We are fortunate to have a bounty of locally produced fresh and prepared foods right in Gardiner: three highly visible commercial market stands offering the best selections from local orchards and farms; several organic beef farms; multiple, hidden-away, off the beaten path smaller farm stands offering their just-harvested, home grown produce. Made in Gardiner pies, fresh eggs and organic greens and meat are conveniently found at roadside stands. All these options combined can shorten our grocery store shopping lists for the better part of the year.
Over a million people each week shop at a farmer’s market and NY State has the second highest number of farms reporting to the USDA Agriculture Market Survey. There are now over 7,500 such markets nationwide—up over almost 10% in a year. With growing concerns over nation-wide food safety and inspections, buying local, organic foods is growing in popularity.
Now the new season begins for the Gardiner Farmer’s Market (formerly the Gardiner Green Market). In its third season, it opens on June 7, outside the Library, Fridays from 4-7pm. The following is a lineup of likely vendors for this summer’s market and several additions are being considered. For a current list of what’s on offer throughout the season (varies depending on season and weather), sign up for the email list while you’re there. Dancing Meadow Farm is coming back full strength after losing 30-40% of its greenhouse to Hurricane Sandy. Using sustainable, all organic methods, owners Anne and Dave Rogers have won two USDA grants for reporting increased yields due to greenhouse growing techniques—be sure to check out their peppers and greens.
Gazette readers already know Insook Cheon’s pickled kimchi. Now we can look forward to her Korean sesame seed lettuce, Korean cucumbers, bok choy and first of the season garlic scapes.
Remember the Widmark honey farm on Route 44/55? Now it’s simple to bring home the same honey. Honey Brook Farms offers 100% pure honey from Todd Widmark, beekeeper since 1968!
Then there’s Magic Baking by Larissa. She bakes only with healthy ingredients; “nothing unpronounceable or unrecognizable,” using local sources for her European recipes. For taste and local flavor, try Larissa’s pierogis, blueberry sticks and artisan breads in addition to her strudels and quiches.
Beef, chicken and pork lovers can get a huge variety of organically produced local steaks and roasts from Brookside Farm, as well as their locally produced eggs. Heartfelt Farm will have over 50 varieties of organically grown vegetables, herb and perennial plants, some of which you will find nowhere else. Owners George and Alexa will be happy to share growing tips. Handmade crafts by
Annie O’Neill and herbal self care products by Evelyn Johansen are among some of the other surprises that can be found under the tents.
While buying your next salad mix and fresh knish, your family can pick up their free video, check out the latest issue of a magazine and take home a recipe book for all the ingredients you just purchased from your neighbors. Now you are set for the weekend. Be sure to allow time to visit with friends and make plans to return next week. It’s the place to hang out in town on Fridays all summer and into fall. Grab a snack and hop right on the Rail Trail to begin your weekend with a bike ride or a stroll.
The Gardiner Farmer’s Market gives us a chance to slow down and socialize in our own backyard and provides a great chance to visit with your neighbors. Perhaps just as important—it’s one of the easiest, healthiest, freshest choices you can make. What’s not to like?
Give it a try this season. All they need is us!