The Watsonville Certified Farmers Market is a great place to find a variety of peppers to flavor all your favorite recipes.
A staple in Mexican cuisine, several types of chili peppers with varying degrees of heat factor can be found at farm stands throughout the market. Poblano, a favorite ingredient in chili rellenos, is a common sight at several stands. Deep green and of medium to mild heat factor, the poblano is a versatile pepper.
If you are looking for something with a bit more heat, you’re in luck. Jalapenos are abundant at this market. Ranging from bright red to vibrant green, these peppers are perfect for mild to medium salsas, or chili. The pepper itself is fairly mild, but the seeds pack quite a punch. Add more or less for different heat levels.
Another medium-heat pepper to try is the little green Serrano. Delicious and tolerable in heat factor, Serrano are readily available at several stands throughout the market.
For those who desire a face-melting pepper, there are several peppers that fit the bill. The skinny little tobasco pepper packs quite a punch. Varying in shades from red to green, these spunky little peppers will liven up any dish. Another hot pepper to look out for is the hot Thai pepper. Bright red and slightly curved, these peppers will rev up your stir fries and Asian dishes.
For those with a more sensitive palate, the mildly refreshing bell pepper is the perfect choice. Colorful bell peppers grace several farm stands throughout the market. Bell peppers add a distinctively pleasant flavor to a wide variety dishes and can be used both raw and cooked. Sweet red, bright orange or verdant green, this is bell pepper season at its finest.
Some other produce available at the market this week are peaches, grapes, strawberries, mushrooms, cucumbers, green beans and squash.
Shopping at the farmer’s market is a wonderful way to connect with your community, support local farmers, and eat seasonally.
The Watsonville Certified Farmers Market is held 3-7:30 p.m. every Friday on the corner of Peck and Main streets. The market is open rain or shine.
