March 14, 2026

Daikon Radishes

Daikon radishes are native to Asia but grown around the world.  Daikon is considered a winter radish, which is slower growing and larger than spring radishes. Winter radishes are sown in mid to late summer and harvested during cooler weather.  They have a crispy texture and resemble large carrots. Their flavor is milder than that of other radish varieties and described as slightly sweet yet slightly spicy.  Though most commonly white with leafy green tops, daikon radishes come in a variety of hues, including red, green, and purple. Vibrant Farm has all four colors available at the market this week which makes for a pretty and refreshing salad. See our recipe using them below.

Remember, the market is now offering hot coffee made from locally roasted coffee beans. ☕️ You can find it next to the Goatboy Soaps.
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Things of note at the market this week.  For the complete list of participants see below.
- Rachel's Salsa is finished for the indoor season.  
- Food for the Soul by LR will return to the market later in the season.
-  Jessica's Homestead Kitchen and Fil'd Treats are back with us this week.
- Anderson Acres Farm is adding to their tulip varieties with Beauty of Appledorn - large, fiery orange and yellow blooms with a distinct black center. (Single-Variety Tulip)
- Steadfast Farm will be offering a 30% off March Madness sale on their wings when you buy 3lbs or more
- Delavignes Gourmet cannot make it this week but will return next week
- Guest artist - Carnelian Knoll handcrafted jewelry

Our recipe this week is Daikon Radishes with Microgreens Salad.   The warm weather this week had us looking for a refreshing recipe, and this qualifies.  Further, it's colorful to see with the gray skies.
 
​We look forward to seeing you weekly at our indoor location at the Litchfield Firehouse, 258 West Street, Litchfield, CT 06759

​​WHAT WILL BE AT MARKET
Anchored Homestead - herb-infused salts, seasoning, & sugar
Anderson Acres Farm - ​early taste of spring with locally grown greenhouse tulips, freshly harvested
Arethusa Farm Foundation - pork, lamb, eggs
Brookside Farm - maple syrup
Carnelian Knolls - handcrafted jewelry
Farm Faraway Homestead - honey, sauerkraut
Fil'd Treats - filled meringue treats
Goatboy Soap - goat milk soaps
High 5 Pies - sweet & savory pies, quiches
Jessica's Homestead Kitchen - artisan baked goods, sourdough bread
New Curds on the Block - local cheeses
Oracle Mushrooms - fresh mushrooms, mushroom subscriptions and gift boxes, eggs, whole duck
Redding Knives - sharpens knives, tools, serrated knives, scissors.
Riad's Oliva - dips, sauces, baked goods
Steadfast Farms - quail, chicken, turkey, pheasant, chuckar, quail eggs, chicken stock, turkey broth, quail bone broth, chicken dumplings, quail dumplings
To The Gills -  fish, oysters, crab cakes, clams, shrimp 
Vibrant Farm - fresh greens, microgreens, & vegetables; storage roots & squash; polenta, dry beans & dry peppers
Why Not Farm - beef, pork, eggs, vinegar, tallow, candles, dog treats

​We look forward to seeing you all!

SUSTAINABLE TIP OF THE WEEK 
Consider the following sustainable tips as you prepare your yard and garden for spring.

• Develop healthy soil. Make sure your soil has the right pH balance, key nutrients, and good texture. You can buy easy-to-use soil analysis kits at hardware stores or contact your local County Cooperative Extension Service for a soil analysis.
• Choose the right grass for your climate. If your area gets very little rain, don't plant a type of grass that needs a lot of water. Select grass seed that is well suited to your climate and other growing conditions such as the amount of sunlight and rain you lawn receives. Over-seed your lawn each Fall by spreading seeds on top of the lawn. A thicker lawn helps to crowd out weeds. Your local County Extension Service can advise you on which grasses grow best in your area.
• Longer is Better. Make sure the lawn mower blades are sharp. Grass that is slightly long makes a strong, healthy lawn with few pest problems. Weeds have a hard time taking root and growing when grass is around 2½ to 3½ inches for most types of grass.
• Water Early. It is time to water if footprint impressions stay in the lawn and do not spring back. Water early in the morning and only for short periods for time so the soil may absorb the water. Longer grass has stronger roots and retains water better.
• Correct thatch buildup. Thatch is a layer of dead plant materials between the grass blades and the soil. When thatch gets too thick, deeper than 3/4 of an inch, water and nutrients are prevented from getting into the soil and reaching the roots of the grass. Overusing synthetic fertilizer can create heavy layer of thatch, and some kinds of grass are prone to thatch buildup.
• Recycle grass. Don't pick up the grass clippings after you mow. Clippings will return nutrients and moisture to the soil. Consider buying a mulching lawn mower. This will cut the grass clippings finer and blow them into the lawn.
• Let your lawn breathe. Once a year, remove small plugs of earth to allow air and water to aerate the grass roots.
• Invite a few weeds and insects into your garden. Think of you lawn as a small piece of nature where pests have their place. Often, nature provides its own pest control in the form of birds or other insects that feed on the insects we consider nuisances.
• Use manual tools. Tools that don't require electric or gasoline engines are especially handy for small yards or small jobs. There are hand tools available that will meet a wide variety of lawn and garden needs, like lightweight, quiet, easy-to-use reel push mowers that generate no emissions.