Farmers' Market: Goodbye Cherries, Hello Corn

Sunday, the welcomes a special guest: a master gardener from the UC Extension Co-op, who will share expertise and answer all the questions home gardeners may bring.

A vector control specialist will also be on hand to talk mosquito abatement.

Melons -- honeydew and cantaloupe -- have taken the place of cherries, and corn is making its seasonal debut.

Zucchini is this week's featured crop at all 69 markets within the sphere of the Pacific Farmers Market Association. Find a bumper crop of recipes using the squash on the Association's website.

The weather is expected to be a pleasant 68 degrees. Shoppers will find an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and flowers at the market, which runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.:

• Unfiltered honey, honeycomb and bee pollen from the San Mateo Beekeepers Co-Op
• Melons (honeydew and cantaloupe)
• Stone fruits (apricots, peaches, plums and nectarines)
• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Artichokes
• Avocados
• Tomatoes
• Spinach
• Orchids
• Dried almonds

The Mike Osborn Band contributes its trademark danceable music (Members also perform as a Stevie Ray Vaughn tribute band).

And there's plenty to eat on the spot: Vendors include Michell's Golden Brown Breads of Manteca, Gold Rush Kettle Korn of Benicia, Hummus Heaven of  San Leandro, Perfect Batch cookies, homemade jams from Kitty's Kreations and Quick -N- Ezee Indian Foods of Hayward.

“Extra 5″ offers farmers’ market customers an extra $5 when they spend at least $10 on their CalFresh (food stamp) cards at selected farmers’ markets operated by partners at the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. The goal of this project is to encourage CalFresh recipients to take advantage of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables.