Bright seafood, artisan chocolate and resilient dahlias highlight fall markets

Dannon Southall of 10th & M Seafoods has an interesting perspective on the recently fickle weather.

"The seafood world is definitely a lot brighter than the weather outside," Southall says. "It is a perfect time to take advantage of the amazing fresh Alaska seafood and avoid the terrible weather."

Southall says some of the prize seafood include fresh Southeast troll-caught king salmon, with both red and white kings available, along with Gulf of Alaska fresh cod and halibut. Southall says the fresh cod fillets are available for $7.95 per pound, while the headed and cleaned 10- to 20-pound halibut are $9.49/pound. Also look for live oysters from a variety of Alaska locations.

Center Market

Rob Wells and the newly renamed Hatcher Pass Dahlias (formerly The Persistent Farmer) says the "plants just won't quit … or freeze," so he will be at Saturday's Center Market. Wells expects to have more than 100 dahlia blooms at the market.

Alex Davis of AD Farm says it's a busy time, but he's still at the market thrice-weekly.

"We have been busting it here on the farm to get the goodies into storage, and it always strikes me as funny that the second we finish putting a crop in storage we start taking it out for the market," Davis says.

"As of now, we are looking at one of our most well-rounded eating options for the fall. Lots of brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, beets, pork, beef, chicken, and fresh eggs."

Davis says other produce includes five varieties of cauliflower, kale and salad mix, while the pork cuts include chops, roast, fresh side, sausage, soup bones and fat. Other items include a wide variety of jams, and items from Tonia's Biscotti and Alaska Flour Co.

Earthworks Farm will be at the Wednesday market with a fresh crop of honey.

Thankful Thursdays

Coddle & Cosset is joining the lineup at the Thankful Thursdays market.

Coddle & Cosset is owned by Lindsay Clark, an artisan chocolatier and baker who worked as head chocolatier at Modern Dwellers Chocolate Lounge and has also worked at Two Sisters Bakery in Homer and for Arctic Organics. Clark focuses on hand-rolled truffles and other specialty chocolates. This summer, Coddle & Cosset was a regular vendor at the Spenard Farmers Market.

"The recipes and flavors of Coddle & Cosset reflect past chapters in organic farming, cheesemaking, baking, specialty coffee and food justice," Julie Meer says. "Look for intriguing ingredients like cheese, fennel and chaga, as well as local ingredients such as honey, jams and birch syrup."

Other vendors include Harvest Point Farms, Elderberry Essentials, Farm 779, the Dog Side and Duane Clarks Top Shelf Artisan Market.

Harvest Point Farms will have fresh microgreens, bagged salads and more.

Connect with the Harvest Point folks to check on their CSA, with products available through the end of the year. Elderberry Essentials returns with keto cakes in small jars, along with glycerides, gummies and elderberry syrups. The Dog Side has fresh-packed USDA inspected pucks and chubs specifically for raw-fed dogs, along with treats, raw whey, faux tripe, organ meats and fresh marrow bones.

Farm 779 has a variety of krauts, including garlic, hot, and turmeric; fermented onions and lemons; kombucha; keto cookie snacks; and coconut kefirs. Clark will have grass-fed beef, yak, carrots, honey, potatoes and birch syrup.

Northway Mall Wednesday Market

Dinkel's Veggies will be hosting the final outdoor market of the year at Northway Mall on Wednesday. The Dinkels will continue to be at Wasilla Lake on Wednesdays and Saturdays as the weather allows.

Veggies include carrots, cabbage, broccoli, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet onions, cauliflower and pumpkins.

Steve Edwards lives and writes in Anchorage. Contact him at akmarketfresh@gmail.com.

Local farmers markets

Wednesday in Anchorage: Center Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Midtown Mall, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street; Northway Mall Wednesday Market, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Northway Mall

Thursday in Anchorage: Thankful Thursdays market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Midtown Mall, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street

Thursday outside of Anchorage: Peters Creek Farmers Market, 3-7 p.m., 21426 Old Glenn Highway, Chugiak

Friday in Anchorage: Center Market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Midtown Mall, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street

Saturday in Anchorage: Center Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Midtown Mall, Benson Boulevard and Denali Street