Tag: Crystal Brook Farm

  • At the Market Report: What’s for Sale at Early Spring Farmers’ Markets

    Thanks to winter markets, wholesale customers, farm stands, and CSA's, we are seeing more ready to eat produce at early spring farmers' market. Here are some of what we saw at the Copley Farmers' Market during the past two weeks. 

    PC2_3544 - Version 22014-05-20-Asparagus-scallions- seinna Farm-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

    Organic asparagus and scallions from Siena Farms.

    PC2_3534 - Version 22014-05-20-rhubarb-Foppema’s Farm-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Rhubarb (above) and potatoes (below) from Foppema's Farm.

    PC2_3532 - Version 22014-05-20-potatoes-Foppema’s Farm-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino 

    And, there were some new vendors this year. 

    PC2_3507 - Version 22014-05-13-golden mushrooms-ri mushroom company-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino PC2_3508 - Version 22014-05-13-shitake-mushrooms-ri mushroom company-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    RI Mushroom Company had gorgeous, golden oyster and shiitake mushrooms. (Click on any photo for a larger view.)

    DSC_2038 - Version 22014-05-13-beef-river-rock-farm-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    River Rock Beef was on hand with their Grass Fed beef cuts. We bought a hanger steak.

    DSC_2053 - Version 22014-05-13-goat cheese-crystal-brook-farm-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino 

    And, of course, the specialty food folks were on hand with their wonderful products. From Crystal Brook Farm's goat cheese …

    DSC_2067 - Version 22014-05-13-fastachi-muts-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    … to Fastachi's selection of artisan roasted nuts and nut products. We're addicted to their roasted almonds.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd08744c970b-800wi

    Here's what we bought on opening day at Copley this year. On Friday, we arrived too late for tomatoes and cucumbers from Atlas Farm. They were sold out before we arrived. With early spring markets, it's good to arrive at opening if you're hoping for scare crops like those.

    Starters, Annuals, and Herb Plants, too!

    DSC_2077 - Version 22014-05-13-mints-herb-lycium-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Mint plants from Foppema's.

    DSC_2080 - Version 22014-05-13-sages-herb-lycium-copley-square-farmer-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1)

    Many sage varieties from the Herb Lyceum at Gilson's.

    Boston Public Market on the Greenway (North End)

    PC2_3562 - Version 22014-05-21tomatoes- greenway- Freitas Farm-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    We stopped by opening day of the new location for the former City Hall Farmers' Market. It is now called the The Boston Public Market on the Greenway and is located a few steps from the MBTA Haymarket Station in front of the building that will become The Boston Public Market. (Map)

    PC2_3559 - Version 22014-05-21tomatoes- greenway- Freitas Farm-© 2011 Penny Cherubino (1) 

    We may have missed out on tomatoes at Friday's Copley Square Market, but Freitas Farm had both medium salad tomatoes and the lovely baskets of cherry tomatoes shown above.

    Updates from Other Food Lovers:

    Here's a great photo report on the opening of the Union Square Market in Somerville from that great resource Somerville Beat.

    Here's a Boston Chowhound Conversation on Late May Farmers' Markets, Farm Stands, and CSAs

    Our Related Posts:

    Summer Farmers' Markets Opening Dates 2014

    Here are more of our Local Food/Farmers' Market posts.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • At The Market: Cheese from Local Farms

    20110707-160211-(market-scene)-(brookline-massachusetts)-(smith-farmstead-cheese)

    Artisan cheese is another reason to visit farmers' markets. 

    CHE_9541 - Version 22013-08-27-artistan-food-farmers-markets-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Cheesemakers like Smith's Farmstead Cheese, Narragansett Creamery, Crystal Brook FarmRuggles Hill CreameryFiore di Nonno, and Foxboro Cheese are among the cheese options you can find at Boston area farmers' markets. 

    DSC_8041 - Version 22013-09-03-artistan-food-farmers-markets-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Crystal Brook Farm offers a delightful goat cheese picnic lunch. The day we took this photo each bag included a container of their goat cheese with olive oil and herbs de Provence, french bread, trail mix, a plate, napkin, knife, and a dollar-off coupon for the next purchase. 

    In season right now!

    This is the height of the harvest season. The stone fruit selection is glorious, the vegetables overflow their bins, and you enjoy each bite knowing this-or-that will soon be gone.

    Get Some before it's gone! 

    Berries, stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes, and local honey – we've begun stockpiling our favorite from Foppema's Farm for winter.

    Coming Soon!

    Mums for fall planting, herbs for window sills, pumpkins, winter squash, late season apples.

    Follow all of our Local Food/Farmers' Market  and At The Market reports.

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At The Market: Cheese from Local Farms

    20110707-160211-(market-scene)-(brookline-massachusetts)-(smith-farmstead-cheese)

    Artisan cheese is another reason to visit farmers' markets. 

    CHE_9541 - Version 22013-08-27-artistan-food-farmers-markets-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Cheesemakers like Smith's Farmstead Cheese, Narragansett Creamery, Crystal Brook FarmRuggles Hill CreameryFiore di Nonno, and Foxboro Cheese are among the cheese options you can find at Boston area farmers' markets. 

    DSC_8041 - Version 22013-09-03-artistan-food-farmers-markets-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Crystal Brook Farm offers a delightful goat cheese picnic lunch. The day we took this photo each bag included a container of their goat cheese with olive oil and herbs de Provence, french bread, trail mix, a plate, napkin, knife, and a dollar-off coupon for the next purchase. 

    In season right now!

    This is the height of the harvest season. The stone fruit selection is glorious, the vegetables overflow their bins, and you enjoy each bite knowing this-or-that will soon be gone.

    Get Some before it's gone! 

    Berries, stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes, and local honey – we've begun stockpiling our favorite from Foppema's Farm for winter.

    Coming Soon!

    Mums for fall planting, herbs for window sills, pumpkins, winter squash, late season apples.

    Follow all of our Local Food/Farmers' Market  and At The Market reports.

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At The Market: Cheese from Local Farms

    20110707-160211-(market-scene)-(brookline-massachusetts)-(smith-farmstead-cheese)

    Artisan cheese is another reason to visit farmers' markets. 

    CHE_9541 - Version 22013-08-27-artistan-food-farmers-markets-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Cheesemakers like Smith's Farmstead Cheese, Narragansett Creamery, Crystal Brook FarmRuggles Hill CreameryFiore di Nonno, and Foxboro Cheese are among the cheese options you can find at Boston area farmers' markets. 

    DSC_8041 - Version 22013-09-03-artistan-food-farmers-markets-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Crystal Brook Farm offers a delightful goat cheese picnic lunch. The day we took this photo each bag included a container of their goat cheese with olive oil and herbs de Provence, french bread, trail mix, a plate, napkin, knife, and a dollar-off coupon for the next purchase. 

    In season right now!

    This is the height of the harvest season. The stone fruit selection is glorious, the vegetables overflow their bins, and you enjoy each bite knowing this-or-that will soon be gone.

    Get Some before it's gone! 

    Berries, stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes, and local honey – we've begun stockpiling our favorite from Foppema's Farm for winter.

    Coming Soon!

    Mums for fall planting, herbs for window sills, pumpkins, winter squash, late season apples.

    Follow all of our Local Food/Farmers' Market  and At The Market reports.

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At the Market: Fruit Is Popping up All Over!

    IMG_6653 - Version 22013-07-23-july-apples-keown-orchard-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    These July Red apples are among the first of the local, apple crop to pop up at the Foppema’s Farm (still known to some as Keown Orchards) stand at the Copley Square Farmers’ Market.

    Since we shop this market twice a week, we include many photos from this venue. However, many of the same vendors appear at other markets around the area and the same local crops will be in-season at most Massachusetts markets.

    IMG_6658 - Version 22013-07-23-plums-keown-orchard-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Stone Fruit like these plums plus some white and yellow peaches have also made their appearance.

    IMG_6651 - Version 22013-07-23-hamilton-blueberries-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, it is the height of blueberry and raspberry season. We bring our own berry containers to the market to transport these delicate beauties home in top condition.

    The Word from the Farms & Markets

    Peter Ward, Manager of the Central Square Farmers’ Market, broadcast this shout out after the heat wave. “…we thank customers who toughed it out and shopped during the prolonged heat wave. The Farmers Market stays open for business rain or, in this case shine. And a tip o’ the cap to the folks who picked crops, weeded and bailed hay back on the baked farm fields.”

    20110707-166528-(market-scene)-(cambridge-massachusetts)-(central-square) (squash-blossoms)

    (These particular squash blossoms were from Flats Mentor Farm.)

    Ben Sommer, Copley Square Farmers’ Market manager, said he bought, “… some very delicate squash blossoms from Siena Farms the other day. These ephemeral and fragile blooms can be best used stuffed with burrata from Fiore Di Nonno, or some fresh herbed Chevre from Crystal Brook Farm, then fried up, a great and easy appetizer.”

    DSC_6134 - Version 32013-07-09-stillmans-beets-greens-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino IMG_6660 - Version 22013-07-23-stillmans-new-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    This is the height of the summer season. The stands are full of the foods you’ll want to savor while they last. Field tomatoes, sweet corn, summer squash, blueberries, greens, new potatoes, onions, herbs, carrots, turnips, eggplant, peppers, cabbage, beets… The list goes on-and-on.

    Get Some Before It’s Gone!

    Barbara Hamilton of Hamilton Orchards tells us that we were seeing the last of her red currents and green gooseberries. Foppema said they are still picking red currents.

    Coming Soon!

    Our favorite Saturn Peaches are just a couple of week’s away. We’ll buy them by the bagful and eat them daily until their season wanes.

    IMG_6644 - Version 22013-07-23-copley-square-farmers-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Market Tip: If you are in a hurry and need to ask who has a specific item, stop by the Market Manager’s Table at your local market. The staff there can usually answer questions like this or they will know how to find out quickly.

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers’ Markets and At The Market reports:

    What’s on your Food Lover’s Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At the Market: Fruit Is Popping up All Over!

    IMG_6653 - Version 22013-07-23-july-apples-keown-orchard-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    These July Red apples are among the first of the local, apple crop to pop up at the Foppema’s Farm (still known to some as Keown Orchards) stand at the Copley Square Farmers’ Market.

    Since we shop this market twice a week, we include many photos from this venue. However, many of the same vendors appear at other markets around the area and the same local crops will be in-season at most Massachusetts markets.

    IMG_6658 - Version 22013-07-23-plums-keown-orchard-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Stone Fruit like these plums plus some white and yellow peaches have also made their appearance.

    IMG_6651 - Version 22013-07-23-hamilton-blueberries-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, it is the height of blueberry and raspberry season. We bring our own berry containers to the market to transport these delicate beauties home in top condition.

    The Word from the Farms & Markets

    Peter Ward, Manager of the Central Square Farmers’ Market, broadcast this shout out after the heat wave. “…we thank customers who toughed it out and shopped during the prolonged heat wave. The Farmers Market stays open for business rain or, in this case shine. And a tip o’ the cap to the folks who picked crops, weeded and bailed hay back on the baked farm fields.”

    20110707-166528-(market-scene)-(cambridge-massachusetts)-(central-square) (squash-blossoms)

    (These particular squash blossoms were from Flats Mentor Farm.)

    Ben Sommer, Copley Square Farmers’ Market manager, said he bought, “… some very delicate squash blossoms from Siena Farms the other day. These ephemeral and fragile blooms can be best used stuffed with burrata from Fiore Di Nonno, or some fresh herbed Chevre from Crystal Brook Farm, then fried up, a great and easy appetizer.”

    DSC_6134 - Version 32013-07-09-stillmans-beets-greens-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino IMG_6660 - Version 22013-07-23-stillmans-new-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    This is the height of the summer season. The stands are full of the foods you’ll want to savor while they last. Field tomatoes, sweet corn, summer squash, blueberries, greens, new potatoes, onions, herbs, carrots, turnips, eggplant, peppers, cabbage, beets… The list goes on-and-on.

    Get Some Before It’s Gone!

    Barbara Hamilton of Hamilton Orchards tells us that we were seeing the last of her red currents and green gooseberries. Foppema said they are still picking red currents.

    Coming Soon!

    Our favorite Saturn Peaches are just a couple of week’s away. We’ll buy them by the bagful and eat them daily until their season wanes.

    IMG_6644 - Version 22013-07-23-copley-square-farmers-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Market Tip: If you are in a hurry and need to ask who has a specific item, stop by the Market Manager’s Table at your local market. The staff there can usually answer questions like this or they will know how to find out quickly.

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers’ Markets and At The Market reports:

    What’s on your Food Lover’s Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At the Market: Fruit Is Popping up All Over!

    IMG_6653 - Version 22013-07-23-july-apples-keown-orchard-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    These July Red apples are among the first of the local, apple crop to pop up at the Foppema’s Farm (still known to some as Keown Orchards) stand at the Copley Square Farmers’ Market.

    Since we shop this market twice a week, we include many photos from this venue. However, many of the same vendors appear at other markets around the area and the same local crops will be in-season at most Massachusetts markets.

    IMG_6658 - Version 22013-07-23-plums-keown-orchard-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Stone Fruit like these plums plus some white and yellow peaches have also made their appearance.

    IMG_6651 - Version 22013-07-23-hamilton-blueberries-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, it is the height of blueberry and raspberry season. We bring our own berry containers to the market to transport these delicate beauties home in top condition.

    The Word from the Farms & Markets

    Peter Ward, Manager of the Central Square Farmers’ Market, broadcast this shout out after the heat wave. “…we thank customers who toughed it out and shopped during the prolonged heat wave. The Farmers Market stays open for business rain or, in this case shine. And a tip o’ the cap to the folks who picked crops, weeded and bailed hay back on the baked farm fields.”

    20110707-166528-(market-scene)-(cambridge-massachusetts)-(central-square) (squash-blossoms)

    (These particular squash blossoms were from Flats Mentor Farm.)

    Ben Sommer, Copley Square Farmers’ Market manager, said he bought, “… some very delicate squash blossoms from Siena Farms the other day. These ephemeral and fragile blooms can be best used stuffed with burrata from Fiore Di Nonno, or some fresh herbed Chevre from Crystal Brook Farm, then fried up, a great and easy appetizer.”

    DSC_6134 - Version 32013-07-09-stillmans-beets-greens-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino IMG_6660 - Version 22013-07-23-stillmans-new-potatoes-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    This is the height of the summer season. The stands are full of the foods you’ll want to savor while they last. Field tomatoes, sweet corn, summer squash, blueberries, greens, new potatoes, onions, herbs, carrots, turnips, eggplant, peppers, cabbage, beets… The list goes on-and-on.

    Get Some Before It’s Gone!

    Barbara Hamilton of Hamilton Orchards tells us that we were seeing the last of her red currents and green gooseberries. Foppema said they are still picking red currents.

    Coming Soon!

    Our favorite Saturn Peaches are just a couple of week’s away. We’ll buy them by the bagful and eat them daily until their season wanes.

    IMG_6644 - Version 22013-07-23-copley-square-farmers-market-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Market Tip: If you are in a hurry and need to ask who has a specific item, stop by the Market Manager’s Table at your local market. The staff there can usually answer questions like this or they will know how to find out quickly.

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers’ Markets and At The Market reports:

    What’s on your Food Lover’s Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers’ comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At The Market: Old Friends at Copley Square

    Our once or twice-a-week visits to the Copley Square Farmers' Market are a combination of shopping and chatting with old friends. Penny has been shopping at this market for more than twenty years and some of the stands we frequent have been there even longer. During the past few years, Ed has joined this wonderful community.

     CHE_8182 - Version 22013-06-21-crystal-brook-farm-goat-cheese- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Last week, Ann Starbard of Crystal Brook Farm and Penny chatted between customers and caught up on what's been happening in their city and farm lives. Over the years, Ann has added a great selection of flavors to her goat cheese selections.

    CHE_8177 - Version 22013-06-21-strawberries- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Rather than constantly adding more varieties, she tries to suggest matches with current seasonal products from other farms at the market. Last week, she was suggesting her chive cheese with the strawberries that were adding a deep, red pop to the market tables.

    We love to offer guests her ginger goat cheese with a fruit platter for snacking or dessert. Last weekend, we enjoyed it spread on an Iggy's baguette with a glass of rosé wine from the South of France.

    Cook's collage

    Ed and Poppy (our Westie puppy) often sit on a bench next to the Cook's Farm and Bakery stand while Penny backtracks through the market to purchase what we spotted on our initial walk around. Simeon Cook welcomes us and supplies Ed with the oatmeal raisin cookies that keep his sweet tooth under control. 

    This was a much better maple syrup season than last and Cook's has jugs of Grade B syrup on the stand. Penny loves the deep, rich flavor of Grade B syrup and it's one of the secrets of her meltingly delicious lamb shanks in chipotle sauce recipe.

    CHE_8173 - Version 22013-06-21-broccoli-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    CHE_8174 - Version 22013-06-21-peas- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Word from the Farms

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm said, "Cukes are not far off – cabbage, carrots, peppers, and eggplant too…" "What few plant starts are still making appearances at market will soon be put to rest – so take this opportunity to plant some basil in a window box – or slip some tomatoes in the ground for a late season treat!"

    Marshall's Farm tweeted, "Sweet Peas started last week and hopefully Green Beans are right behind them."

    CHE_8159 - Version 22013-06-21-cabbage-keown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    Foppema's Farm/Keown Orchards had the first cabbage we've seen this season. Time to make some cole slaw! They also have some of the best tasting honey we've had from any farm. It's our choice for our daily dose of local honey for allergy relief.

    Micro-Greens were at both the Atlas stand from Old Friends Farm and at Silverbook Farm. 

    Eggs, meat, and fish are always in-season and available at more markets.

    We also saw: strawberries, tatsoi, cut herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill), hakurei turnips, fennel, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic scrapes, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, radishes, beets, scallions, kolrabi, rhubarb, bok choi, chard, small onions with green tops, snap peas, sweet peas, herbs, hot house tomatoes, and honey. 

    Get Some Before It's Gone!

    Strawberries! Enjoy them now. Some farms lost a portion of their crops due to the rain in June. 

    Coming Soon!

    Blueberries and early raspberries – Barbara Hamilton from Hamilton Orchards hopes to have ripe berries around the Fourth of July. 

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At The Market: Old Friends at Copley Square

    Our once or twice-a-week visits to the Copley Square Farmers' Market are a combination of shopping and chatting with old friends. Penny has been shopping at this market for more than twenty years and some of the stands we frequent have been there even longer. During the past few years, Ed has joined this wonderful community.

     CHE_8182 - Version 22013-06-21-crystal-brook-farm-goat-cheese- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Last week, Ann Starbard of Crystal Brook Farm and Penny chatted between customers and caught up on what's been happening in their city and farm lives. Over the years, Ann has added a great selection of flavors to her goat cheese selections.

    CHE_8177 - Version 22013-06-21-strawberries- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Rather than constantly adding more varieties, she tries to suggest matches with current seasonal products from other farms at the market. Last week, she was suggesting her chive cheese with the strawberries that were adding a deep, red pop to the market tables.

    We love to offer guests her ginger goat cheese with a fruit platter for snacking or dessert. Last weekend, we enjoyed it spread on an Iggy's baguette with a glass of rosé wine from the South of France.

    Cook's collage

    Ed and Poppy (our Westie puppy) often sit on a bench next to the Cook's Farm and Bakery stand while Penny backtracks through the market to purchase what we spotted on our initial walk around. Simeon Cook welcomes us and supplies Ed with the oatmeal raisin cookies that keep his sweet tooth under control. 

    This was a much better maple syrup season than last and Cook's has jugs of Grade B syrup on the stand. Penny loves the deep, rich flavor of Grade B syrup and it's one of the secrets of her meltingly delicious lamb shanks in chipotle sauce recipe.

    CHE_8173 - Version 22013-06-21-broccoli-© 2011 Penny Cherubino  
    CHE_8174 - Version 22013-06-21-peas- © 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The Word from the Farms

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm said, "Cukes are not far off – cabbage, carrots, peppers, and eggplant too…" "What few plant starts are still making appearances at market will soon be put to rest – so take this opportunity to plant some basil in a window box – or slip some tomatoes in the ground for a late season treat!"

    Marshall's Farm tweeted, "Sweet Peas started last week and hopefully Green Beans are right behind them."

    CHE_8159 - Version 22013-06-21-cabbage-keown-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    In Season, Right Now!

    Foppema's Farm/Keown Orchards had the first cabbage we've seen this season. Time to make some cole slaw! They also have some of the best tasting honey we've had from any farm. It's our choice for our daily dose of local honey for allergy relief.

    Micro-Greens were at both the Atlas stand from Old Friends Farm and at Silverbook Farm. 

    Eggs, meat, and fish are always in-season and available at more markets.

    We also saw: strawberries, tatsoi, cut herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill), hakurei turnips, fennel, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic scrapes, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, radishes, beets, scallions, kolrabi, rhubarb, bok choi, chard, small onions with green tops, snap peas, sweet peas, herbs, hot house tomatoes, and honey. 

    Get Some Before It's Gone!

    Strawberries! Enjoy them now. Some farms lost a portion of their crops due to the rain in June. 

    Coming Soon!

    Blueberries and early raspberries – Barbara Hamilton from Hamilton Orchards hopes to have ripe berries around the Fourth of July. 

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

    What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Kitchen & Dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • At The Market: Old Friends at Copley Square

    Our once or twice-a-week visits to the Copley Square Farmers' Market are a combination of shopping and chatting with old friends. Penny has been shopping at this market for more than twenty years and some of the stands we frequent have been there even longer. During the past few years, Ed has joined this wonderful community.

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    Last week, Ann Starbard of Crystal Brook Farm and Penny chatted between customers and caught up on what's been happening in their city and farm lives. Over the years, Ann has added a great selection of flavors to her goat cheese selections.

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    Rather than constantly adding more varieties, she tries to suggest matches with current seasonal products from other farms at the market. Last week, she was suggesting her chive cheese with the strawberries that were adding a deep, red pop to the market tables.

    We love to offer guests her ginger goat cheese with a fruit platter for snacking or dessert. Last weekend, we enjoyed it spread on an Iggy's baguette with a glass of rosé wine from the South of France.

    Cook's collage

    Ed and Poppy (our Westie puppy) often sit on a bench next to the Cook's Farm and Bakery stand while Penny backtracks through the market to purchase what we spotted on our initial walk around. Simeon Cook welcomes us and supplies Ed with the oatmeal raisin cookies that keep his sweet tooth under control. 

    This was a much better maple syrup season than last and Cook's has jugs of Grade B syrup on the stand. Penny loves the deep, rich flavor of Grade B syrup and it's one of the secrets of her meltingly delicious lamb shanks in chipotle sauce recipe.

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    The Word from the Farms

    Lily Carone from Atlas Farm said, "Cukes are not far off – cabbage, carrots, peppers, and eggplant too…" "What few plant starts are still making appearances at market will soon be put to rest – so take this opportunity to plant some basil in a window box – or slip some tomatoes in the ground for a late season treat!"

    Marshall's Farm tweeted, "Sweet Peas started last week and hopefully Green Beans are right behind them."

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    In Season, Right Now!

    Foppema's Farm/Keown Orchards had the first cabbage we've seen this season. Time to make some cole slaw! They also have some of the best tasting honey we've had from any farm. It's our choice for our daily dose of local honey for allergy relief.

    Micro-Greens were at both the Atlas stand from Old Friends Farm and at Silverbook Farm. 

    Eggs, meat, and fish are always in-season and available at more markets.

    We also saw: strawberries, tatsoi, cut herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill), hakurei turnips, fennel, broccoli, mushrooms, garlic scrapes, salad mix, lettuce, arugula, radishes, beets, scallions, kolrabi, rhubarb, bok choi, chard, small onions with green tops, snap peas, sweet peas, herbs, hot house tomatoes, and honey. 

    Get Some Before It's Gone!

    Strawberries! Enjoy them now. Some farms lost a portion of their crops due to the rain in June. 

    Coming Soon!

    Blueberries and early raspberries – Barbara Hamilton from Hamilton Orchards hopes to have ripe berries around the Fourth of July. 

    Follow all our Local Food/Farmers' Markets and At The Market reports:

    We heard talk about some early hothouse tomatoes. Curtis Stillman said Stillman's Farm would soon have kale and their first peas.

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    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.