Lexington Farmers' Market

Thanksgiving FEASTival today!

2011-11-22T00:55:00.001-05:00

Today the Lexington Farmers' Market hosts the Second Annual Thanksgiving FEASTival!

Tuesday, November 22
12 - 4 p.m.
Seasons Four
1265 Mass. Ave, Lexington

Join these wonderful vendors and LFM staff in celebrating fall and Thanksgiving!

Bakers Bloom
Blue Heron Organic Farm
F. Busa Farms
Charlton Orchards
Coastal Vineyards
EH Chocolatier
Flora Restaurant
Giovanna Gelato
Goodies
Globe Fish
The HerbFarmacy
Hi-Rise Bakery
Merton's Maple Syrup
On the Edge Knife Sharpening
Nella Pasta
Puff
Red Apple Farm (you can pre-order Jordan's Turkeys at Red Apple)
Samira's Homemade
Sprouted Raw Foods
Taza Chocolate

We look forward to seeing you there!

Lexington Patch Video + Article!

2011-10-27T14:50:00.001-04:00

The Lexington Patch bid farewell to the 2011 market season with this wonderful video and article. Read it here.

October 25th at the Market: Last Market of the Season!

2011-10-25T09:42:00.000-04:00

Today is the last market until our Thanksgiving FEASTival. Stop by and grab your fresh produce one last time! And we look forward to seeing everyone at our FEASTival!

Thanksgiving FEASTival
November 22
Seasons Four
1265 Mass. Ave, Lexington
Pre-order at the Market from your favorite farmers and vendors. Jordan's Turkeys are available through Red Apple Farm. Stop by Red Apple's tent as the farm is taking orders for turkeys at the Market each Tuesday through the end of the month, or contact Red Apple online.

Look who's coming to the FEASTival:
Bakers Bloom
Blue Heron Organic Farm
F. Busa Farms
Charlton Orchards
Coastal Vineyards
EH Chocolatier
Flora Restaurant
Giovanna Gelato
Goodies
Globe Fish
The HerbFarmacy
Hi-Rise Bakery
Merton's Maple Syrup
On the Edge Knife Sharpening
Nella Pasta
Puff
Red Apple Farm (you can pre-order Jordan's Turkeys at Red Apple)
Samira's Homemade
Sprouted Raw Foods
Taza Chocolate

October 18th at the Market!

2011-10-18T08:38:00.000-04:00

Here is what to look forward to today at the Lexington Farmers' Market!

Vendors
Elaine Chocolatiere

Artisans
- Susan Rioff, rustic furniture
- Judy Monosson, ceramics
- Susan Minor, floor clothes
- Henrietta Mei, jewely

Thanksgiving FEASTival
November 22
Seasons Four
1265 Mass. Ave, Lexington
Pre-order at the Market from your favorite farmers and vendors. Jordan's Turkeys are available through Red Apple Farm. Stop by Red Apple's tent as the farm is taking orders for turkeys at the Market each Tuesday through the end of the month, or contact Red Apple online.

Look who's coming to the FEASTival:
Bakers Bloom
Blue Heron Organic Farm
F. Busa Farms
Charlton Orchards
Coastal Vineyards
EH Chocolatier
Flora Restaurant
Giovanna Gelato
Goodies
Globe Fish
The HerbFarmacy
Hi-Rise Bakery
Merton's Maple Syrup
On the Edge Knife Sharpening
Nella Pasta
Puff
Red Apple Farm (you can pre-order Jordan's Turkeys at Red Apple)
Samira's Homemade
Sprouted Raw Foods
Taza Chocolate

Kids Cooking Green
Did you catch the article on Lexington cookbook author Debra Samuels and Kids Cooking Green in the Boston Globe last week? If not, check it out at Debra Samuels and Kid Cooking Green. Kids Cooking Green classes have begun in Lexington at Estabrook, Bridge and Hastings Schools. These classes are full and off to a great start. Kids Cooking Classes are now registering in Bedford, Wilmington and Arlington. If you are a kid aged 7-12 and are interested in joining one of these classes please contact us at Kids Cooking Green! Registration is through the recreation department at each of their respective towns. Kids from Hastings School at the Lexington Farmers' Market (see photo above), learning how to make a colorful LOCAL Bento Box from cookbook author Deb Samuels. Her book, The Japanese Table is now available for purchase.

The Local Dirt: Fall is Apple-icious!

2011-10-11T18:27:00.001-04:00

Written by Cindy Lewis

If there was a national fruit in the U.S., surely it would be the apple. Last month, after holding my daughter's birthday party at a local orchard, I found myself with more than a peck of mostly McIntosh apples. (A peck equates to 8 quarts or about 538 cubic inches, a bit of mathematical trivia I learned just last week.)

After making two crisps and a batch of applesauce, I flipped through my cookbooks for new ideas. Nor surprisingly, Deborah Madison's “Local Flavors — Cooking and Eating from America's Farmers' Markets” had just the trick: apple-oat pancakes with cheddar cheese. When topped with maple syrup, these are the perfect treat on a crisp fall morning.

For those of you who may not make it to a nearby orchard this fall, stop by the Lexington Farmers' Market, where you'll find glorious fresh-picked local apples, including many heirloom varieties, such as pink ladies, honeycrisp and Macoun. In fact, New England's apple orchards are enjoying a high quality crop for the second year in a row, thanks to ample rain during the growing season. Whether your tastes run from tart to sweet, you'll find plenty of crunchy, delicious apples at the Market.

Cindy Lewis is a Lexington resident and a Lexington Farmers’ Market volunteer.

The Lexington Farmers’ Market (LFM), located at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Fletcher Avenue and Woburn Street in Lexington Center, is open every Tuesday, 2-6:30 p.m., rain or shine, until Oct. 25. Save the date: the LFM will be hosting its second annual Thanksgiving Market on Nov. 22, noon-4 p.m., at Seasons Four in Lexington. For more information, visit lexingtonfarmersmarket.org.

2011-10-11T10:11:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone, this is Ashley, one of the founders, writers, and operators of the Lexington Farmers' Market blog. It has been my pleasure (along with my fellow writers) to bring you updates, events, photos, information, and news from the market throughout the 2011 season. As the school year started for me earlier in September, I have been unable to make it out to the market each week to bring you the news and happenings! Even more recently, my co-author Brian, received a set of full time internships which also take him away from the market on Tuesdays. Therefore we haven't been as active on the blog. However we've tried to continue to bring you pictures and updates from other LFM staff and volunteers, and provide any weekly updates!

This was the first year of the LFM blog, and was a wonderful experience. We learned a lot, and have a lot of improvements and goals for next year. Let us know us if you have any suggestions!

Best,
Ashley

October 11th at the Market!

2011-10-11T10:07:00.000-04:00

Here is what to look forward today at the market :)

Vendors:
Mertons Maple Syrup

Artisans:
-Alison Comeau-White, soap
-Maggie Furtak, ceramics
-Buffy Cave, jewelry
-Mrudula Ghone, jewelry

Attention: The market will now close at 6:00 pm due to darkness.

SAVE THE DATE: We happy to announce that we will hold the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving FEASTival on Tuesday, November 22 from 12:00-4:00pm at Seasons Four (1265 Mass. Ave). Please check with your favorite vendor to see if they'll be there.

There are only three more markets left- the last regularly scheduled market will be October 25th, from 2:00-6:00pm.

Non-Profit Tent
Lexington Historical Society fundraiser to benefit Munroe Tavern: Have you noticed the renovation of Munroe Tavern on Mass. Ave.? You can support these changes to this historical building here in Lexington next month. The Lexington Historical Society wil be selilng raffle tickets for each of 6 chairs that have been painted by local artists and that are on display in Lexington Center. To participate, you can buy a ticket for $10 per chair. The second part of this fundraiser is a Gala on November 19th, 6-8 PM at the Depot in Lexington Center. The cost is $50 per person, and the winners of the raffles will be announced, accompanied by an evening of jazz, tasty appetizers, wine, live auction and an opportunity to meet the artists.All proceeds of these events will be go the restoration of Munroe Tavern. For details, click on Lexington Historical Society or call 781.862.1703

Communities Without Borders: Maria Haynes of Communities Without Borders will be on hand to talk about this group's goal to educate AIDS orphans and other vulnerable children, primarily in Africa, in order to nourish hope for a better future for them, society and the world. Their approach fosters building ongoing community to community relationships at the grassroots level in order to increase the quality educational opportunities for these children.

Kids Cooking Green: Kids Cooking Greenclasses have begun in Lexington at Estabrook, Bridge and Hastings Schools. These classes are full and off to a great start. Kids Cooking Classes are now registering in Bedford, Wilmington and Arlington. If you are a kid aged 7-12 and are interested in joining one of these classes please contact us at Kids Cooking Green! Registration is through the recreation department at each of their respective towns.

October 4th at the Market!

2011-10-04T08:18:00.001-04:00

Here is what to look forward to at the Lexington Farmers' Market today!

It's the last Bike to Market date of the season! Bike on in and collect a $2 coupon for your weekly groceries!

Vendors
- Elaine Chocolaterie
- Rad Urban Farmer

Artisans
- Victoria Gray, fiber arts
- Jennifer Safford, jewelry
- Lily Baddour, jewelry
- Peter Guilday, glass

Music at the Market
Jonathan Hall on guitar, 2:30-4:40 pm

Please note:Due to the earlier sunset, the market will now close at 6:15.

SAVE THE DATE: We happy to announce that we will hold the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving FEASTival on Tuesday, November 22 from 12:00-4:00pm at Seasons Four (1265 Mass. Ave). Please check with your favorite vendor to see if they'll be there.

There are only four more markets left- the last regularly scheduled market will be October 25th, from 2:00-6:00pm.

2011-10-01T07:32:00.004-04:00

The Market is open through October. Dates to Remember!

October 4 - Bike to the Market

Bike To Market Day!

Pedal over to the Lexington Farmers' Market for another great BIKE TO THE MARKET DAY.

Pedal over to the LFM for another great bike to market day. The Friends of Lexington Bikeways will be hosting a bike corral at the market. Bikers who arrive at the corral and valet their bikes, will be offered a random draw from our coupon basket! One draw per biker, and you will be awarded a coupon from a variety of area stores, restaurants and the Farmers Market! Coupons have been donated by Via Lago, Nourish Restaurant, Ride Studio, & Sweet Beads, and LFM.

Limited to coupon per biker! A limited supply of coupons will be available.

October 25 - Last Market Day

The last day of the 2011 market season will be Tuesday, October 25th. We'll be open from 2:00 - 6:00.

November 22 - Thanksgiving FEASTival

Our 2nd Thanksgiving FEASTival will be held on Tuesday, November 22 at Seasons Four, 1265 Mass Ave in Lexington from 12:00 - 4:00. Ample parking is available.

Please contact your favorite farmer or vendor to see if they are participating in this Market. We suggest that you pre-order with your farmer/vendor.

Trip to Charlton Orchards

2011-09-29T23:00:00.001-04:00

Apple picking season is upon us. What better place to peruse an orchard than our very own local Charlton Orchard! Last weekend we went strolling down the long rows of apple trees filled to the brim with fresh ripe apples. They were the perfect mix of sweet and tart to make your mouth water.

After bringing home over 20 lbs of apples of three different varieties we had to figure out how to use them all. Our first notion was to increase "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" to two apples a day. Next came a big apple pie, then another apple pie. With our bellies bulging from apple pies and vanilla ice cream, we baked apple dumplings! After eating apples every day for a week, we still had 15 apples left! I don't regret a single delicious bite. See our adventure and homemade apple pie in the photos!

September 27th at the Market!

2011-09-27T00:24:00.000-04:00

Here is what to look forward to at the Lexington Farmers' Market tomorrow!

Vendors
- Notting Hill Tea
- On the Edge Knife Sharpening

Visiting Artisans
- Rebecca Schreiber, paper
- Sue Schnepps and Carol Peralta, jewelry
- Jenn Hickman, soap

Music at the Market
Liberty Bones, 5:00-6:00pm
Come listen to this delightful all trombone band!

2011-09-22T14:21:00.006-04:00

September 20th at the Market

2011-09-19T21:47:00.000-04:00

Here is what to look forward to at the Lexington Farmers' Market tomorrow!

Visiting Vendors
- Bakers Bloom

Visiting Artisans
- Susan Rioff, rustic furniture

Crafts for Charity
This Tuesday, the Lexington Farmers' Market welcomes guest artisans who will have their crafts available for sale, with proceeds going to local charities. Daniel Palant, a long-time resident of Lexington, and a crafter himself who has donated his crafts to many charities in the past is teaming up with the Lexington Farmers' Market to host Crafts for Charity a day devoting to supporting charity. Dr. Palant has spearheaded this event with the goal of selling crafts to benefit local charities. This year, all proceeds from the sales at Crafts for Charity will to the Lexington Food Pantry and Rosie's Place. Many of the artisans who come to the Lexington Farmers' Market will be generously be donating their art to benefit these charities. Please make sure to stop by tomorrow!

Bento Box Healthy Lunch Box
Are your kids bored with the usual lunch? Local author and chef Debra Samuels will demonstrate how to make lunch - Japanese Bento Style. With recipes from her new book, My Japanese Table, and ingredients from the farmers' market, Deb will give a demo with hands on activities. You can check out her website here.

Music at the Market
Liberty Bones, 5:00-6:00pm
Come listen to this delightful all trombone band!

Tomato Festival!

2011-09-15T11:05:00.001-04:00

Above: Market Sponsor, Dan McGrath, owner of United Solar Associates, serves up some tasty local tomatoes from Blue Heron
Organic Farm. The picture above took place at the 7th Annual Tomato Festival, Part 2- last Tuesday at the Lexington Farmers' Market.

Who said it was all about the food? What about some cold hard cash? Market Sponsor Eastern Bank was on hand with a box of money for the lucky winner who picked the winning key from the basket. No one held the lucky key so we might need to ask Eastern to hold the event again!

Week 16 at the Market!

2011-09-14T11:07:00.001-04:00

The market took place under a sunny and beautiful sky this week. The weather keeps dipping down and springing back up as if it's afraid to begin its inevitable autumnal descent in temperature. The produce, unlike the 80 degree weather, sings of fall. Gourds and squashes and pumpkins oh my!

We had our usual musicians back, directed by Tim Rowell, keeping the market entertained throughout the day. Another entertaining tent was full of adorable kittens. Representing the MSPCA they were looking for generous visitors to lend their homes to the yawning 6 inch felines. They had a constant crowd of young and old and passing dogs alike. The picture below shows them napping.

A returning vendor from previous markets made their appearance at the market. His samples were amazing. I dipped over to look at Merton's wares of Vermont maple syrup and was delighted to receive a free taste. It tasted like ambrosia. He won't be at every market date so keep your eyes open for them when they return on October 11th.

Another vendor making an appearance this year is Signal Rock Farms. They sell lamb products including lamb ribs and lamb sausage. They also had a table full of wool products. Very soft to touch!

Here a a few pictures from yesterday!

p.s. Sidehill Farm will be selling for another couple weeks contrary to earlier reports.

September 13th at the Market!

2011-09-12T22:46:00.000-04:00

Check out what to expect at the market tomorrow!

Didn't get a chance to stop by the 7th Annual Lexington Farmer's Market Tomato Festival last week? Well have no fear because the market manager's have decided to extend the festival for another week. So stop on by for tomato samples, beverages, and sandwiches! Our sponsor United Solar Associates will be helping out by passing out samples, Eastern Bank will be at the market with a raffle box full of money, and Nourish Restaurant will be selling tomato sandwiches with tomatoes from Blue Heron Farm.

It's Bike to Market Day! Friends of the Lexington Bikeways and Ride.Studio.Cafe will host a bike corral, offering $2 gift coupon to the first 30 cyclists to check in on Tuesday! Bike in on the Minuteman Bike Path and pick up some great local produce. Ride.Studio.Cafe will also be passing out coffee coupobs to be redeemed at Ride.Studio!

Vendors:
Merton's Maple Syrup: Will only be here this week and October 11, so stock up on delicious Vermont maple syrup!
Signal Rock Lamb

Artisans:
Erin Moran, ceramics
Shayna Loeffler, fiber arts
Trish Kozub, jewelry
Deb Orlando, jewelry

Entertainment:
Tim Rowell 4:00-6:00pm
Tim plays banjo and directs the Traditional Music Project at the Real School of Music in Burlington, MA. The original rock bank in the late 1800's consisted of banjo and fiddle. Tim will join together with local music teachers and musicians to bring you the greatest hits from the 1880's.

Puppies and Kitten at the Market
Pamela Baker of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be recruiting new foster homes for puppies and kittens!

LAST CHANCE! Kids Cooking Green
Are you a 5th grader that loves to eat and cook? Do you want to learn more about local food? Do you like to plan parties? If so, you would enjoy Kids Cooking Green, a 5-week, after school cooking program at Hastings School. Class beings September 13. Registration is open, contact lori@kidscookinggreen.com

Fall LFM Garden Tour: September 13
Register at the Market Manager's tent before 3:00 pm. Then join us on foot or bike along with landscape designer Seija Halva, Garden Consult, for a tour of local Lexington gardens. Cost: $10/person. Registration is required as the tour is limited to 20 people.

Crafts for Charity: September 20
Next Tuesday at the Lexington Farmers' Market, guest artisans will have their crafts available for a special sale, with proceeds going to charity. Daniel Palant, a long time resident of Lexington , and a crafter himself who donated his crafts to many charities in the past, is teaming up with the Lexington Farmers' Market to host Crafts for Charity, a day devoted to supporting charity. Dr. Palant has spearheaded this event with the goal of selling crafts to benefit some local charity. This year, all proceeds from sales at the Artisans' Tent on this day will go to Lexington Food Pantry and Rosie's Pace. Many of the artisans who come to the Lexington Farmer's Market Artisans Tent will be generously donating their art to benefit these charities. We hope that representatives from the charities will be available to answer questions and/or accept donations. See you on September 20th.

Farm-to-Table Event @ AKA Bistro: September 18
Meet Blue Heron Organic Farm's Ellery Kimball while enjoying a 4 course meal featuring delicious local produce and raising money for a greenhouse for the farm! Cost: $55/peron (+ tax and tip). Seatings are at 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Call AKA Bistro at (781) 259-9920 to make a reservation! For more information, visit the AKA Bistro website and this event link.

Earn a free ticket to The Big E

Mass Farmers Markets has a number of spots available for those who would like to volunteer and earn a free ticket to theThe Big E, the biggest agricultural fair in the Northeast! If you want to show your support for farmers' markets, are able to travel to West Springfield, MA this fall, and enjoy a classic country fair, this is the right opportunity for you. Mass Farmers Market staff and volunteers will be raising funds for their work supporting local farms and farmers markets by selling locally-made pot pies, raspberries and cranberry juice. For more information, contact MFM's Volunteer/Intern Drew Love.

Fall Fun at the Lexington Farmers' Market

2011-09-07T14:41:00.000-04:00

By Cindy Lewis:

The dogs days of summer may be waning, but Lexington Farmers’ Market (LFM) Co-Managers Lori Deliso and Martha Slone are gearing up for a fall season full of delicious fresh produce and fun-filled activities.

In fact, for many LFM veterans, fall is peak season for the Market, starting with the Tomato Festival on Sept. 6. Try samples of fresh-picked tomatoes served by town officials (disgruntled citizens should not get any ideas) and visit the Market Managers’ Tent, where Aloft and Element hotel staff will be mixing and serving their signature Virgin Mary. Or simply marvel at the gorgeous heirloom tomatoes, with names like “green zebra,” “Cherokee purple,” and “orange blossom.”

And if you’re still not enticed, go to the festival for the opportunity to win some cold, hard cash. John Addonizio of Eastern Bank, a Market sponsor, will offer each attendee two chances to open the “Treasure Chest.” Each person who succeeds wins $50. Count me in!

On Sept. 13 join landscape designer and consultant Seija Halva from 3-5 p.m. for a tour of exceptional and “farm-friendly” (i.e., goats and chickens welcome) Lexington gardens — all within a mile of the LFM. Bike, walk or catch a free shuttle from the Market to each site. The cost is $10 per person with a limit of 20 persons. Register in advance for these limited slots at lexingtonfarmersmarket.org or at the Market Managers’ Tent. Proceeds benefit the LFM and the Lexington Interfaith Garden.

Also on Sept. 13, Pamela Baker of the MSPCA will bring kittens and puppies to the Market with the hope of recruiting new foster families for the organization. The MSPCA does so much for all the cuddly cutie-pies out there without homes — let’s support them!

You’ll feel good about splurging at the Artisans’ Tent on Sept. 20, when Lexington resident Dan Palant, with support from the LFM, will host the second annual Crafts for Charity event. Items are donated by regional crafters and then sold at the LFM, with all proceeds to benefit Rosie’s Place and the Lexington Food Pantry. Thanks to the generosity of artisans and Market goers alike, last year’s event raised more than $2,200 to benefit food-based charities. In the event of rain, the event will take place on Sept. 27.

Also on Sept. 20, join local cookbook author and Globe food writer Deb Samuels, who will demonstrate how to make lunch — Japanese Bento style. With recipes from her new book, “My Japanese Table,” and ingredients from LFM farmers, Samuels, who has been “bonkers for Bento” for 25 years, will demonstrate how to bring life, color and balance to your kids’ lunches — complete with apple bunnies and octopus franks.

As for local culture, the LFM is pleased to be teaming with the Lexington Historical Society to raise money for the restoration of the Munroe Tavern, a town landmark with a rich history. On Oct. 11, the Society will be selling raffle tickets to win one of six chairs painted by local artists. The winners will be announced at a Nov. 19 celebration at the Depot, 6-8 p.m., complete with jazz, fine food and a live auction. Tickets are $50.

While it may be painful to think beyond these last warm days of summer, mark your calendars for the Thanksgiving Market, which will take place Nov. 22, noon-4 p.m., at Seasons Four. More information to follow.

See you at the Market!

Cindy Lewis is a Lexington resident and a Lexington Farmers’ Market volunteer.

Week 15 at the Market!

2011-09-06T21:19:00.001-04:00

The rain sprinkles down upon us once again. The clouds rolled in during the afternoon and kept a steady downpour all through the market. It put a little damper on our tomato festival but fear not. The tomato festival continues next week! Despite all the rain there were all kinds of tomato samples offered around the market.

We had a special tomato concoction from market manager Lori, she contributed a jug full of homemade gazpacho. The gazpacho were in little white cups. They were filled with a delicious mixture of vegetables and spices with a slight tang. After tasting the gazpacho you could have meandered slightly leftward to drink some bloody mary's prepared with the special recipe from Aloft and element hotels. While these cold tomato drinks really hit the spot, there were fresh tomatoes to try too! Both Busa and the Herb Farmacy offered samples of cherry tomatoes. There were many different types with different names. A few that I remember were the easiest to pick out such as black cherry and pear varieties. Busa had a special guest from one of our sponsors Boston Private slicing tomatoes. Karen Shaw enthusiastically chopped tomatoes for Busa customers for hours. Furthermore, some Lexington Selectman could be seen offering a sample tray filled with tomatoes from the Herb Farmacy.

Fall is well on its way. The following picture from Stillman Farms is photographic proof.

Come next week for even more tomatoes and cross your fingers for sunshine!

September 6th at the Market!

2011-09-06T12:22:00.002-04:00

Today is the 7th Annual Tomato Festival!

Back by popular demand, beverage team from aloft andelement hotels will be making an amazing surprise drink, made from local produce! Compliments of the Lexington Farmers' Market, and our sponsors, these tomato treats will be offered from the opening bell, at 2:00, while supplies last. Join volunteers & town selectmen at farmers' tents, helping market visitors sample fresh cut tomatoes from 2-4 p.m. Throughout the afternoon, farmers, vendors and Nourish Restaurant will be offering up special tomato treats for purchase.

And that's not all! Come to the Festival for the opportunity to win some cold, hard cash. Eastern Bank, will offer each Market attendee two chances to open the "Treasure Chest." Each person who succeeds wins $50. Enter our Market Raffle for a chance to win a spot at our upcoming Garden Tour!

Visiting Vendors:

Notting Hill Tea

small farm

Visiting Artisans:

Heather Pacheco, baby clothes

Stephanie Mason, cards

Peter Guilday, stained glass

Pam Newman, jewery

Entertainment:

Lex Symphony 2:00-4:00pm

Delvis Dulong 4:00-6:00pm

Earn a free ticket to The Big E

Mass Farmers Markets has a number of spots available for those who would like to volunteer and earn a free ticket to theThe Big E, the biggest agricultural fair in the Northeast!

If you want to show your support for farmers' markets, are able to travel to West Springfield, MA this fall, and enjoy a classic country fair, this is the right opportunity for you.

Mass Farmers Market staff and volunteers will be raising funds for their work supporting local farms and farmers markets by selling locally-made pot pies, raspberries and cranberry juice. For more information, contact MFM's Volunteer/Intern Drew Love.

Kids Cooking Green
Are you a 5th grader that loves to eat and cook? Do you want to learn more about local food? Do you like to plan parties? If so, you would enjoy Kids Cooking Green, a 5-week, after school cooking program at Hastings School. Class beings September 13. Registration is open, contact lori@kidscookinggreen.com

Save the Date!
Sept. 6: 7th Annual Lexington Farmer's Market Tomato Fest
Sept. 13: Fall LFM Garden tour. Register at the LFM website.

September 6: 7th Annual Tomato Festival

2011-09-01T21:14:00.001-04:00

by Suzie Yates

If I had to pick one thing out of the entire year to celebrate, it would be the heirloom tomato. Going to one of these festivals can change a person’s life. At their absolute best, tomatoes are the juiciest, most flavorful fruit imaginable, with notes that are tart, tangy, sweet, and acidic. However, to find these peak season plumpies, you have to trudge past most of the tomato market impostors and head to local farms; eighty percent of tomatoes available have been exposed to ethylene gas to ripen them artificially and make them “available” year round. Sure they look good in the supermarket, but you might as well be eating hydroponic Styrofoam with a good paint job.

True tomatoes – the ones that are not engineered and actually exist in nature – have a crazy range of color and vivid flavor to match. They grow in all different shapes, sizes, and firmness so that some are perfect for slicing and eating out of hand, while others are better for slow stewing and cooking down into sauce. Heirlooms are in their own exalted category, distinguished as native non-hybrids that open-pollinate (self-reproduce without human help, unlike hybrid seedlings.) They grow into the same plant year after year if you save seeds from the previous season’s crop. The other reason to seek out heirloom tomatoes is for the fun names: Brandywine, Cherokee Purple, Caspian Pink, Black Krim, Mortgage Lifter, Orange Blossom, Big Rainbow, and Green Zebra. As for more reliable hybrids, my favorite is the Sungold; it’s yellow and the sweetest thing you can find on a vine.

We’re approaching the end of tomato season, so it’s time to can what’s left in the garden or turn it into sauce.

Save the Date:

Whether you fancy them sassy in a salsa, sublime with basil or starring in a simple salad, tomatoes are the garden's late-summer celebrities. This year, the Lexington Farmers' Market is holding the annual festival to celebrate All Things Tomato, on September 6. Market sponsors, volunteers, and town selectmen will be at the farmers' tents helping market visitors sample fresh tomatoes from 2-4 p.m. Throughout the afternoon, farmers and vendors will be offering up special tomato treats for purchase.

Week 14 at the Market!

2011-08-30T20:25:00.000-04:00

The tropical storm Irene has passed us by and left sunshine in its wake. A couple of the farmers raise livestock or grow crops in eastern Mass. right in the path of the wild weather. Stillman's Farm for instance had trouble with the voracious wind with an appetite for corn destruction. It knocked down the stalks like they were.. well like they were stalks of corn! Rad Urban Farm's crops fared well in part because they are shielded by the houses all around them. However, the wind did snap a bunch of basil. Regardless of all the troubles and scares the farmers all had tons of produce! They brought some beautiful specimens of veggies that were nice and clean after the rainstorm gave them a nice shower.

There was no music this week but some of our sponsors came out to give consultations and show off their stuff. One tent was set up for a our sponsor United Solar Associates. They were answering questions about installing renewable energy sources on roofs and around homes. We were also joined by Mass Save, the Lexington Board of Health, and the Lexington Health Division.

One fruit I noticed all over the market was peaches. There were fresh peach smoothies from Sidehill Farm, and bins from multiple farmers were filled to the brim with fresh and beautiful peaches. Charlton Orchards was selling a huge basket of 22-25 pounds of peaches. They are a great snack! Especially because you can eat them seconds after having purchased them.

Peaches!

Fuzzy peaches from Charlton Orchards.

Honey Bear! Available for sale from the Bee guy.

Watermelon's yum!

Unique "Hen of the Woods" mushroom from Stillman's Farm

Stillman's Farm yummy green beans in many different varieties. Even purple!

School is starting and our summer high school volunteers are headed back to school. A big thank you to them and all their hard work making our market a great place to be for customers and farmers!

Farmer Spotlight: Laurelwood Farms

2011-08-29T21:20:00.000-04:00

by Al Sandberg and Cindy Lewis
This article was previously published in the Lexington Minuteman.

Al Sandberg, owner of Laurelwood Farms, Inc. Specialty Mushrooms, knew early on that he wanted to be a farmer. He spent summers on his family’s vegetable farm in Connecticut, where he became determined to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Sam.

He was particularly drawn to mushrooms. Says Al, “Of everything there is on this planet, these little guys can do so much. Mushrooms can turn plants in to soil, feed the hungry, heal the sick and remediate environmental mishaps. It’s amazing really.”

Al started out in business with a small construction company, hoping to one day generate enough money to purchase his own farm. After many years and a series of connections and breaks, Al purchased land in Paxton in 1997 for what would become Laurelwood Farms. Al recalls, “It took longer than expected, but I never stopped studying mycology. I was always thinking and planning for the future.”

Al wanted his mushroom business to be different from big commercial growers and conducted extensive research into the industry. Laurelwood Farms focuses on producing a high quality product for the local market. Al has developed many of his own mushroom strains, combining the best in flavor, texture and color in order to bring to market a product that is truly superior. Al also believes in the personal approach he brings to his business. “I visit our customers weekly and get really good feedback. The chefs get to talk directly with the grower, which makes for a real personal way of doing business.”

Laurelwood Farms produces a variety of seasonally available mushrooms, including blue and golden oyster,

shitake, king and elm oyster, maitake, and chicken of the woods. The mushrooms are grown on straw and wood in a light and temperature controlled greenhouse. No chemicals or pesticides are used in their production. This means that they have a clean mushroom flavor and need little preparation prior to eating.

Laurelwood Farms mushrooms can be used in virtually any recipe calling for mushrooms, but are especially good roasted, sautéed, added to pasta dishes, vegetable sautés or soups. In addition to their culinary uses, mushrooms have numerous medicinal benefits and are well known in Chinese medicine as a natural cholesterol reducer. Oyster mushrooms are high in riboflavin and niacin and a good source of thiamin, folate, potassium and B6.

Visit the the Laurelwood Farms booth at the Lexington Farmers’ Market, where Al’s wife Kerri is there to offer tips on cooking with mushrooms, recipes and occasionally some very fresh eggs from their small flock of hens. Says Kerri, “I like being at the market and meeting so many interesting people. I love to cook and have collected many mushroom recipes over the years. I enjoy sharing my recipes and learning about the many creative ways customers are preparing our product.”

August 30th at the Market

2011-08-29T20:55:00.000-04:00

Here is what to look forward to tomorrow at the Lexington Farmers' Market!

Vendors:
On the Edge Knife Sharpening
Bakers Bloom
Rad Urban Farmer

Artisans:
Trish Kozub, jewelry
Deb McFail, jewelry
Sheilagh Flynn, ceramics
Victoria Johnson, soap

Entertainment:
2:3 pm: Alex Lehar on guitar

Activities at the Market:
Health Day at the Market
Lexington Health Division and Lexington Board of Health will have a tent at tomorrow's market! Stop by for a blood pressure reading, or pick up some free health education literature. A limited number of embroidered Farmer's Market tote bags will also be available.

United Solar Associates
Bring your questions to the market and talk with owner Dan McGrath of United Solar Associates. Solar Power Associates is a family owned business, specializing in residential and commercial solar photovoltaic, hybrid solar, and thermal solar systems. They are also a wonderful sponsor of the Lexington Farmers' Market!

Mass Save
The Mass Save program provides most Massachusetts residents with no-cost home energy assessments and substantial rebates on weatherization, as well as immediate energy saving measures like free CFL light bulbs. Next Step Living is the largest home performance contractor working under the Mass Save program providing these services. In order to assist Sustainable Lexington in their efforts to reduce energy use by 20%, we have partnered with them to provide outreach assistance and Mass Save services for Lexington residents. Travis Estes, the Community Program Manager working with the City of Lexington will be at the market tomorrow.

Earn a free ticket to The Big E

Mass Farmers Markets has a number of spots available for those who would like to volunteer and earn a free ticket to theThe Big E, the biggest agricultural fair in the Northeast!

If you want to show your support for farmers' markets, are able to travel to West Springfield, MA this fall, and enjoy a classic country fair, this is the right opportunity for you.

Save the Date!
Sept. 6: 7th Annual Lexington Farmer's Market Tomato Fest
Sept. 13: Fall LFM Garden tour. Register at the LFM website.

Week 13 at the Market!

2011-08-24T18:06:00.002-04:00

It feels as though the summer sun is setting and that autumn has begun. It may be a little early for fall, but this weeks market was perfect weather. It was sunny and warm with a cool breeze. It never felt much higher than 75 degrees. It was a great turnout with tons of people coming and going and excellent music throughout.

Market Manager Martha and her Armenian Cucumber necklace

We had what amounted to a mini concert. Four separate instruments all being played by seasoned veterans of all things musical. The crowd was especially large and attentive. Wide eyed children watched these musicians in awe as they passed by. They were so entranced they forgot to look in front of them. I'm surprised there weren't more collisions!

This year the farmers have done a superb job at creating beautiful produce. This is my first year at the market so I can't be sure of how large these vegetables normally get. I was astonished at the behemoth bell peppers and 2 and a half feet cucumbers. Tomatoes the size of softballs sat plump and satisfied on their tables. Come to the market next Tuesday and take advantage of the amazing produce!!

Below is a spotlight on small farm. They always have beautiful flowers and lovely produce. See their purple peppers below! Yummy!

August 23rd at the Market!

2011-08-22T20:35:00.002-04:00

It's Farmers' Market Week! Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has named August 21-27th Farmers' Market Week in Massachusetts. Come on out tomorrow to support your local Farmers' Market! Read the press release on the Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs website!.

Visiting Vendors:

Notting Hill Tea

Burnin' Love Sauces - they will be here every week from now on

Fastachi Nuts

small farm

Sprouted Raw Foods

Artisans:

Erin Moran, ceramics

Sarah Minor, floor cloths

Diane Page, jewelry

Meghan Rooney, jewelry

Entertainment:

Tim Rowell, the Real School of Music

3:30-5:30

Earn a free ticket to The Big E

Mass Farmers Markets has a number of spots available for those who would like to volunteer and earn a free ticket to theThe Big E, the biggest agricultural fair in the Northeast!

If you want to show your support for farmers' markets, are able to travel to West Springfield, MA this fall, and enjoy a classic country fair, this is the right opportunity for you.

Non-Profit Tent
Janet Kern of LexFarm will be at the market on Tuesday to talk about community farming and the community farm proposal for the Busa Farm property

Save the Date!
Sept. 6: 7th Annual Lexington Farmer's Market Tomato Fest
Sept. 13: Fall LFM Garden tour. Register at the LFM website.

Farmer Spotlight: Cricket Creek

2011-08-21T22:17:00.000-04:00

Cricket Creek Farm is located in Williamstown, Mass., in the shadows of the Berkshires. In the past, they have contained their market to their local Farmers’ Markets. But this year they decided to try something new. They expanded all the way to the Boston area, bringing their wonderful cheese to the Somerville and Harvard markets, in addition to Lexington. Cricket Creek Farm offers a selection of aged and fresh cheese in tasty varieties! Aged cheese include Maggie’s Round and Tobasi (my favorite!), which are creamy and delicious. The fresh varieties are Garlic & Herb, Sundried Tomato & Olive, Herbs de Provence, Lavender & Honey, and Plain. These delicious cheeses are great on crackers, bread, in salads, or sprinkled on a scrambled egg.
Next Tuesday stop by the Lexington Farmers’ Market and visit Cricket Creek Farm's tent. Sarah, the regional representative, is always dutifully sitting at her station. She is eager and willing to give each and every passerby a sample of the different cheeses. Not only does she provide samples, but she also is a wealth of information on the cheeses. She knows about their tastes and ways to utilize them in recipes. Similarly, she knows a bunch about the cows themselves.

While picking Sarah’s brain for information we learned all about the cows and the beautiful home in which they live. The forty cows on the farm are grass fed and roam freely across the 500 acre former corn pasture. If you want to see pictures stop by the booth to see the cows and the beautiful green countryside. It will undoubtedly make you wish were there with the cows, traveling the grassy fields.
In addition to Farmers’ Markets they sell their products at grocery stores throughout Massachusetts, and are served at many restaurants. Stop on by and grab a sample the next time you’re at the market. Cricket Creek Farm will be there every week throughout the end of the season.

Week 12 at the Market!

2011-08-17T10:27:00.001-04:00

After a rainy weekend the weather decided we had enough rain. It let New England enjoy the cool weather without the torrential downpour. The market was busy with instructional exhibitions of pigs and chickens and lobsters oh my! The music was spectacular as usual!

We had an entire band playing music. It was complete with singer, guitar, violin and what appears to be a cello! They played lots of fun music. There were a couple songs I recognized, some I did not. They were all pleasant on the ears.

Occasionally while wandering the market, a screaming pig could be heard. It was loud! A little piglet with a fearsome personality let people know he wanted to be set free to explore the market. His handler had a good grip on him; she watched him like a hawk.

While some kids were learning about farm animals, others were actually running a booth at the market. They had yummy treats, recipe cards, even little food figurines for auction. These miniature creations were exquisite in their detail. Made by an expert, Brett. She can be seen on the far left in the picture below with the curly hair. She has been creating art like these for two years and whipped up these creations " earlier today."

All and all a fun day, where even the sun came out to play. Below are some beautiful behemoth tomatoes from Busa and interesting squash from Flats Mentor Farm.

Week 11 at the Market!

2011-08-09T22:18:00.001-04:00

After two weeks of lightning and rain splashing down around us we finally had a day off. Only a few sprinkles of rain came down upon the tents as the farmers packed up their goods. The sun came out briefly before hiding away behind clouds for the rest of the market. It was not quite a toasty warm or a frigid freeze. It was just barely cool enough for goosebumps (our market manager Martha's favorite weather). Tons of people poured in to buy up their veggies early in case the rain came. It was a busy day with farmers selling out left and right.

The special event of the day was t-shirt coloring! We had blank yellow t-shirts and special t-shirt crayons to create art upon these blank wearable canvases. Two of our high school volunteers, Holly and Valerie, ran the booth while creating artwork of their own. The picture below shows off the hard work of Holly. They are both talented artists, who worked very hard helping children make creative designs on t-shirts. All the proceeds went to supporting the farmers market.

The musical talent this week were Eric Eid-Reiner on piano and Jon Cannon on the fiddle. Every time I looked towards the musicians tent there were children dancing in circles to the charismatic music. They even had some original music created by Eric.

A bin of fresh onions from Stillmans Farm

Chocolate sample from Taza Chocolate

A beautiful baked sugar cookie from Goodies

August 9th at the Market!

2011-08-08T14:48:00.000-04:00

Artisans:

Erin Moran (ceramics)

Nine Brandon Jones (jewelry)

Lily Baddour (jewelry)

Christine Kildore (soap)

Design your own veggie T-shirt:

Come design your own t-shirt with your favorite local veggie! New shirts of various sizes and colors, and cloth markers provided. Cost of each shirt is $6.00. Recommended for kids of all ages!

Rad Urban Farms Bike Tour:

Sunday August 14th

Join LexFarm and Charlie Radoslovich of Rad Urban Farmers as we take a bike tour of several of his micro-farm plots in area backyards. Learn what a micro-farm is and why it works so well in an urban/suburban setting. See the different garden styles used and learn why different produce is placed in each plot. This leisurely bike tour will follow an easy route, making it appropriate for all levels of biking ability. We will complete a full loop for those who need to drive to the start. The tour is free and space is limited,

so sign up early!

Stick around after the tour for the LexFarm Members Potluck and learn about the organization and what we do. Let us know you're coming online at

RSVP LexFarm Potluck

Entertainment:

Eric Eid-Reiner on keyboard

One World, Many Stories:

Presented by Kids Cooking Green and Cary Library

Fun and Free!

Tuesday, August 16th

Pre-registration is required

On August 16, kids entering Grades 3-6 (and their parents) are invited to participate in a market workshop. Did you know lobsters were once used as fertilizer for the garden and thought to be ""food for the poor"? Carolyn, from C & C Lobster, will show us a live lobster and teach us how it chews its food. Farmer Kim of Chestnut Farms will share stories about her farm and how the health of her grass, affects the health of her animals. Learn what solar tea is, and sample a cup made by Flora Restaurant. Complete your tour at LFM with a complimentary $2 coupon to be used as cash to purchase a healthy snack! Don't miss the fun! This event is free (funded by Friends of CARY LIBRARY) but pre-registration is required and begins Monday August 8th at 7 pm through the Calendar of EVENTS on the Cary Website www.carylibrary.org or by phone beginning at 7:30 p.m., by calling 781 862 6288 X 170. Event is held under the market managers tent at the Lexington Farmers Market from 4:00-5:00 and is limited to 20 children, with a parent.

Fall LFM Garden Tour:

Registration is now open for the Lexington Farmers' Market Garden Tour on Tuesday, Septemebr 13 with Seila Halva. Check here for more information.

Kids - Eat In-Act Out!

Pre-registration is now open

Do you like to cook and eat? Would you like to learn more about eating locally and why it is so important? If so, join other kids for a cooking workshop and plan a festival day at the Lexington Farmers' Market called Eat In-Act Out! Here's how it works: If you are a kid between the ages of 7-14, sign up to help us cook with farm fresh local ingredients, and make posters on Sunday, August 14 from 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. (lunch included)

Cooking Workshop held at the kitchen of:

Community Nursery School
2325 Masachusetts Ave
Lexington, Mass

Then, come to the Market on Tuesday, August 16, decorate the tent, serve the food you made, and talk to the public about how important local food is!

Come for one day of fun, or for both.
Pre-registration is required. Please contact Lori@KidsCookingGreen.com or (617) 212 2820 for more information. We are asking for a donation of $8 per child to participate in this two-day event. Pre-registration is required.

Week 10 at the market!

2011-08-02T22:29:00.001-04:00

What an eventful day at the market. We have had some severely bad luck with the weather the past few weeks. After some bright hot sunshine, clouds rolled through and sent people running for cover. An unfortunate flash of lightning and a crash of thunder ended the market early today. Then a torrential downpour kept it gone. The hustle and bustle of a crowded market turned into crowded tents in just a few moments (see the picture above).

Most were not prepared with the proper equipment. By 'most' of course I mean me and by 'equipment' I mean an umbrella. I was soaked to the bone! The photo on the left shows the beekeeper removing water pools from the top of the tent.

Before the markets untimely close, the farmers pulled out their star produce. The pleasant weather we've been having turned out some beautiful fruits and veggies. If you are looking for squash or cucumbers or eggplant they were especially plentiful today. Charlie the Rad Urban Farmer had a whole bin of large pickling cucumbers.

We brought home some interesting food today. For the first time we had Nella pasta... and it was really really good. We had their famous herb linguine with tomatoes we chopped from Charlton Orchards and basil from Stillman's Farm. Add a little olive oil and fresh garlic and suddenly our meal comes to life.

Below are a few pictures of delightful wares that were available today.

August 2nd at the Market!

2011-08-01T15:03:00.000-04:00

Check out what to look forward to tomorrow the Lexington Farmers' Market!

It's Bike to Market Day! Friends of the Lexington Bikeways and Ride.Studio.Cafe will host a bike corral, offering $2 gift coupon to the first 30 cyclists to check in on Tuesday! Bike in on the Minuteman Bike Path and pick up some great local produce. Ride.Studio.Cafe will also be passing out coffee coupobs to be redeemed at Ride.Studio!

Artisans:

Artisans: Allison Comeau (soap), Pat Walton (silver chimes), Sheilagh Flynn (ceramics), Rebecca Schreiber (paper)

Entertainment: Come enjoy a feast for the ears!

3:30-5:30pm Tim Rowel: Real School of Music 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Tim Rowell plays banjo and directs the Traditional Music Project at the Real School of Music in Burlington, MA. The original rock band in the late 1800's consisted of banjo and fiddle. Tim will join together with local music teachers and musicians to bring you the greatest hits from the 1880's.You'll see and hear banjo and fiddle and maybe even some guitar, mandolin and ukulele!

Non-Profit Tent

Join New Entry Sustainable Farm Project for its Annual Open Farms Tour

Thursday, August 4 (Rain or Shine!)

4:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Starting at Ogonowski Memorial Fields, 126 Jones Ave., Dracut, MA; bus service to two other incubator training farms in Dracut. Free, donations welcome!

Whether you are a CSA member, a friend of New Entry or a neighbor who is curious - this is your chance to meet the farmers who grow food for you and your community! Tour the fertile farm fields with new farmers and staff to learn about our beginning farmer training program, our farmland preservation efforts, and how these new farmers put all the pieces together to grow such delicious food for their community. Then taste appetizers made with locally grown produce.

Kids - Eat In-Act Out!

Pre-registration is now open

Do you like to cook and eat? Would you like to learn more about eating locally and why it is so important? If so, join other kids for a cooking workshop and plan a festival day at the Lexington Farmers' Market called Eat In-Act Out! Here's how it works: If you are a kid between the ages of 7-14, sign up to help us cook with farm fresh local ingredients, and make posters on Sunday, August 14 from 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. (lunch included)

Cooking Workshop held at the kitchen of:

Hope to see you there!

Week 9 at the Market!

2011-07-27T21:54:00.001-04:00

We had an exciting Farmer's market this week. Not only were there extreme weather warnings and the cascading cacophony of roaring thunder, but we also had new vendors! The market manager made the decision to close a half hour early due to the severity of the storm warnings. Before the deep dark rainclouds completely eclipsed the sun the day was beautiful and bright. The sun was shining and people were dressed in shorts. It was one of the biggest turnouts yet despite closing early.

The first thing that caught my eyes when I arrive at the market were the crates, full to the brim with apples and peaches, adjacent to large jars of honey and fascinating pollen. Little sticks of fresh local honey were available for a quarter a stick and it was worth every penny (learn more at Red Apple Farms).

The entertainment of the evening was delightful fiddle and banjo music from Tim Rowell (Real School of Music) and other local music teachers. The market manager Martha could be seen occasionally dancing to the tunes. It was very appropriate music for the market and very interesting to watch. The fiddle and banjo were popular and widespread in historical Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Farmers' Market representative Alison Dagger was set up at a booth this week educating locals on how they can help support their market and markets all over Massachusetts. By giving a donation you can become a member. There is even an option to send a portion of your donation to a market of your choice (that is part of MFM). www.massfarmersmarket.com

July 26th at the Market

2011-07-25T23:36:00.000-04:00

Check out what to look forward to tomorrow the Lexington Farmers' Market!

New Vendors:

- Red Apple Farm

- Sprouted Raw Foods

Visiting Vendors and Artisans:

- Burnin' Love Sauces

- Fastachi Nuts

- On the Edge Knife Sharpening

- small farm

- Four new artisans: Rich Simons (tie dye), Deb MacFail and Pam Newman (jewelry), Connie Barbour (paper)

Entertainment: Come enjoy a feast for the ears!

3:30-5:30pm Tim Rowel: Real School of Music 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Hope to see you there!

Seasonal Produce

2011-07-24T12:38:00.000-04:00

My anticipation builds each week while farmers unload their trucks, as I wonder what will they be featuring. In the New England climate, the selection of produce available from farmers varies weekly. As the weather this summer has brought us a mix of heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, and relentless sun, the farmers face the challenge of harvesting enough produce to meet demand. However, as we move further into the season, we are able to experience the joys of numerous fruits and vegetables. Watching the produce change reminds us once again of the difficulties inherent to farming. Many of the farmers rely on the weather from day to day to grow their crops. Stillman Farms for instance had a rough start to the growing season. The heavy rains drowned some of their plants leaving only a bit for the beginning of the market. Things are back to favorable conditions and the sun is shining bright. I can't wait to see what grows from all this summer weather!

We started with strawberries, moved into cherries and raspberries, and now have blueberries! Sidehill Farms, which brings yogurt to the market, also quenches the thirst of marketgoers with yummy smoothies made with seasonal produce. This week they brought blueberries, and peaches are the next flavor to be featured. Nella Pasta will also be switching up their recipes as the seasons change. Their stuffed ravioli come in twelve varieties, depending on the time of year. They buy all of their produce locally, picking up seasonal vegetables at different markets they attend each week. Thus as the available vegetables change, so do their pasta varieties. Leigh (founder of Nella Pasta) said that summer favorites include the Fresh Corn, Caramelized Onion, and Thyme Ravioli as well as the Roasted Red Pepper, Goat Cheese, and Chive - both of which will be coming soon! As of now, they are taking advantage of beets, zucchini, and tomatoes. Each week they will bring a new type, and each week I stop by for a taste of the new filling. These are just two stories from the vendors at the Lexington Farmers’ Market, but each farmer faces the challenge of bringing enough produce to meet demand while dealing with what nature has provided. For a shopper at the market such as myself, I enjoy the opportunity to learn more about different types of fruits and vegetables as new ones are introduced each week!

If you’d like to plan your meal prior to coming to the market, there are a variety of resources which can help predict what will be available at the market. Many of our vendors have Facebook pages, websites, or blogs which they update regularly with what they will be bringing to each market. Via the Lexington Farmers’ Market Facebook page, you can direct yourself to individual vendor pages. Another great resource is the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Lastly, this wonderful chart describes the availability of produce in Massachusetts.
http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/docs/availability-chart.pdf

Next time you’re at the market, take a look at some of the seasonal produce and try something new! You never know what you may fall in love with! And keep reading our blog and the Lexington Farmers’ Market newsletter, we try to feature some of the seasonal items available.

Week 8 at the market!

2011-07-20T22:11:00.000-04:00

The market was a tad toasty last Tuesday. While a heat wave swept through the rest of the nation, Lexington didn't feel overwhelmingly warm. Sitting in the shade under a tree or a tent made the heat recede into a subtle warmth. Market visitors flooded the market regardless of the high temperatures. I watched as the fresh berries, fish, and mushrooms flew off the shelves.

There were plenty of new produce to purchase this week at the market. There were ears of corn, eggplants, blackberries, peppers and plenty of varieties of leafy greens. If you want berries like the blackberries or raspberries, then you must arrive early. Customers seeking a sweet midday snack popped them in their mouths as they shopped the market. You can read more about seasonal availability in an article to be posted later this week.

The musical guests Glenn Dickson and Vivian Montgomery came to play in the hot sun once again. They were there for many hours working hard. If you have a moment to stop and thank the musicians for their skill and endurance during our market, I am sure it would be much appreciated. On another note, a big thank you to Dunkin' Donuts for permitting us to use their facilities all market long.

July 19th at the Market

2011-07-18T22:23:00.000-04:00

Check out what to look forward to tomorrow the Lexington Farmers' Market!

New Vendors:

- Flats Mentor Farm

- small farm

- Sprouted Raw Foods

Visiting Vendors and Artisans:

- Burnin' Love Sauces

- Fastachi Nuts

- Four new artisans: Erin Moran (ceramics), Karol Peralta and Diane Page (jewelry), Heather Pacheco (baby clothes)

Entertainment: Come enjoy a feast for the ears!

3:00pm Vivian Montgomery, Glenn Dickson, Abby: A mix of klezmer and jazz with an accordion and clarinet

Hope to see you there!

Farmer Profile: Coastal Vineyards

2011-07-15T22:13:00.002-04:00

In 2004, Dave and Linda Neilson converted an old corn field into grape vineyards, which is where Coastal Vineyards’ history begins. They are a recent entry into the world of wineries having only started bottling wine in 2008. After starting out offering wine tastings to visitors they started attending farmers markets. They currently visit four to five Farmers’ Markets a week due to new legislation passed in the state last year allowing wine to be sold in market settings. The new venue for Coastal Vineyards has proven to be very successful since they can bring the delight of New England wine to visitors far from their South Dartmouth winery. Shopper favorites include the vintage Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, both of which are almost sold out. These are classic wines which satisfy a wide palette, allowing them to be served as a single glass of wine, alongside a delicious meal, or within a savory sauce. In August they hope to bring more sweet wines to the market, the result of a sweeter crop of grapes purchased from a nearby farm in Dartmouth. They will also be bringing red wines within the next few weeks. Coastal Vineyards have also placed themselves on the Coastal New England Wine Trail, which has increased the amount of visitors to their tasting room. Furthermore, they recently partnered with the online coupon company LivingSocial to provide a “Two for One” tasting coupon. This helped expand their presence in Massachusetts and has allowed this small company to be embraced within the community. Especially here at the market bringing wonderful wine into the homes of Lexington residents.

The climate of New England, especially in comparison to California and Italy where wine makers thrive, has made this endeavor an adventure and a struggle for the Neilson family. When the sun beats too steadily, the rain falls to infrequently, the grapes are inundated too much or the frost arrives too early can all affect grape production. Each year the number of barrels produced and varieties available changes for this reason. Regardless of these challenges Coastal Vineyards continues to grow as a New England winery among over 30 vineyards in Massachusetts. Most of all, they love the surprised and enthusiastic response they receive when market goers notice a wine booth (with free tasting!) at their local farmer’s market. But just like the farmer who provides greens and tomatoes, Coastal Vineyards plants, harvests, and produces all of their wine! They spend long hours in the field tending to the vines as well as many hours perfecting the recipes! Stop by next week to check out which varieties they will be bringing along! Also, for a great article mentioning Coastal Vineyards in Edible Boston, check out this link.

Week 7 at the Market!

2011-07-12T22:13:00.000-04:00

The air was thick from the humidity and the sun was relentless. We are in full summer now. While those of us who sit in the sun might frown at its declarative brightness, the farmers might smile as they think of all their yummy produce soaking up rays of sunshine. The farmers are dependent on the weather and beholden to their plants. The Herb Farmacy for example was noticeably absent. Their plants grew too quickly to leave unharvested.

The entertainment was lovely today. For a long time a pianist and a fiddler kept the marketgoers happy with steady music. Their music was both diverse and very skillfully played.

Once they had left the market the Lexington Youth Summer Theatre began a preview of their summer musical, "Bye Bye Birdie". They reminded me of glee as their voices filled the air. They will be performing at the Cary Hall July 21-23. For more information, visit the LYST website.

For those bicycle riders brave enough to ignore the temperature, Bike to Market Day provided them with coupons! A limited supply of $2 coupons awarded to anyone who biked to the market proved to be not quite so limited.

As a note, C & C Lobsters were not present. They had technical difficulties with transportation but intend to attend next week! Speaking of fish, I purchased Sockeye Salmon today. It was delicious. So delicious in fact that I have decided to provide a picture. Sockeye Salmon tends to cook a little bit faster than other varieties. I baked mine with an olive oil glaze at 375 degrees for 15-17 minutes. A little bit of cajun spices and a dash of black pepper were all it took to bake melt in your mouth fresh salmon from the Globe Fish Company.

Berries are in season now; below are some pictures of the exotic fruits available at the market on July 12th!

July 12th at the Market

2011-07-11T21:26:00.001-04:00

Check out what to look forward to tomorrow the Lexington Farmers' Market!

It's Bike to Market Day! Friends of the Lexington Bikeways and Ride Studio Cafe will host a bike corral, offering $2 gift coupon to the first 30 cyclists to check in on Tuesday! Bike in on the Minuteman Bike Path and pick up some great local produce.

New Vendors:

- Flats Mentor Farm

- small farm

Visiting Vendors and Artisans:

- Burnin' Love Sauces

- Fastachi Nuts

- Taza Chocolate

- Notting Hall Teas

- Four new artisans: Shayna Loeffler (fiber arts), Pat Walton (silver chimes), Meghan Rooney and Caroline Portillo (jewelry)

Entertainment: Come enjoy a feast for the ears!

2:00-3:30pm Eric Eid-Reiner (keyboard), Rachel Panitch (fiddle), and Eric McDonald (guitar and mandolin)

4:30-6:00pm "Put on a Happy Face" at the Lexington Farmers' Market on Tuesday, July 12th as Lexington Youth Summer Theatre (LYST) performs numbers from this year's musical "Bye, Bye, Birdie." LYST is a non-profit community youth theatre that gives young thespians a wonderful summer theatre experience while teaching them to give back. Proceeds from performances go to children's charities selected by the cast. In addition to performing, cast members host a bake sale, car wash, and raffle to raise funds. This year, they will even be auctioning off a guitar signed by Tom Schultz, lead guitarist of the band BOSTON!

To learn more about this auction and to support these talented actors, come to the Lexington Farmers' Market on July 12th between 4:30 and 6:00 with a show preview at 5:30 p.m. "Bye, Bye, Birdie" will be performed July 21 & 22 (7 p.m.) & July 23 (1 p.m.) at Cary Hall, Lexington. Tickets will be available for sale at the Lexington Farmers' Market or online at www.lexingtonyouthsummertheatre.org.

Week 6 at the Market!

2011-07-05T21:55:00.000-04:00

I just finished baking a behemoth one pound Cod fillet. The Globe Fish Company has outdone themselves once again. It never fails to be melt-in-your mouth delicious. I find that the very idea of fish that has never been frozen makes the fish taste better. It took about 25 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees, but note that it was an exceptionally thick fillet.

The goat farmer is the young lady in the black tank top, bottom right corner.

If you were out shopping for your Tuesday night dinner then you might have seen the kids! No I don't mean the adorably dressed children of market goers. I mean the kids, the name for baby goats. They were very cute, bleating and making noises that seemed too great for their tiny little bodies. A big thank you to Hale Schatz(author of If Buddha Came to Dinner), the farmer who protected the little goats from getting too scared. She raises the goats in her own backyard! With a special permit from the city she milks the goats.

In addition to kids and lots of information on raising goats there were, once again, musicians! We always seem to attract such musical talent. Farmers and shoppers alike were treated to a pleasant jazzy serenade from local musicians Vivian and Glenn (returning from last week) on the accordion and clarinet respectively.

Below are a few more pictures from today's market.

kids!

Bakers Bloom cookies, yum!

Rad Urban Farmers fresh radishes

Rustic Furniture

A sunny beautiful day

This Week at the Market: July 5th

2011-07-05T01:17:00.000-04:00

Check out what to look forward to tomorrow the Lexington Farmers' Market!

Visiting Vendors and Artisans:

- Puff! Sweet and Savory Tarts (they are now here for the rest of the season!)

- Fastachi Nuts

- Baker's Bloom Cookie

- Four new artisans: Maggie Furtak (ceramics), Louisa Wimberger (paper), Susan Rioff (rustic furniture)

Non-Profit Tent:

You've heard of backyard birds, but GOATS? Come meet the new kids and learn about keeping goats from Lexingtonian Halé Sofia Schatz, author of If the Buddha Came to Dinner. Class is limited to 20 human kids and a parent. Sign up with Lori@KidsCookingGreen.com, and meet under the Market Manager's tent at 4:00 p.m. FREE

Entertainment: Come enjoy a feast for the ears!

- Vivian Montgomery (accordian), Glenn Dickson, and Abby will provide wonderful jazz music 3:00 pm

Week 5 at the Market!

2011-06-28T21:59:00.003-04:00

What a fun day! Charlie of Rad Urban Farming had to work overtime to get to the market today. He drove his truck-farm to the market and biked all the way back home to get his produce stand and bike it the long way over to market. He was all set up just in time for the ringing of the bell that signals the opening of the Lexington Farmers' Market.

Education was the focus of today's market. The background music of clarinet and accordion were splendid. I have enjoyed the diversity of musical talent that comes through each week. Across from the music was the Kids Cooking Green supported by the Cary Library. They had various teachers starting with Liz Weiss. She mixed together a Rainbow Couscous salad filled with fresh veggies and herbs.

Lori offering radish samples while Liz chops!

They talked about the importance of eating a colorful plate of food and artificial colors don't count. They learned about whole grains and smelled various herbs from the Herb Farmacy. The picture below shows Rita explaining how to naturally flavor water with herbs and fruit.

Next comes the Truck-Farm's time in the spotlight. Charlie teaches us how to grow food and how simple it can be. For more information on Charlie and truck farming, read the previous post on the blog!

As summer continues on, the produce begins to change. We saw raspberries and cherries by the carton from Charlton Orchards and they are delicious! I am guilty of munching on them all through the farmers' market. Below are some vegetables that looked particularly good!

Kohl Rabi, unusual veggies!

Yummy cauliflower

Busa Broccoli!

Canadian Mint from Rad Urban Farmers

This Week at the Market: June 28th

2011-06-27T20:27:00.001-04:00

Check out what to look forward to tomorrow the Lexington Farmers' Market!

Special Event:
Kids Cooking Green and Cary Library welcome the Truck Farmer to the Market! One of our very own LFM farmers is Truck Farming! Farmer Charlie, of Rad Urban Farms has taken his Ford pickup and planted a micro farm in its bed! He will be one of 25 Truck Farms, scattered across the country this season, that will be traveling to under-served areas. The guys that produced the documentary King Corn planted one in their Dodge in Brooklyn, NY last year. They made another documentary growing produce in their truck and visiting other cool urban farm sites. Charlie is the Boston Truck Farmer this year. Come see the Truck Farm, talk with farmer Charlie hear more about what he is doing. This event is FREE, but donations are encouraged! More info here: http://www.truck-farm.com/

Non-profit tent:

On Tuesday, Cary Library & Lexington Farmers Market celebrate the Summer Reading Theme of One World Many Stories. Kids entering Grades 3-6 (and their parents) are invited to get to know your local farmers, & learn about the wonderful stories of what they do! Join Lori from Kids Cooking Green, and Ruth from Cary Library at the Market Manager's tent to meet and hear some interesting personal stories from farmers. Did you know that one farmer plants vegetables on his TRUCK? He decided to use his older Ford pick-up truck to plant a micro farm in its bed! Come hear his story! Or what about farmer Rita. She has a refrigerator full of ladybugs. Talk with Registered Dietician Liz Weiss about eating colorful local foods, and then tour the market with a complimentary $2 coupon! Don't miss the fun! This event is free, (funded by the friends of Cary). Event is held under the Market Manager's tent at the Lexington Farmers Market from 4:00-5:00 and is limited to 20 children, with a parent.

Visiting Vendors and Artisans:

- Puff! Sweet and Savory Tarts (they are now here for the rest of the season!)

- Elaine Chocolatiere

- Rad Urban Farmer

- On the Edge: Knife Sharpening

- Four new artisans: Allison Comeau-White (soap), Peter Guilday (soap), Pam Newman and Sue Schnepps (jewelry)

Entertainment: Come enjoy a feast for the ears!

- Ezra Morrison (jazz clarinet) and Vivian Montgomery (accordian), 2-4:00 pm

Farmer Spotlight: Charlie Radoslovich of Rad Urban Farming

2011-06-26T21:33:00.000-04:00

Food for Thought by Charlie Radoslovich

Lexington residents have always maintained that the first battle of the American Revolution began on their town’s green. Now 236 yrs. later, Lexington can boast about another revolution that is blossoming in the backyards of many residents who have answered the “call to forks,” a simple movement, promoting eating more greens to restore the health of the community. It is a way for citizens to reduce their carbon footprint while refueling their bodies.

What I do…I’m Charlie Radoslovich and I farm backyards in Lexington and Arlington. I install and maintain farms on underused properties throughout these same towns that have contributed to this rich history of our Nation. I am supported by those who want to honor our agrarian past, so that it will not disappear from our landscapes.

Why…I farm for family. I want my children to know that food is sacred. It connects us to our ancestors, literally with every bite. I farm for history, so that my children will be able to tell their stories to their children. I farm to be connected to nature and all its teachings. Lastly, I farm so others can.

Truck Farming? In addition to farming the land, farmer Charlie is one of 25 Truck Farmers scattered across the country this season. Farmer Charlie has taken his old Ford pickup truck and planed a micro farm in its bed! He will be bringing the truck to the Lexington farmers’ market on June 28. The guys that created the successful movie King Corn, planted a truck farm last year in their Dodge in Brooklyn, NY. They made another documentary about growing their truck and visiting other cool urban farm sites.

Join us for a one hour market workshop, called One World Many Stories, on June 28 4:00-5:00 (registration is required) for children entering grades 3-6 sponsored by Friends of Cary Library, where children and a parent can tour the market, climb up to see Charlie’s Truck farm and meet first hand other Lexington Farmers Market farmers. This event is free, (funded by the friends of Cary) Pre-registration is required and begins on Monday night, June 20 at 7:00 p.m.., through the Calendar of Events on the Cary Library website www.carylibrary.org or by phone beginning at 7:30 p.m., by calling 781 862 6288 X 170. Event is held under the market managers tent at the Lexington Farmers Market from 4:00-5:00 and is limited to 20 children, with a parent.

Week 4 at the Market!

2011-06-21T21:28:00.001-04:00

I put my coat back in the closet and brought back my sun shades because summer is finally here! Again. It was a beautiful day for the Farmers' Market. A few clouds intermittently blocked the sun and the breeze kept sweeping under the tents as if attempting to give us some respite from the heat of the bright sun.

While it seemed like the breeze and clouds were on our side, we also had two other amazing helpers. Mollie and her brother C.J. manned the water booth at the Market Managers tent. Offering cold water to those with parched throats and offering, for a charge, a special treat. Iced Strawberry Mint Water with a hint of lemon was a huge hit thanks to Mollie and C.J. Although I see a future for them in business, Molly aspires to be an equestrian and to ride competitively in college. C.J. on the other hand dreams of a career in either the NHL, the NBA, or both! See their smiling visage below along with their product!

The entertainment was quite a treat today. Alex on guitar played some beautiful acoustic melodies. Everyone seems to meander a little slower and breathe a little deeper with such lovely music. The hustle and bustle of the market filled gap between entertainers until the Liberty Bones took over. They paraded in with all their instruments zipped up in carrying bags. With the carefree ease of veteran trombone players they set up their semicircle under the entertainers tent. They started with a bang and brought with them some vibrant energy. A semicircle formed around their semicircle of children. All of whom were absolutely mesmerized by the music. Did you miss the music today? Have no fear, below is a sample from today just for you readers out there!

Finally, the produce was beautiful. It has clearly benefited from all the sunshine and rain we've had. Below are some pictures from today's market!

Globe Fish had a long line for a long time!

Some beautiful flowers from the Herb Farmacy

The dark red basil is a particular favorite of mine from the Herb Farmacy

Fastachi nuts on the left and live fresh lobsters on the right

The Liberty Bones at work!

Alex on guitar

Sesame Noodles from Flora (a hint of spicy makes this dish delish!)

This apple tart sitting next to smores are just a few yummy treats from Puff!

Stillmans Farm matching produce with flowers for a lovely display

Over a hundred crates and still sold out. Busa strawberries.

Busa tomatoes looking particularly good. Also sold out!

June 21st at the Market

2011-06-20T20:02:00.000-04:00

Check out what to look forward to tomorrow the Lexington Farmers' Market!

Visiting Vendors and Artisans:

- Puff! Sweet and Savory Tarts

- Bakers Bloom

- Fastachi Nuts

- Burnin' Love Sauces

- Rad Urban Farmer

- Four new artisans: Rebecca Schreiber (paper), Sheilagh Flynn (ceramics), Trish Kozub and Heather Hoffman (jewelry)

Special Events:

5:00 p.m. - Liberty Bones: Come enjoy a wide variety of music from Liberty Bones of Lexington, Massachusetts who put the trombone front and center!

Look forward to seeing some of our readers at the market tomorrow :)

What are all of our readers looking forward to tomorrow? Share in the comments!

Farmer Spotlight: Fran Busa

2011-06-19T19:36:00.000-04:00

If you have been to the Lexington Farmer’s Market then you’ve probably seen the F. Busa (boo-zuh) booth, often with a smiling Ally running it. F. Busa Farm has been with the market for years but their history goes back many more years. Fran Busa grew up with farming all around him. He is a tall figure, with a distinct jovial demeanor. He's always talking with someone or busy with some task. Even with all his hustle and bustle, if you want to ask about his produce just walk up and he will make time. If you want to know about the history of his farm simply pull up a chair and listen to genuine Italian storytelling technique. His family has been a fixture in Lexington for the last century. They have been farming in eastern Lexington since 1919. As a young man he was consistently assisting his family in the repair of their machinery. Eventually the gravity of farming was too hard to resist and he moved off the family farm to start a farm of his own.

Underestimating demand, their tables quickly emptied on day 1

Fran moved to a new farm on land owned by the National Park Service where he has been for the last 25-30 years. The National Park Service has been extremely supportive of farming. There are about 10 acres on the front side of F. Busa Farms that have been in cultivation since the 1700’s. A tradition that continues with Fran’s help. History and quality are at the very core of F. Busa Farms. Fran Busa practices Heirloom farming using methods he learned from his parents. Italian old world farming methods using crop rotation and old school tools. Most of the equipment he uses is ancient, the newest being a tractor from the 1950’s! Although he does not have organic certification, he doesn't use any pesticides and grows with organic methods.

Busa Greens!

The produce he grows are mostly basic staples. He tries not to bring in anything too exotic or too strange. Instead he brings in produce like kale, but not just plain kale. He brings in 8 different varieties. His intention is to provide produce that needs no explanation. The produce he sells could be used by anyone without having to convince them it is edible. Nonetheless ,he has lots of twists on the basics and they come in delicious colors and flavors. Tomatoes, Red Leaf Lettuce, and Strawberries have been prevalent in these beginning summer months. Look for more varieties as the seasons pass and the inclusion of beans and more greens. His produce always looks delicious. If you happen to fall prey to an impulse purchase of a shiny red tomato, just know...you’re not the first.

Week 3 at the Market!

2011-06-14T22:40:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful day in Lexington if a bit chilly. In order to stay comfortable I just had to dig out my jacket from the closet. I thought I could stow them away for the summer. The produce is not affected by gloomy weather, it is beautiful regardless! It looked so good, in fact, that I bought a whole bunch!

First I stopped by Laurelwood Farms and purchased some beautiful oyster mushrooms. I noticed some photogenic yellow ones that were on display. I was told they are are a hint of some of the mushrooms to come.

Then I walked fast paced to the next booth because left and right produce was flying off the tables! I arrived at Globe Fish Company and purchased some never frozen, beautiful, large Haddock fillets.

I was suddenly distracted by a cage being set up. Chickens had arrived!! Betsy Sarles brought two lively chickens to entertain the market denizens. In addition to the animal show, she answered questions about raising your own chickens.

Back on track I still needed some side items for a fresh local meal. I bought fresh red lettuce from Busa Farms while salivating over their brilliant red strawberries that were nearly sold out. Lastly, a little bread from Hi-Rise Bread Company, their house special.
I mixed it all together and made a meal of it!

Buried underneath the roasted oyster mushrooms and onions are two cajun-seasoned and baked Haddock Fillets. Share your ideas for Lexington Farmers' Market produce! Yum!

Barefoot Truth Concert Update

2011-06-13T22:10:00.001-04:00

This Friday, the Lexington Farmers' Market hosted Connecticut band Barefoot Truth at the Regent Theatre in Arlington. Thank you to everyone who came to enjoy the show and supporting the educational and outreach programs of the LFM. And a HUGE thank you to Barefoot Truth and local band Jeffrey Terrace for providing the spectators with an enjoyable and lively night. Learn more about the band by clicking here.

This Week at the Market

2011-06-13T19:07:00.003-04:00

Check out what to look forward to tomorrow the Lexington Farmers' Market!

It's Bike to Market Day! Friends of the Lexington Bikeways and Ride Studio Cafe will host a bike corral, offering $2 gift coupon to the first 40 cyclists to check in on Tuesday! Bike in on the Minuteman Bike Path and pick up some great local produce.

Visiting Vendors and Artisans:
- Burnin' Love Sauces
- Fastachi Nuts with a Father's Day special: Cranberry Nut Mix, Salted Cashews, and Salted Pistachios all in one package!
- Elaine Chocolatier
- Four new artisans: Deb MacFail, Stacey Coombs, Mrudula Ghone (all with jewelry) and Victoria Gray (fiber arts)

Special Events:
- Backyard Birds: Ever thought about raising your own chickens? Join Lexington Resident Betsy Sarles at 4:00pm for an informal discussion about the business of bird raising!

Look forward to seeing some of our readers at the market tomorrow :)

What are all of our readers looking forward to tomorrow? Share in the comments!

Get to Know Your Local Farmer: Nate Benjamin of Charlton Orchards

2011-06-12T15:26:00.001-04:00

Some kids aspire to be astronauts some paleontologists, Nate Benjamin however dreamed of being a farmer. Growing up on an apple orchard in Connecticut he fell in love with an honest days work. He purchased a farm of his own in the 1990s and got right to work. Charlton Orchards has been an essential part of the Lexington Farmers’ Market since 2005, playing an integral role in helping the LFM acquire the license to offer wine for purchase in 2011. Crafting his own wines from berries on his farm, Nate has been able to sell them alongside his fresh produce this season. Favorite varieties include Nate’s Hard Cider and Black Gold, a sweet blackberry wine. They will kindly offer a sample for the curious shopper! Last week the Charlton Orchard truck came stocked to the brim with tomatoes, strawberries, eggs, rhubarb, homemade cider donuts (my personal favorite!), and lettuce, much of which was picked earlier that day. This guaranteed freshness is what makes our local farmers so special and unique. In addition to attending five markets throughout the region, Charlton Orchards operates a farm store, which is open seven days a week. This weekend they started “Pick Your Own” strawberries, which will be followed by blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries as they ripen. Within the coming weeks, Nate will be adding zucchini and cucumbers to his selection. Nate is a familiar face to the Lexington Farmers’ Market and is always up for a vibrant conversation. It is great to be able to talk to the person who harvested my produce from start to finish, and to understand the entire process which goes into a single tomato harvest. Nate’s business is family owned and operated. To ensure the business operates optimally each member pursues a college degree in business. To learn more about Charlton Orchards, please visit their website!

Barefoot Truth Benefit Concert

2011-06-08T22:20:00.000-04:00

Come support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on Friday, June 10th at the Regent Theatre in Arlington. All proceeds will benefit the SNAP program at the Lexington Farmers' Market, which matches SNAP recipient vouchers. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $18 or through the Regent Theatre box office for $15 by clicking here. The doors open at 7, with the show beginning at 8pm! For more information about Barefoot Truth and the SNAP program, please visit the Lexington Farmers' Market website.

Week Two

2011-06-07T23:38:00.000-04:00

It's week #2 of the Lexington Farmers' Market. The warm weather was quite pleasant as shoppers browsed the vast selection of produce and homemade wares available. Some highlights include: strawberries brought out to the market for the first time by Charlton Orchards (but were quickly sold out!). Globe Fish sold a large selection of fresh fish, including blue fish, salmon, and halibut, which were widely popular. A newcomer to the market, Sidehill Farms, sampled and sold delicious yogurts and smoothies made on the spot from their solar powered blender. The fine artisans included jewelry, rustic furniture, and ceramics.

Globe Fish

Artisans Tent

Martha (Market Manager and Naturalist at Drumlin Farm) brought out the Audubon Ark and shared enlightening educational information with market visitors for the entire duration of the market. Look below to view some of her special friends :)

It was a great day in Lexington! Thank you to all who joined us this week, and we look forward to seeing you all again next Tuesday.

Making garden sticks to support Kids Cooking Green

Farming in Lincoln

2011-06-05T22:11:00.000-04:00

Ellery Kimball of Blue Heron Organic Farm is our guest contributor today, sharing the inspirational story behind her farming background. Ellery will be a guest panelist at the Brattle Theater showing of the documentary "Ingredients" on Tuesday, June 7th at 7pm. For more information about this event, please click here.

For more information about Blue Heron Organic Farm, please click here or visit their booth at the Lexington Farmers' Market each Tuesday.

Blue Heron Organic Farm at the Lexington Farmers' Market

Ellery Kimball

Farming in Lincoln

by Ellery Kimball

I grew up in Lincoln surrounded by conservation land. Our backyard bordered a large hayfield and acres of woods near Codman Farm. My mom, an environmentalist, and father often took my brother and I to the local farms, Drumlin and Codman, to see the animals. To me, as a child, farms meant chickens and goats, sheep and cows and baby pigs in April. Later, in high school, farmers were men who drove trucks and tractors and hayed the many fields of Lincoln. The only vegetable farms I knew of grew corn.

One afternoon, when I was 14 or so, I sat in the field behind our house, and watched two of Codman’s farmers hay the field. I was struck by the fact that the person driving the tractor was a woman. Ann was in her late twenties, and had a shaggy bowl haircut and a big trucker’s cap with chicken feathers sticking out of it. I thought she was the coolest person I had ever seen. It never occurred to me that women farmed and drove tractors. It wasn’t something I had seen before. “Dreamy Dave”, the farmer I thought was her husband, rode in the hay wagon catching and organizing the bales. That’s their job, I thought. And he’s letting her drive. That’s so cool. It turned out they weren’t married, just coworkers, but I liked the romantic idea of it.

I guess that’s when it started for me.

A few years later, in 1992, when I was a senior in High School, I took a photography class. We had to come up with a project. I decided to photograph farms. I was going to go to the farms of my childhood, Codman, Drumlin, but I ended up going to one farm only, the small organic farm located on conservation land near the railroad tracks in Lincoln, a half mile from my parent’s home. I never looked further. In fact, I am still there, farming. Blue Heron Organic Farm is the farm I started on this same parcel 8 years later.

When not working as a farm hand in the summer, I attended Prescott College in Arizona, and got a degree in Sustainable Agriculture with an emphasis in Ecology. When I graduated, in 1999, I decided to find a farm to work on out west and drove to California from Arizona visiting dozens of farms along the way. Nothing felt right. The feeling was similar to knowing you’d met your future husband and then dating others, knowing that no one else measured up. The field in Lincoln was the love of my life. No other farm even came close. I ended up working as a landscaper in Muir Beach California near Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center. In 2000, when I was 24 I flew home on a whim to see the fall foliage. I ran into my old boss on the farm and he surprised me by offering me the opportunity to finish his lease. He had bought land with his wife and was moving away. I didn’t hesitate. I said yes. I had never done greenhouse work, designed a crop plan, ran a business, or been a boss. I didn’t own a tractor, a greenhouse or a pitch fork. I had never had the stress of potential debt, the financial burden if I failed. I said yes, and I could see it, the farm I wanted to create. I knew I would call it Blue Heron Organic Farm, after my favorite bird and one that often flies over the field. It was October. I would have to start seed in a borrowed greenhouse in four months.

I flew back to California, packed my rusting Honda, said goodbye to friends and drove the long way back to Massachusetts, wondering if I had made a mistake.

Farming has fulfilled and challenged every part of me. It is spiritual, political, sustaining, basic, and fundamental. Its invigorating, community building, fun as heck and healthy and you get to eat your work! You get big muscles, a sarcastic sense of humor and an amazing farmer’s tan, the envy of everyone at the beach! I have developed wonderful relationships with interns and workers I have hired who have gone on to start their own farms. I have had long standing relationships with passionate chefs and have fallen in love with cooking and food preserving, food policy and the organic movement. I have set down roots in my home town, one of only a few from my class who stuck around.

I have developed such a strong, deep and fulfilling relationship with this field, a place, really, where all my best memories were made. Starting off as a barefoot, idealistic, romantic 17 year old, and now as a big leather boot wearing, romantic, more realistic business owner and farmer of 36.

I love when school groups come out to the farm and the kids squeal at the bugs and marvel at what a carrot looks like, or a potato plant yanked out of the ground with the rich smelling potatoes dangling magically before their eyes. It brings me right back to my first days and I can live it again through them, because it is an incredible work of magic, a miracle. Composting still intrigues and inspires me. You look at the field and see every move you made through the field, knowing nature moves faster, and you need to start over at dawn the next day.

I now know that farming is so much more than just raising livestock, that now most of the farmers I know are women, that peas grow in pods, that the sun rises and sets and there is never enough time. And what sleep feels like after a full, sunburned, achy, satisfying day.

Lexington Farmers' Market: Week One!

2011-06-01T23:18:00.000-04:00

The Farmer’s Market opened with a bang last Tuesday. It was a huge success! The weather decided to give us a break from the overwhelming streak of humidity and grace us with a warm sunny day. Temperatures stayed near the 70’s and if you were lounging under the shade of a nearby tree, you might have glimpsed the forecast for paradise. There were hundreds of people visiting the many vendors as if they were bouncing around in one big farm-themed pinball machine. Here and there people could be spotted sampling black bean salsa, various chocolate confections, smelling the fresh herbs or candles. The most common sight of all were gelato cups, delicious flavors were present some of which even sold out.

Above: Fresh Mushrooms from Laurelwood Farms, Inc.

Above: Fresh Kale from Busa Farms.

Occasionally the market hustle and bustle was silenced by groups of dedicated performers. Val Marcantonio and Dancers (Tap dancers), Lexington Fife and Drum (a youth fife group), Alex Lehar on guitar and the talented Jeweltone (a capello group from Temple Isaiah in Lexington). They set up near the managers tent where Martha and Lori could be seen buzzing around like busy bees keeping everything running, answering questions and having a grand old time. Below are some photos of the entertainers!

If you missed opening day, fear not! The Farmers' Market will be up and running again next Tuesday and the next and the next all the way until October. The produce featured is seasonal and some of the vendors will vary, keeping each Tuesday different than the last. If you want the full experience come to every one! Come early though, some vendors didn't bring enough of their crisp tasty veggies.

We Look forward to seeing you there next Tuesday!

Good Things to Know about the Lexington Farmers' Market!

2011-06-01T22:30:00.000-04:00

As the LFM’s 7^th season kicks off, here's this year's list of Good Things to Know about the Market:

By: Cindy Lewis

1. We’re local yokels. Plenty of great produce grows in New England, but bananas and oranges do not – so don’t look for them at the Market.

2. The Market can meet all your dinner needs. Sure, the produce is great, but you can also plan to shop at a variety of specialty food tents. This year's vendors will sell a range of meats and fish, prepared foods, baked goods, dips and sauces, cheeses, and desserts.

3. The LFM is a great place to shop for gifts. The Artisans Tent will house four talented artists each week who will sell a variety of locally-made crafts and art work. And in September, LFM will once again host a Crafts for Charity event sponsored by Dr. Dan Palant of Lexington Pediatrics.

4. Expect some vendor variety. In addition to those who rent weekly spaces, there are some vendors and farmers who participate in the Market on a less frequent basis. On Opening Day, bring your dulled kitchen knives or garden shears to Patti of On the Cutting Edge, who will be joining three other guest vendors selling chocolates, hand-decorated cookies, and roasted nuts.

5. Give the gift of Market freshness. LFM gift certificates, redeemable at any and all vendor and farmer tents, are available throughout the season at the Market Manager's Tent.

6. Volunteer at the LFM. There are many opportunities to help out at the Market, and LHS students who volunteer can receive community service hours. Interested individuals should contact Lori Deliso at lori@farmersmarket.org.

7. The Market is a happenin' place for folks of all ages and interests. There will be at least six festivals this season, weekly entertainment, and lots of activities for kids. New this year will be the Audubon Ark in June and a LFM-sponsored fall garden tour.

8. Sharing the seasonal bounty with those in need is a Market priority. Since its inception, the LFM has given more than $6000 to families in need. This year the Market will continue to double the purchasing power (up to $25) of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Plan (SNAP) recipients shopping at the LFM. On June 10th catch the rock/folk band Barefoot Truth at the Regent Theater in Arlington; proceeds will benefit SNAP and other Market outreach programs. See our website link below for more information.

9. Where there's a will, there's a way to the Market. For those of you who don't have the option of biking, walking and/or taking public transportation to the Market, you can find parking on Mass. Ave., Fletcher Ave. and in the Edison Lot adjacent to the bike path. Also, after 5 p.m. you can park in the lot behind the Market in vacated Town employee spaces.

See you at the Market!