Local foods can bring flair — and great tastes — to your table
By Cathy Branciaroli, Columnist, The Times
Shopper Ella Van Riper, one of the New Garden Growers Market’s loyal customers, enjoys a mushroom toy on the market’s opening day.
As farmers market season kicks off again I am excited to reconnect with the farmers whose produce graces my summer dinners and the artisans whose foods and crafts enliven my table. With markets now reopening for the season, now is the time to stop by local markets to savor spring produce and other delicious goods, chat with the sellers and get the inside scoop on dishes that can be prepared using market ingredients.
A trip to one of these markets can yield nearly all that’s needed to make a spring dinner – local meat, fresh vegetables, tender herbs and salad fixins. For good measure, pick up a loaf of just-baked bread to round off the meal. Once underway, each week’s market promises the opportunity to try new items and new recipes, not to mention experiencing the freshest produce one can buy at the height of seasonal ripeness.
According to Michele Spencer of the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), farmers markets are increasingly popular with consumers who are looking to eat healthier and get their food from sources closer to home. “Chester County boasts an abundance of farmers markets offering great varieties of goods including everything from fruits, vegetables and meats to specialty products like jams and baked goods. They offer great venues for connecting with the community while keeping food dollars in the local economy and supporting local growers,” she said.
Here are Michele’s tips for enjoying the best farmers market experience.
Sellers and customers alike enjoy the New Garden Growers Market.
Markets tend to be less crowded when they first open and sell out of the more popular items as the day progresses. Don’t take the chance that sellers might be out of products you are looking for.
Ask questions
Don’t be shy. Strike up a conversation. Farmers are knowledgeable about their produce and can offer great advice on how to prepare an item, suggestions on pairing with other ingredients and even recipes.
Experiment
Each month, even each week, new items are offered based on what is in season. Discover new foods and check out interesting varieties to make the most of delicate greens in the spring, juicy peaches in the summer and squashes as the season turns to fall.
Bring your own recycled bags and cash
Be a friend to the environment and the sellers by bringing your own bags or baskets. While most vendors can process credit cards, cash is always welcome and speeds your visit through the various stalls.
A trio of tantalizing markets in southern Chester County include the New Garden Growers Market, celebrating its tenth year in 2014. On opening day in mid-May organizer Carin Bonifacino celebrated the market’s milestone, noting, “We are so appreciative of our incredibly loyal core customers who come here week after week to do their shopping.” Open Saturday mornings, the market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, honey, cut flowers and artisan crafts.
The centrally-located Kennett Square Farmers Market is open on Friday afternoons. While Kennett Square is best known for its mushrooms, the market offers selections from over 20 vendors including produce, grass-fed meats, artisan cheeses, hearty breads and many delicacies
Perhaps the grand-daddy of Chester County markets is the West Chester Growers Market, open on Saturday mornings for more than 20 years and offering produce, herbs, colorful cut flowers, gourmet cheeses, homemade preserves and even chili pepper products.
Farmers markets are open during the growing season, starting in May and typically running through late fall although some remain open during the winter months on a less frequent basis. Each market sets its own opening days and times.
Considering the great abundance of healthful local produce, delicious homemade goods and the opportunity to connect with the people who grow your food, what better choice than to shop farmers markets this summer.
Here is a listing of local farmers markets courtesy of the Chester County Agricultural Development Council:
Anselma Farmers and Artisans Market
Historic Mill, Route 401
Chester Springs, PA
Wednesdays 2PM – 6PM
Artisan Exchange West Chester
208 Carter Dr.
West Chester, PA
Saturdays 10M – 2PM
Coatesville Farmers Market Association
Outside the main entrance to Brandywine Hospital
Starting June 4, Wednesdays 2PM – 6PM
Downington Farmers Market
Kerr Park
Thursdays 3PM – 7PM
East Goshen Farmers Market
East Goshen Park
West Chester, PA
Thursdays 3PM – 7PM
Kennett Square Farmers Market
Downtown Kennett Square
Fridays 2PM – 6PM
London Britain Township Market
Nichol Park
Landenberg, PA
Fridays 2PM – 6PM
Malvern Farmers Market
Burke Park
Saturdays 9AM – 1PM
New Garden Growers Market
Near New Garden Township Park
Saturdays 9AM – 1PM
Oxford Village Market
3rd & Locust St.
Tuesdays 12:30PM – 6PM
Phoenixville Farmers Market
Under the Veterans Memorial
Saturdays 9AM – 1PM
The Farmers Market at Elverson
Livingood Park at Rt. 23
Saturdays 9AM – 1PM
West Chester Growers Market
Church Street Parking Lot
Saturdays 9AM – 1PM
West Grove Farmers Market
Harmony Park
Thursdays 2PM – 6PM
