At the Farmers Market: Miniature Vegetables

An organic farm based in the Capay Valley, northeast of San Francisco, recently debuted at the .

Capay Farms, the new vendor on the block, is starting small and bringing only miniature versions of its best spring and summer crops.

Baby bok choy   

These miniature versions of the Chinese cabbage came in plastic containers, to prevent bruising and wilting. Native to China, the baby bok choy is usually found in temperate climates.

Packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene and iron, these leafy, green vegetables can be eaten whole, unlike the regular bok choy whose bottoms are usually chopped off. Daniel Martinez, a farm employee, also suggested grilling, roasting, steaming or braising these tender and sweet-tasting mini cabbages.

“Look for full, dark green leaves with no signs of wilting or yellowing,” advised Martinez.

Priced at $1 per container, the baby bok choy should be refrigerated in a plastic bag. Ideally, it should be consumed within three days for optimum flavor and freshness.

Baby turnips

“Many people are unsure about what to do with turnips,” stated an amused Martinez. “I think that’s why they don’t buy them as much as the other vegetables."

The potato-like vegetable is about the size of an apple. The smaller they are, the sweeter the flavor, Martinez said.

The vendor had copies of an easy recipe that were all printed out for interested market-goers: glazed baby turnips and carrots. The turnips can also be eaten raw or added to salads and vegetable platters. Diced turnips can also lend a hearty flavor to soups.

Things to look out for when buying turnips: a smooth skin, firmness, crisp green tops and a sweet aroma. For $2 a bunch, they are worth a try.

German butterball potatoes

Petite, golden-skinned potatoes were also part of Capay Farms’ attractive array of organic miniature vegetables.

According to Martinez, the German butterball potatoes have no similarities or relationship to the well-known turkey brand. However, like the famous turkey, these potatoes are packed with flavor and buttery tasting. Hence, the name butterball came about.

For $2 a pound, market-goers can bring home the round or oblong russet-type potatoes. They are quite versatile and can be grilled, roasted, baked, fried, steamed, mashed and even stuffed with melted cheese.

Most potatoes, including German butterballs, can be stored unwashed and unwrapped for several weeks. They are best kept in a cool, dark and dry place and away from onions.

More miniatures

Capay Farms is also at the nearby Agoura Farmers Market on Sundays. In the next few weeks, watch out for their harvest of Nantes carrots, baby spinach, arugula and more summer crops.

The Calabasas Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at 23504 Calabasas Road, across the street from the Sagebrush Cantina.