The Pony Express Farmers Market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Eastridge Village Shopping Center. They also are also open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays in the Heartland Regional Medical Center parking lot E. Food stamps are accepted. From 2 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 7, the Pony Express Farmers Market and Wellness Connections will present a healthy cooking demonstration by Emily Melies from the Missouri Beef Industry Council at Heartland Health, parking lot E.

This week at the market you will find:

Plants: annuals, caladiums, container gardens, fresh flowers, hanging baskets, herbs, perennials, specialty planters, trees.

Produce and other edibles: apple dumplings (by order only), baked goods, barbecue meat, beef jerky, blackberries, black walnuts, blueberries, beets, broccoli, cabbage, candy onions, cantaloupe, cauliflower, cookies, cucumber (English and pickling), dill seed, eggs, eggplant, frozen Mexican specialties, fruit butters, fruit chutney, frozen pork, green beans, jams, jellies, kohlrabi, homemade sausages, monkey bread, new potatoes, noodles, okra, pinto beans, peas, peaches, pecans, peppers (mild, medium and hot), plums, popcorn, pork (loins, steaks, bacon), red and green tomatoes, Sicilian orange rum cake, squash, sugar peas, turnips, turnip greens, watermelon, zucchini, zucchini relish.

Handmade items: afghans, bath and body products, baskets, bracelets, calvary candles, cookbooks, “Enchilada Lady Favorites” cookbooks, doilies, emu oil, lye soap, kitchen towels, natural pet treats, pot holders, rugs, scarves, soy candles, soap samplers, smoked dog bones.

The market is selling Pony Express Farmers Market Go Green Shopping Bags for $3.

The St. Joseph Downtown Farmers’ Market, at Seventh and Felix streets, is open from 7 a.m. to sellout Wednesdays and Saturdays. This week you’ll find: corn, cucumbers, green beans, new potatoes, onions, yellow summer squash, tomatoes and zucchini. For more information, call (785) 989-3210.

At THE TROY, KAN., FARMERS’ MARKET, on the west side of the courthouse, you’ll find: cherry tomatoes, eggplant, jams, jelly, herbs, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, watermelon. The market is open Fridays, 7:30 to 11 a.m.

Wondering how to use those fresh vegetables and herbs? Try this recipe, suggested by the Pony Express Farmers’ Market vendors:

Simple tomatoes and okra

4 medium to large tomatoes, chopped

1 onion chopped

Box of okra, sliced

Salt, pepper and garlic to taste

Combine ingredients in large saucepan, simmer until tender.