It’s high time I did a weekly review of what is going on at the local farm markets. Many of the farmers’ markets have chef demos, music and activities for the whole family. See our earlier post of farmers’ markets in Bucks to find the one closest to you, or most convenient to your schedule. Also, many individual farm stands are bursting with beautiful fresh-from-the-farm produce. Fred Slack’s Farm in Forest Grove starting selling their delicious tomatoes this week and Fairview Farm’s famous peaches have started coming in (Pineville). I know there are other great finds out there. Be sure to let me know, and I’ll post the information here and on Facebook.
What kind of produce can you expect to find this week? Well, just about everything that can grow in Bucks County! Look for the following (not all will be available at all markets):
Apricots, Arugula, Basil, Beans, Beets, Blackberries, Broccoli, Butter Lettuce, Cabbage, Cantaloupe, Cauliflower, Chard, Sweet Corn, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Eggplant, Fennel, Garlic Scapes, Garlic, Green Beans, Kale, Kohlrabi, Melons, Mesculun mixes, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Sweet White Onions, Red Onions, Parsley, Peaches, Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Radishes, Raspberries, Romaine lettuce, Salad Mix, Scallions, Shallots, Summer Squash, Swiss Chard, Tomatillos, Tomatoes (heirloom, cherry and slicing), Wax Beans, and Zucchini.
But that’s not all. In addition, many local farmers’ markets have vendors selling: pastured pork, beef, and chicken; cheeses and yogurt from pastured animals (cow, goat); ice cream; pastured eggs; bread and baked goods; preserved products; handmade soaps and lotions; honey; maple syrup; organic, fair trade, locally roasted coffees; prepared foods and fiber products, and even seafood.
On Thursday afternoon/evening, we have several markets open, Lower Makefield, Springtown and New Hope. The Springtown Farmers’ Market will be celebrating the rich history of farming in Springfield Township and its surrounding communities with local farmers, special guests and fun events for the whole family. Jeffrey L. Marshall V.P. of Resource Protection at Heritage Conservancy and author will share information from his 30 year career in conservation and knowledge of Bucks County historical structures. Natalie Searl, award winning photgrapher, will exhibit her photos and note cards of farm animals and bucolic Upper Bucks County. Second generation local farmer Clarence Berger will share antique farm equipment. The Springfield Historical Society will display historical info, posters, pamphlets and a newsletter featuring farming life in the 1930’s in Springfield Township.
The Lower Makefield Market welcomes a new product this week – cheese from Wholesome Dairy Farms, a Berks County dairy which produces raw milk and cheese from pasture grazed Ayrshire cows. You can also find fresh cut flowers, blue ribbon eggs, pastured chicken, turkey burgers, chicken sausage, chicken pot pie, artisan breads; foccaccia; seasonal fruit pies; baked goods; honey; gourmet prepared whole grain salads; fresh mozzarella; and shitake, oyster, crimini and portabella mushrooms, and more.
Friday brings the new Warrington Farmers’ Market and the Ottsville Farmers’ Market, along with the Stockton Market (NJ). Saturday (whew) is Doylestown, Wrightstown, Perkasie, Indian Valley (Telford), Plumsteadville and Stockton. Sunday is the Saucon Valley Market (Hellerstown), the Hunterdon Land Trust Market at Dvoor Farm (Flemington, and also on Thursdays) and, again, the Stockton Market. And beginning the week, on Tuesdays, is the Langhorne Farmers Market, followed on Wednesday by The Farmers’ Market @ Playwicki Farm in Feasterville. Details for all these markets can be found in our calendar, Food Events in Bucks County.
Sharing the harvest. Both the Wrightstown (Saturdays) and New Hope (Thursdays) markets are collecting fresh produce donations to give to the needy. Buy some extra food and donate it at the market booth. Also – all you backyard gardeners! Carousel Gardens in Wrightstown/Newtown (on Rt. 413) is accepting extra produce from your summer bounty on Fridays and Saturdays, which then goes to Philabundance.
Look for Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter!
[…] What can you expect to find produce-wise this week at local farm markets? Ah, I knew you’d want to know that. That’s why I did a special post on farm markets and what’s growing earlier this week. Read more here. […]