The Zucchini Rampicante and Crimson Okra from The Garden

I hope to bring y'all lots of interesting and unique items at the new Harbin Hollow Local Market! I'm also on a mission to share the stories of aforementioned unique products as well as the stories of the vendors who grow and make them. That's why I'm launching our #ShopTheStories campaign! ⁣
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Today, let me tell the story of this dish, Basil Pesto Ravioli with Summer Vegetable Stir Fry as well as the story of where these items were sourced. ⁣
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Last night, I prepared this Zucchino Rampicante, red pepper and crimson okra in a stir fry in the iron skillet paired with fresh pesto ravioli. All ingredients were from our store except garlic, onion, and pasta. Oh, and the Parmesan in the pesto, working on finding a cheese vendor. I also hope pasta is coming soon! I have my eye on a couple of fabulous local brands. ⁣

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The Zucchino Rampicante is also known as the tromboncino squash. It's an Italian heirloom zucchini and when it is young and tender it is much like a common zucchini. Slice with the skin and prepare it like you would a summer zucchini. This is the stage where I cooked it in this dish. As it ripens, it becomes more like a winter squash, such as a butternut. At this stage, you no longer eat the skin. I'll prepare it that way next, so stay tuned to see what I do with a more ripe Zucchino Rampicante. ⁣
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The Crimson Okra is also unique and is large and tender. The pesto turned out delish, too. The basil, crimson okra, red pepper, and Zucchino Rampicante were all grown in Lafayette, TN at The Garden in conjunction with The People's Project, an organization that focuses on education, resource exchange, and mutual aid through equality, personal responsibility, cooperation, sharing, and environmentalism. ⁣

Rel Gumson is my new friend from The Garden and she has some great ideas for items in the store. She made flower bouquets for our opening week and may have a crystal or two to share with us. Some of you met her on the final night of the Portland TN Farmers' Market where she serenaded us with her ukulele. ⁣

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Come #ShopTheStories at Harbin Hollow Local Market!