The parking lot at the Princeton Junction train station on weekdays is filled to overflowing with cars left behind by the thousands of commuters who stream into New York City, 55 minutes by express train away. On Saturdays, there's plenty of room for a farmers market.

There are about half a dozen farmers selling fruit and vegetables and several other vendors selling flowers and baked goods. The market is well stocked with all the summer basics -- from tomatoes to peaches to corn. There are also a few unusual culinary offerings, which you always hope to see at a decent farmers market. Here, the oddball pick of the day was the plump, fresh purslane.

Tomatoes including Italian gold (center) and green zebra (lower right)

Price: $3/lb. for Italian gold
$1-2.50/lb. for others

Peaches, Blackberries

Price: $.25/each for peaches
$2.50/basket of berries

Purslane

Purslane grows like a weed. Indeed, it is a weed, which seems to spring up spontaneously in disturbed earth from backyard gardens to farms. This particular very succulent sample was obviously pampered in the fields. 

Purslane's claim to fame as a culinary ingredient is the fact that it apparently is one of the best sources in the plant world for omega-3 fatty acid. See Purslane: an Edible Weed, for more on this erstwhile weed's history and attributes.

Price: $2.50/half pound

A Trio of Summer Squash

Price: $.99/lb.

Okra, Bicolor Corn

Price: $1.60/lb. for okra