of Texas and its participating organizations and help reduce the customers’ carbon footprints through the purchase of carbon offsets. Click here for more info »


Upcoming SFC Volunteer Orientation
At Sustainable Food Center, June 17. RSVP is required. Click here for more info »