markets
A Day Trip to Maple Acres Farm
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Though the weather forecast warned of more rain this morning, I woke up to a beautiful day. I was surely not going to let it pass me and my son by. After walking our dog, we hopped in the car for a ride over to Maple Acres Farm in nearby Plymouth Meeting. I was on a mission for some hearty stew vegetables and my son was on another mission: to pick some flowers.
Maple Acres is a quaint little farm market that is open year round. It offers the feel of a road side stand with the variety one usually finds in bigger markets. I found some amazing carrots, each one as thick as three fingers, beautiful Poblano peppers that were just barely touched with red, some okra, two gorgeous (and HUGE) mushroom caps, and of course, the season’s first apples. I’m eager to hit the kitchen tonight and get my beef stew simmering with all of those local ingredients. But finding all of that fresh produce wasn’t even the highlight of my morning out. That came after our stroll through the little market, while my two year old and I meandered through the rows of Zinnias that Maple Acres opens to the public for fresh clippings.
There’s my little guy, picking out the perfect bloom for his older sister. He loved knowing that he could pick any of the flowers that he wanted, without a stodgy adult (me) telling him that we don’t pick flowers from gardens. Everything was fair game! The look on his face was priceless and we got a really healthy looking bouquet to bring home as well. If you’re looking for a Farmer’s Market that offers something fun for the kids as well, consider a trip to Maple Acres. The fruit and veggies will be worth the drive and the fun you have picking your own flowers will last a lot longer than the blooms themselves.
Headhouse Square Farmers Market Report - 9/11/2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Even though it’s technically still summer, post-Labor Day always feels officially fall-esque to me. The farmer’s markets reflect the change in that they start featuring more in the way of the things I associate with fall and winter—hard squashes, leeks, apples, root crops. I ran down to the market at Headhouse Square this morning, and sure enough, lots of those things. But it’s also the end of tomato season, and at least a few stands featured some really fantastic looking heirloom tomatoes.
I was curious to see what kinds of stuff would be at the market considing all the rain and flooding Pennsylvania and New Jersey have suffered over the last few weeks. Culton Organics was missing this week, which is a shame—I always love to see what they’re offering up. Blooming Glen had a little of everything—greens, bell peppers, potatoes, radishes, and squash. Savoie Organics had a huge selection of potatoes. Margerum’s, of course, offered up dried beans, herbs, and spices.
My own purchases . . . well, I went with the intention of getting duck breast from Griggstown Quail Farm, which I did, but I only wanted to get enough food to make a single meal. As it turns out, I have enough for, well, probably three:
- Cipollini onions from Root Mass
- Lacinato kale from Blooming Glen Farm
- Russian blush potatoes from Savoie Organics
- Puddle Duck Creek cheese from Hillacres Pride
- Butternut and Red Kobocha squash from, I think, Root Mass
- Duck breast from Griggstown
- Challah rolls from Wild Flour Bakery
I’ve been thinking about what to make since the second I left the market.
Sustainable Saturdays in University City
Monday, July 11, 2011
Foraging! Wine and Cheese! Local Honey! Farmers’ Market! Seed Bombs! Get in this great series of events this coming Saturday! Farm to Table in West Philadelphia.
Walnut Hill Farm Stand Opens!
Thursday, June 09, 2011
The farm that Erica and Nick from Philly Rooted (and Farm to Philly!) have been working so hard at has produced its first full crops and the farm stand, in cooperation with the Enterprise Center, is open for business!
The Walnut Hill Community Farm, in collaboration with Farm to City and Common Market, is operating two farm stands this season. The farm stands are operated by our Youth Growers, who learn business skills, tend the urban farm, and sell the fresh produce back to the community. One stand is located on-site at the Community Farm (4610 Market Street), supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It runs on Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:00-6:00 PM. A second farm stand is located on the concourse level of SEPTA’s offices (1234 Market Street). This stand operates every other Wednesday (next market day is June 15th from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM). For more information, please contact Bryan Fenstermaker at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 215-895-4020.
Posted by Erin on 06/09 at 09:49 AM
Dickinson Square Farmers Market and annual “Junque” Sale
Thursday, May 26, 2011
There’s a new farmer’s market in town! Dickinson Square Park in Philadelphia’s Pennsport neighborhood will celebrate the beginning of the summer seasowith debut of its farmers’ market, in partnership with Farm to City, the first weekend in June. The neighborhood’s annual art market and “junque” sale will coincide with the opening day of the market.
The Junque Sale, now in its third year, will feature artisans, live music, hula hooping competition, and quality second-hand good from neighbors’ personal collections. Neighbors and guests are also encouraged to donate items to the white elephant table, sales from which will go to support the park and farmers’ market. Additional funds will be raised through the sale of raffle tickets; the winner of the raffle will receive a ready-to-hang printed canvas featuring a vintage photo of Dickinson Square, dated April 12, 1910. The sale will begin on 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, and continue until 2:00 p.m.
The Sunday farmers’ market (http://www.dspfarmersmarket.com/) will open June 5 on the northwest corner of Moyamensing Avenue and Morris streets and will continue every Sunday through October from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Three farms from the region—Darmo Family Farms, Down Home Acres, and Two Gander Farm—will bring organic, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, as well as eggs, flowers, honey, and other products to Dickinson Square Park for the first time. There are plans to add a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance) terminal to the market by midsummer, which will allow low-income households to use their food stamp benefits at the market.
Winter Farmers Market Hours
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
This upcoming weekend will be the last for the Headhouse Square farmers market, but there are still other markets to be enjoyed throughout the winter. Support your local farmers through the “dark season,” and fill your pantry with cold-weather vegetables.
Winter Market Schedule:
Saturday, December 18th: Clark Park Farmers’ Market and Fitler Square Farmers’ Market
are OPEN.
Sunday, December 19th: Headhouse Farmers’ Market is OPEN. Last day for the season.
SPECIAL HOLIDAY MARKET, Thursday, December 23rd: Clark Park Farmers’ Market is open
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 25th: All markets CLOSED. Merry Christmas!
SPECIAL HOLIDAY MARKET, Thursday, December 30th: Clark Park Farmers’ Market is open
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, January 1st: All markets CLOSED. Happy New Year!
Saturday, January 8th: Clark Park Farmers’ Market and Fitler Square Farmers’ Market
are OPEN on their regular schedules throughout the winter.
Green Aisle Grocery
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
If you live in the Passyunk Ave. area, or just visit its recently booming restaurant, bar and boutique scene, you may have noticed Green Aisle Grocery. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, pop in! This little grocery carries all kinds of local goodies like Pequea Farms yogurt, farm fresh eggs and Lancaster county vegetables and meats, plus prepared food from local restaurants, like hummus from Zahav. You can pick up fresh pasta and sauce for dinner, a nice chunk of pecorino to go with it, and some Fee Brothers artisinal bitters for an after (or pre-) dinner drink. Last time I was in I couldn’t resist the West Indian Orange and Rhubarb bitters, which you’re unable to fine in Pennsylvania liquor stores, and I added a pound of delicious One Village coffee for good measure.
Kensignton Community Co-Op Seeks Members
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Begun as a buying club, the Kensington Community Co-Op is in the middle of an ambitious membership campaign to expand the Co-Op and bring fresh, local, and healthy food to the Kensington community. If you live in Kensington, please consider joining up, and remember that creating safe, healthy and sustainable food stores not only help you and your family, but your neighbors, as well!
From the site:
“Looking ahead”
The year ahead will be to raise enough funds through member investments, donations, grants and loans to purchase equipment, to buy a building, finance construction and hire a general manager. Once our funds are secured we will begin to narrow down our options for a location.
“Local Ownership Means a More Secure Future.”
Since KCFC is owned and operated by its members, it is their needs that the co-op most cares about, rather than the needs of corporate investors whose interest are often strictly the bottom line. Become a member of KCFC and your bottom line becomes our bottom line. Invest in your community today!
Discount Mondays at Fair Food Farmstand
Monday, August 23, 2010
A little bird over at The Griddle told me that on Mondays the Fair Food Farmstand at Reading Terminal Market offers a shelf-clearing discount of 10 percent off produce and 30 percent off dairy. EVERY Monday! Stock up on freezable cheeses, yogurt, goats milk, and fruits and vegetables to your heart’s content! Remember, Reading Terminal is only open until 6pm on Mondays, so consider stopping by on your lunch hour!
New Friday Farmers Market in University City
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Good news for all you University employees, students, summer-workers and University City neighborhood dwellers! A NEW Farmers Market will open this Friday, and run every Friday, at the Radiun building (approx. 40th and Walnut).
“Jersey Fresh” products backstory
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A few months ago (12/31/09) I posted about the great Jersey Fresh canned tomatoes I bought at the Fair Food Farmstand at Reading Terminal Market. In today’s Philadelphia Inquirer is a story about what the “Jersey Fresh” is all about. Hope to see more stuff available locally soon!
Posted by Allison on 03/21 at 01:51 PM
Taste test: Fattoria Fresca Jersey Fresh Crushed Tomatoes
Thursday, December 31, 2009
When I was last at the Fair Food Farmstand at Reading Terminal Market, I decided to buy a can and try it out. Let’s face it, most canned tomatoes are crap to middling. But in the spirit of my commitment to local foods, it deserved a chance.
And I’m so glad I did. I ate a spoonful out of the can, and it was delicious. Not merely good, but a great, deep, tomato-ness. Salt and basil are in there (although I couldn’t detect the basil and would prefer to add my own anyway), but otherwise the can says no water, sugar, citric acid, concentrate, puree, or paste. At $3.00 for 28 ounces, it’s not inexpensive, but a can of imported San Marzanos will cost you more than that, and because there’s no water added, what you might call the “usable volume” of the Fattoria Fresca tomatoes is greater than the same size can of something else. Try them—I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Posted by Allison on 12/31 at 06:32 PM
November GRID is out
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
The new GRID magazine is hitting the shelves at local coffee-shops, co-ops and businesses near you. Check out the issue for more bicycling articles, how to cook dried beans, just what is a green roof, local fashion designers, community garden, a green event calendar, and much more. Or, read it online HERE.
Posted by Erin on 11/04 at 12:58 PM
FLOTUS Shops at DC Farmers’ Market!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Hooray! Read the story on the New York Times website.
Opening day at Indian Valley Farmers’ Market
Saturday, July 04, 2009
I’m pretty sure there couldn’t have been more beautiful weather for today’s Indian Valley Farmers’ Market opening. Clear blue skies and sunshine were the perfect backdrop for local fruits, vegetables, maple syrup, wine, roasted coffee and flowers, homemade baked pies, cakes, breads and stromboli, and handcrafted rag rugs, glass earrings and glass watering bulbs. This year’s vendors include:
Annie’s Rag Rugs: Rugs made of 100% natural, recycled cotton and wool blankets.
Bakers on Broad: Specialty and traditional artisan breads.
Country Creek Winery: Variety of Pennsylvania wines produced and bottled by the winery; farmstead cheese made by Goot Essa.
Creations by Carmine: Beautiful hand-blown glass items including pendants, earrings, ornaments and watering bulbs.
Farmer’s Daughters: Fresh baked goods using Pennsylvania Dutch themes such as funny cakes, shoofly pies, whoopie pies, assorted cookies and breads; handmade crafts such as afghans, and hanging dish towels.
Frankie’s Favorites: All natural oatmeal cookies in four scrumptious flavors: oatmeal raisin, oatmeal raisin with coconut, oatmeal with dark chocolate ad pecan, and oatmeal peanut butter.
Nita-Baker: Delicious variety of strombolis, tomato pie, garlic knots, and many fresh baked sweets.
Peanut World: Fresh ground nut butters, roasted peanuts and a variety of healthy snacks.
R & L Home Baked Goods: Large variety of breads, cakes and cookies.
Rising Sun Coffee Roasters: Fresh roasted coffee in a variety of flavors; coffee drinks.
Willy’s Wood: Handcrafted cedar and pine furniture and wood products.
Ray’s Greenhouse: Vegetables, fruit, perennials, annuals; homemade jarred goods such as chow chow, sweet and sour beets, ketchup and apple butter.
Windy Springs Farm: Seasonal vegetables and fruit; jarred homemade goods including ketchup and spaghetti sauce.
Next Saturday’s market, which will feature the 2009 Field to Table Food Festival, is not to be missed. Be sure to stop by for exhibits from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, 4-H, the Searching for “Berried” Treasure Contest, music, menu samples from local restaurants and activities for children. The market will open as usual at 8:30am; Field to Table events will run from 10am - 3pm.
This season, the Indian Valley Farmers’ Market will be held each Saturday until October 17, from 8:30am until 12noon (except in the case of special events) at the Telford Train Station on Penn and Main Streets in Telford, Montgomery County. Keep an eye on all market news and events at http://www.ivfm.org/.
