In This Issue
March 10, 2012
Market Vendors
Important Announcements
Featured at the Market:

 Fresh Food

 Organic Food

 Local Products

Featured Products

 

 

Marie
Marie informs us about the health benefits of Mountain View Poultry's free range eggs vs. commercial eggs
 in her write-up 
 

 

Kate of Om Shanti Naturals
Learn about the properties of Om Shanti Naturals herbal bath and beauty products from Kate 
The Irish Shop
St. Patrick's Day is coming!  The perfect gifts await you at Collegeville Main Street's Irish Shop!  See the Announcements Section for information
on their many products.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Logo
  Collegeville Farmers' Market Newsletter

 

March 10th Market

 

Frozen veg bag 

Why it is Important to Know Where Your Food
Comes From . . . 
      

It didn't use to be this way.   

 

American brands such as Birds Eye, which has headquarters in the mid-West, used to buy all their produce from American Farms.  Not anymore.   

 

On a recent visit to the supermarket, when we checked package labels, we found that while some of their products were from the US, other were sourced from outside the US--including from China.   

 

But even if you check the label of every food product  that you buy, you still may not know where the product is from.  Many packages just list the distributor.   

 

Recently, ABC's Investigative team put together a report on Whole Foods' "organic" produce which was grown in China.  Although the package had the seal of the US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA), which inspects organic farms in this country, the USDA does not inspect imported food.  They rely on Quality Assurance International (QAI) whose seal was also on the food packages.  However, QAI relies on individuals within the country to perform the actual inspections, so there is no guarantee that the products that you are buying are actually pesticide and chemical free.  Learn more about this here:    

 

Whole Foods Organic,  Made In China
Whole Foods Organic, Made In China
 

 

Why does this matter?  It matters because of the possibility of corruption in the business dealings of some countries.  What is stated on the label may not be true about the product.  It also matters because the motivation of the seller may not be in your best interest.   

 

The organic food movement in the US was started by people who believe in and are truly committed to sustainable farming and producing organic or pesticide-reduced products.  Growing products organically is hard work.  The farms in China and many other countries are contracted by large conglomerates whose goal is to make a profit.  Their products might be okay-- but there is no way to know.  

 

When you buy products from our local farmers through their CSAs, at a farm store such as at the Longview Agricultural Center or at our Farmers' Market, you can be assured that the growers are proud to associate their names with their products and take great care in producing them.  You can trust that your food will be wholesome, fresh, and will be as it is described.  Even better, you can have a personal relationship with the farmers and visit their farms to see how the food is grown yourself.   

 

Another way to be sure of the source of your food is to grow it yourself.  If you plan to have a garden this year, take advantage of Longview's repeat of their Crop Planning and Garden Layout Workshop on March 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This is the first course in their series to help you make the most of your garden this summer.  The course is  $8.00 for members, $10.00 for non-members.  Pre-registration is required.  To register, Click Here 

 

For fresh, local products that are absolutely sourced in the USA, stop by the Collegeville Winter Farmers' Market this Saturday! 


Mountain View Poultry Farm is proud of their pasture raised hens and eggs this week, and is offering a special price of two dozen eggs for $6.50.  Marie wants you to understand the benefits of pastured vs. commercial eggs, and has provided you with the following information.  Did you know that pasture raised eggs have significant health advantages over commercial eggs?  They have:

  • One-half less cholesterol
  • One-fourth less saturated fat
  • Two-thirds more vitamin A
  • Two times more omega 3 fatty acids
  • Three times more Vitamin E
  • Seven times more beta carotene
  • Three to six times more Vitamin D

Plus, Marie says, Mountain View hens are very happy, healthy, love living as nature intended, and love providing eggs for you!

 

Marie looks forward to seeing you on Saturday!

 

Maria from Old Mill Gourmet has been busy in the kitchen again whipping up new flavors of jams.  This week she is featuring White Peach Raspberry Jam, Mango Straberry Jam Honey and Honey Sticks, Argentine Chimichurri and--after a long wait--she now has Maple Syrup.  

 

FreshAPeel Hummus will have a number of their wonderful hummus flavors reflecting both local and cross-cultural influences.  Their hummus is made using a handcrafted single-batch production process for each of their tasty flavors.  So good for you and delicious!

   
A'dello Vineyards returns bringing their  chardonnays: Chardonnay Reserve, Chardonnay Naked, and semi-sweet Cardonnel, as well as their reds: a Chambourcin, Merlot or Cabernet Franc; their Cellar Door Collection of rose wines and their delicious signature fruit wines.

 

 Marcy's Granola is back with her six original flavors of artisan granola, including her cashew with cranberries, which is now available in her 100% vegan flavor.  Her granola is made with oats, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, and she uses only the finest oil and vegan-friendly sweeteners to make it slightly sweet. Try a free sample on Saturday, and you can also pre-order from her website: www.shop.marcysgranola.com and pick up your order at the market.

 

Little Lost Creek Alpaca Farm will be ready with all their alpaca products available--including their felted soaps, throws, and heavenly soft and warm socks, as well as handcrafted pottery by local potter Nicole Dubrow.

 

Kate returns with Om Shanti Naturals' luxurious body and shower washes, all natural herbal soaps, moisturing lip balms, salt and sugar body scrubs, massage oils, bath salts, bath oils and more.

Our Collegeville Farmers' Market vendors sell inside the Longview Farm Store each Saturday
from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. through April 28th, 2012.
The Longview Center for Agriculture is located at the former Willow Creek Farm, 3215 Stump Hall Road in Collegeville.

 

While visiting our farmers and vendors this week, check out the variety of local, sustainably produced products at the farm store! 

 

Longview's store, which is operated by the non-profit Greener Partners, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and is open Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Directions to Longview:  The Longview Center for Agriculture is located at 3215 Stump Hall Road, Collegeville, PA.  (From the Collegeville Farmers' Market Main St. site, drive East down Main St. and cross the Perkiomen Creek Bridge.  Drive about five miles East on Germantown Pike, then turn left on Rt. 363, and after several miles turn left again to Stump Hall Rd. Longview is about a mile down on your right.)  

Market Vendors 
 From the Collegeville Farmers' Market


 

A'dello Vineyards - Is a local vineyard and winery in Perkiomenville. A'dello sells a range of reds, whites and sweet fruit wines and wine products for the enjoyment of residents in the Collegeville area. For more information www.adellowines.com   

 

Bigg Dutt's Barbecue Sauce -  Matt Dutton (Bigg Dutt) who is from Collegeville, perfected his barbeque sauces over a ten year period, and now has added his Jacked Up Chipotle Sauce and rubs to his product line. Find out more at www.biggduttsbbq.com

     

FreshAPeel Hummus - This all-natural hummus is handcrafted in Lancaster. It was founded with the passion to introduce customers to the growing trend of eating healthy foods and to support the sustainability of the Pennsylvania Farming Community. For more information visit: www.freshapeelhummus.com

 

Little Lost Creek Alpaca Farm - Alpaca fiber is some of the softest and warmest fiber in the world. It does not contain the lanolin found in sheep's wool, so that people allergic to wool can comfortably wear alpaca.  Stop by their table and experience the lush feeling of alpaca fiber and sign up for a farm visit!   For more information, www.littlelostcreekalpacafarm.com

    

Marcy's Granola - Their granola comes in six delicious flavors, including 100% vegan, and offers great taste, a chewy texture and is baked to perfection to retain as much nutrient value as possible.  Marcy's wonderful selections are based on her 30 years of experience.  For more information:

www.shop.marcysgranola.com

 

Mountain View Poultry Farm - Is an organic, free-range farm offering poultry, eggs, and a full menu of poultry products. They have been busy enlarging their kitchen at the Mountain View Farm Store so they will be offering even more delicious entrees in the future!  

 

Neil's Sharpening Service - Neil returns to the market on the third Saturday of each month to sharpen all of your kitchen knives, scissors, and tools. He also sells handmade wood products. View his website at

Om Shanti Naturals specializes in hand made, all natural bath and body products. Learn more at www.omshantinaturals.com

 

Red Haven Farm - Offering grass fed beef and lamb, pastured pork, artisan cheeses and free range eggs.  See their website at www.redhavenfarm.com 

   

Yellow Springs Farm - is a native plant nursery and artisan goat cheese dairy that offers an assortment of goat cheeses, caramel sauce, blueberries, and chocolate truffle candies in season. For more information: www.yellowspringsfarm.com

       

Announcements

 

Marie from The Irish Shop
Marie Altieri of The Irish Shop 

 

 

For this St. Patrick's Day, Experience a Wee Bit  

of Ireland

Right in Collegeville!

 

You don't have to travel to the auld sod to step on Ireland's soil--The Irish Shop, located at 339 E. Main Street in Collegeville, sells gift bags of the stuff. They also carry Irish Celtic jewelry, including silver and gold Claddaghs, jackets, throws, hand-loomed Irish Woolen sweaters, kitchenware, tea sets, wall hangings, perfume, Galway crystal, Mullingar pewter, Belleek and Royal Tara China, collectibles, dance gear, CDs and DVDs.

 

Although the shop seems deceptively small from the outside, it contains many hundreds of products well displayed so that browsing for your St. Patrick's Day gifts becomes a joy in itself. There are surprises everywhere you turn. While Celtic music plays in the background, enjoy your choice of Irish food products to make your March 17th feast authentic: among them, Donnelly bacon, sausage, black puddings and white puddings; teas, soda bread and scone mix. And don't forget to pick up some green hot chocolate, green "white" coffee or lemonade mixes as well as their holiday Irish potatoes.

 

Throwing a St. Paddy's Day Party? No problem. Shop owner Marie Altieri carries a complete line of Irish party supplies. Looking for a child's gift? Check out their children's clothing, candy and toys, including rubber duckies dressed in Irish gear.

 

Want to impress that Irish lad in your life? View the men's authentic Irish woolen caps, scarves, and ties, hardy Guinness pub-themed products, golf tees, walking sticks and more.

 

There are plenty of gifts for Irish-themed weddings, and bridal and baby showers, as well as religious gifts.

 

And they haven't forgotten your Irish setter, either. Check out their dog leads (or leashes, as you Americans say) and water bowls.
 

Marie has found her customers with Irish backgrounds to be incredibly loyal. "They drive to the store as a destination," she explains. "For those of Irish descent, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated like a smaller Christmas. Customers look for gifts that evoke memories-of an Irish Mom or Dad or their relatives in The Old Country."

 

Marie purchased the shop in 2006 when it was in Audubon. In 2007, she relocated the shop to Collegeville's Main Street. With a background in personal service initially honed at Genuardi's Supermarkets, then perfected over time, coupled with her drive to keep her product line fresh and different, shoppers are guaranteed to delight in the Irish experience that Marie has created.

 

The Irish shop is open on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, telephone Marie at (610) 454- 0402.

 

 

 

Introduce Your Little One to the Joy of Music Through Littlest Music Maker's "Music Together" Classes  

 

 

If you love music and would like to introduce your children to music while they have fun, look into the Littlest Music Maker classes being held at St. Luke's Church at 200 Main St. in Trappe. 

 

This research-based music program is full of singing, playing instruments, dancing, finger plays and joyful fun.  The program is open to children ages birth through preschool/age 5 and the adults who love them.  Their spring session will run from April 9th through June 15th.  If you would like to attend a free trial class, or to register, contact them at 267 342 2093 or e-mail them at [email protected]

 

For more information on the program:  Click here 

 

 

Support the Collegeville Fire Company's Car Show by Taking Part in their Raffle

 

This year's car show is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday Aug. 12th with a rain date of Aug. 19th.  It will once again be held on Collegeville's Main Street.

 

Our dedicated fire men and women are currently raising money to bring the show to our community through a money raffle.  Tickets are $5 each or three for $10.  There will be five $1,000 cash prizes awarded at the car show and there is no need to be present.  Please help them by participating in their raffle! 

 

For more information, see on the Fire Company's website:  Click here.  Tickets are being sold at the Fire House at Fifth and Main Sts. on Monday and Wednesday nights between 7 and 9 p.m., or call
the Fire Company at 610 489 4464 and leave a message.  

 

 

Hope to see you on Saturday!

 

Sincerely,

 


Cathy Kernen
Chair, Collegeville Farmers' Market Committee

The Collegeville Farmers' Market and the Collegeville Main Street program are sponsored by the Collegeville Economic Development Corporation (CEDC).  

 

Support the Farmers' Market by becoming a member of the CEDC, a 501 (c)3 non-profit group which is working to revitalize our local business district and further improve the quality-of-life of residents.  For more information:  http://www.collegevilledevelopment.org