The Autumnal Equinox, this year occurring on Sunday, September 22nd, marks the end of summer and beginning of autumn, at least in terms of astronomy. Many don’t consider the transition from summer to autumn to be official until the first yellowy-orange leaves fall to the ground, or until the sun begins to take extra time off behind stormy clouds and fog. Like its sister seasons, autumn can be felt in the air long before the equinox actually arrives, especially in Oregon. While you may have seen some of these products in our vendor’s booths already, we wanted to take an opportunity to highlight a few things our vendors offer that just scream “autumn”!
Piro, a Latin food vendor, brews their chicha morada, a traditional Peruvian purple corn drink, with cinnamon, green apple, and clove. Served warm in the colder months, it’s perfect to keep your hands and insides from getting cold as you walk around the market. BNF offers a seasonal chai cider kombucha starting in October. This brew is made with Oregon apples, Oregon Tea Traders’ Chai Tea, and Singing Dog Vanilla. It’s spicy and sweet with a tart finish, and keeps your gut healthy! Sward, who often carries a large selection of apples and pears in the colder months, will also be selling some fresh-pressed apple cider this year.
Rooted Remedies, a local apothecary, is welcoming a new tincture called Sweater Weather. With a base of local raw honey and organic apple cider vinegar, this formula is packed with minerals, antioxidants, vitamin C, flavonoids, and so much more to give your system a boost as we head into the colder months of the year. Add a tablespoon to your bubbly water, tea, or just take a spoonful straight up!
Oregon Permaculture Works has a few savory options for livening up your autumn cooking. Their pickled chanterelles have allspice and clove infused, making for a great addition to charcuterie boards, toast, or on their own. A few of their fresh wild-foraged mushrooms pair well with fall flavors, including gingery matsutakes and mapley candy caps.
Larry & Sons Bagels will have seasonal pumpkin spice bagels in addition to their usual cinnamon raisin bagels. Made with locally-grown winter squash, spices, and dried cranberries, these bagels are perfect for an autumn brunch. Elegant Elephant will be carrying seasonally flavored gluten-free baked goods like mini pumpkin pies and savory pot pies. Estelle Bakery will be selling an assortment of autumn baked goods, including pumpkin pecan cheesecake bars, savory squash and onion galettes, and apple cheddar crostatas, to name a few. All three of these bakeries are entirely gluten-free, and many of Estelle’s treats are also dairy, soy, and/or nut free- there is truly something for everyone!
Season’s End Flower Farm has dried flowers and floral magnets, combs, and crowns year-round. They will soon offer handcrafted wreaths and besoms using dried autumn flowers, as well as corn dollies, to add some unique flair to your traditional autumn decor.