2 Reasons Why should you shop at the Kinoole Farmers Market every Saturday

I could bore you with endless reasons of why shopping local supports our local economy…our farmers…

We provide you with freshest farm picked fruit and vegetables in Hilo, Hawaii….

Instead…I will give you 2 reasons!

1. We Know our Farmers and vendors.…All of the fruit, produce, vegetables and products our vendors offer are “Grown in Hawaii” and actually they are all bringing products Grown on the big Island….There is no imported goods allowed; unlike other local farmers markets. All of the Farmers Markets in Hawaii that are sanctioned, supported and endorsed by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation enforce a strict policy of Hawaii Grown….No imports allowed!
2. As if #1 didn’t convince you…It’s plain fun at our market, its not just a trip to the supermarket its a trip to a farm, a store and a community. Your part of the event and our event occurs every Saturday morning from 6:30 am till Noon….

 

 

The Amazing Hawaiian Papaya….

The Amazing Hawaiian Papaya….

Yes we’re different, we taste better…we’re proud to be Hawaiian, 100% born and raised in the Islands! We flourish in the volcanic soil of the Big Island, the trade winds blowing our leaves. Now that you have discovered our beauty what should you do with us…hmmm

We taste the very best when eaten farm fresh, sliced open, seeds left for composting in the roadside and sliced, peel and all…Now Eat us….For more detailed instructions see our Hawaiian Papaya tips below!

Fruit selection and ripening details available from the Hawaii Papaya Association

How to cut, eat or dice me:..Halve the papaya lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Depending on how ripe the papaya is, you may be able to eat it with a spoon, straight out of the peel. Or set the halves, cut side down, on the cutting board and peel away the skin. Slice or dice each half. You can also cut off the ends, then stand it upright and use your knife and run the knife down the sides peeling the skin away. Then cut in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

Cooking Tips for Papayas…

Cut in papaya half, sprinkle with lime or lemon juice, port or rum, and a sprinkling of sugar for a quick, fresh fruit dessert.

When adding papaya to fruit salads, add it at the last minute so its enzymes will not soften the other fruits.

If your want to use the fruit alone then peel it first, then seed and slice.

When I am still green I can be cooked with chicken or in other hot dishes,  just  like a starchy vegetable.

Now when I get overripe, just cut me up and freeze me in a ziplock bag or puree me and freeze me for smoothies and sauces;  Desserts, cakes,  ice cream and pancakes are great choices!

9 Reasons to Buy Locally grown & Made from the Kino’ole Farmers Market!

Why Buy Local Food from the Kino’ole Farmers Market?     

 As if we really need reasons to shop at our local farmers market…
but just in case here are 9 reasons….

1. Locally grown is Farm Fresh..

2. Family farms help protect the environment.

3. Buying regionally grown supports Hawaii’s economy & resources.

4. Thriving family farms build rural economies.

5. Buying local connects your food  from Farm to Table.

6. Family farms help children learn healthy values.

7. Diverse family farms means increased local food security.

8. It just tastes better.

9. The market is an experience, a small fun, event in your day!

Egg-cited for Easter?

For Peep’s sake, hop on downtown to the Kino’ole Farmers Market this Saturday morning, March 30, 2013, where you will easily find egg-straordinary bunny treats to create your own basket full of goodies.

We’re truly blessed with vendors who bring delicious produce from their fields, exotic tropical fruits and citrus from their orchards and fresh breads baked to be shared among family and friends.

Fill your basket with locally grown and made products, they  make a wonderful gift, especially fresh flowers….

We’re open every Saturday morning from 6:30 Am to Noon at 1990 Kinoole Street in Hilo, Hawaii near the Kawate Seed shop and on the Shopping Mall side of town, not downtown and we always have lots of free parking!

Hawaii Seasonality Chart for Fruits & Veggies

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/files/2013/01/buyfreshposter.pdf

 

 

10 Shopping Tips for Kinoole Farmers Market Customers

10 Shopping Tips for Kinoole Farmers Market Customers

 

1. When you arrive, first take a walk through the entire market…See what’s available and all the yummy bounty on display!
2. Bring your shopping bags…Cloth, reusable, net whatever you like but our vendors are now required by law to only sell single use plastic bags.
3. Dress for the weather, since we’re in the tropics it might rain or it might sunshine;very likely we will have both!
4. Keep your car keys out of your shopping bags, they seem to eat keys.
5. Bargaining for big boxes or large amounts is usually acceptable.
6. Many  vendors will allow you to pre-order your favorite items, just speak to them directly.
7. If the farmer is not too busy, do not hesitate to ask questions about recipes or growing methods. You might even get to know each other’s name.
8. If you forgot cash, see the market tent and manager we can swipe your debit card and give you food bucks in exchange! Our EBT card system and “Food Bucks” provides  convenience for all shoppers.
9. Get to know your farmers, have patience with them.  Smile at them and appreciate them. If you do, you will find them smiling back and appreciating you in return. After all farmers’ markets are really about the experience and socializing.
10. Variety is the spice of life, mix it up and try something new. Adapt an old recipe for local flavors and products sourced from Hawaii Island.

Happy shopping we hope you will enjoy the market as much as we do!

Reflections on KFM’s growth

Richard Ha wrote in his blog…Kinoole Farmers Market on Saturday Mornings

The Kino‘ole Street Farmers Market, located on Kino‘ole Street two streets mauka of Puainako Town Center, is growing.

When Richard this in April of 2009 the market had grown to about 16 vendors…Now we regularly have 20+ Vendors!

Slow and steady wins the race for growing agriculture, farmers and markets in our opinion…We’ve built a firm foundation from which to grow and with our new marketing efforts for 2013 were expecting continued growth at the Kinoole Farmers Market!

Courtesy of Hamakua Springs, Richard Ha and HahahaHamakua Springs