Our Farmer’s Market has now been open two weeks. We’ve been graced by unbelievably wonderful, ‘rest of the U.S.’ type spring weather the past two Saturdays (market day). This is followed by typical Colorado spring weather of rain/hail/snow and gale force winds on Sunday. I recall last year going in full snow storms and wind so strong the farmer’s tents we coming off the ground!
I always arrive about the time the market opens, around 8:00 a.m. There is a fresh feeling in the air, an excitement, everyone happy to be having the market again. At this time of year you can find many plant starters (I bought 8 lettuce plants for $.50 each).
I spoke to Wee Bee Farms who is known for exotic varieties of garlic later in the summer though is now selling vegetables starters including 6 varieties of kale. All gorgeous.
Spinach, arugula, mustard greens abound. As hearty cool weather crops, they lead the way until warmer temps allow more variety to be harvested.
I was so excited this week to find a true spring love; Sorrel. I discovered it a few years ago and it really does grace us only in spring. I look for its appearance each spring like a long lost friend. Sorrel soup may be something you have heard of. I found my favorite use of it though is in scrambled eggs. It’s simple and has a wonderful flavor paired with the eggs and some shallots. On its own it has a bit of a bitter bite, almost citrusy.
One of my favorite farms at the market is Red Wagon Organic Farms. I like their variety and their aesthetic. The latter might sound like a misplaced criteria but as with anything else, one is drawn to things based on how they appear initially (as with food, you eat with your eyes first). I always find them to be well organized, a great variety with some items only found with them (broccoli Romanesque, mini yellow watermelons, watermelon radishes and sorrel being some examples). They put their sweet cherry tomatoes in mason jars in August instead of cartons (you don’t keep the jars) which always look so homey to me. Don’t pass up the opportunity to sample if you have the chance. Everything is always delicious. 
In addition to the market they have a farm stand in the parking lot of 95th and Arapahoe later in the summer and a CSA (click here for more on that). You can find their beautiful produce in many fabulous local restaurants.
Spring Eggs Scrambled with Sorrel
Adapted from French Women for All Seasons
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
· ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
· ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
· 1 shallot, finely minced
· 2 cups sorrel, rinsed, dried and coarsely chopped with lower stems removed
· 4 eggs
· Salt and pepper to taste
1. At medium heat, warm a small skillet and add the butter and oil.
2. When butter is melted add the minced shallots. Sautee for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Add the sorrel and stir until wilted. Sorrel will begin to change color from a bright green to a more grayish green color signaling it’s done. This only takes a few minutes.
4. In a bowl whisk the eggs together and pour over the sorrel mixture in the skillet. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir until eggs are cooked!
I have to admit, scrambled eggs are not the most photogenic subjects on the planet. But don’t let the looks fool you! These eggs are incredibly flavorful, in a simple, rustic, buttery way. They may very well become your next favorite breakfast dish. Perfect for a brunch menu when you want something easy, simple that tastes more ‘upscale’.
Lea Ann says
I've never had sorrel and eggs. I'll most certainly have to give it a try. Your market sounds wonderful. I might have to make the trip up there one of these days.
Jennifer-Adventuresome Kitchen says
Sorrel is truly delicious! I always look forward to it in my CSA bag each spring. I will definitely add it to my eggs now. Love your farmer's market pics- we're tilling our garden patch this week, so hopefully I can get some baby lettuce in before it gets too hot. Have a great week!
Jennifurla says
Never tried sorrel, I will have to seek it out – looks wonderful. What a nice market
My Kitchen in the Rockies says
So, why is your market already open and folks down here won't get it together until almost July? That is a just a shame. I think that I will have to look into that and make some phone calls.
I have never tried eggs with sorrel either, but it sounds really good, especially since my family is on the “egg trip” lately.
Intuitive Eggplant says
Your farmers market photos are gorgeous – the epitome of spring!
Say, I just tried your “Find a Farmers Market” gadget in anticipation of a trip to the Black Hills and Badlands in South Dakota, and not a single market popped up (: If any of your readers have any tips to share, I'd be mighty grateful.
Thanks! eggy
ping says
That looks like a great booster for plain ol' scrambled eggs. Not easy to get sorrel here tho, I suppose I could substitute it with rocket? Thanks for the idea.
Elisabeth says
Thank you for your kind words and caring, Toni. It meant a lot to me. It's been a rough week for Lora, and all of us, but thank God it's over now.
I love sorrel, but I cannot remember being able to buy it here in S. Florida. It has such a unique and somewhat sharp and sour flavor. Would not have thought of making it with scrambled eggs. Yumm!
Loved seeing the photos of your local produce market. Always exciting to see what's in season:D
xoxo
Diethood.com says
I've never had sorrel… thank you for letting us know about it. I will definitely look for sorrel at the farmer's market…it's open now! 🙂
Beth Michelle says
Your farmers market looks great! I love all the different varieties of kale! We dont have kale here in Israel and I miss it! Your eggs sound so yummy too!
Mary Myrick says
Beth, can you get spinach? I make that with eggs.Never had Sorrel.
Mary in AR.
Pegasuslegend says
I love healthy foods this sorrel looks delicious the way you combined this in scrambled eggs!
Chef Dennis says
I've never had sorrel, but you make sound so good, I can't wait for our market to open to find it!
Now I'm just jealous that your market is open!
Steve @ HPD says
Greens in eggs aren't done nearly often enough. Too simple and too scrumptious. Cheers!
Karen Harris says
You're killing me with your market tales. I can't wait to stroll the aisles of the markets around here. Your eggs look wonderful.
Lisa @ Tarte du Jour says
Scrambled eggs with sorrel.. you are so inspiring! I loved to see your farmer's market, lovely! Our farmer's market down here in Florida only has a few more weeks until it winds down for the season:( Lovely post!
Darcy Hoyt says
made with sorrel from my garden and eggs from my chickens – delicious idea thank you!!!