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 The Market Beet
News You Can Really Sink your Teeth Into ...
From Collegeville Farmers' Market
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Jenny and Frank's Artisan Gelato
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Longview Center for Agriculture
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Family fun and fresh local food and entertainment make Collegeville Farmers' Market the secret ingredient in your recipe for summer fun.
This week, don't miss: |
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Beauty's in the Eye of the Beholder
"There is no exquisite beauty... without some strangeness in the proportion."
- Edgar Allan Poe
While I was eyeing up my dinner from
Down Home Acres amazing selection of heirloom tomatoes last Saturday, I overheard an interesting comment form a fellow shopper, who was also eyeing up the produce, but with less appreciation than suspicion.
"What are they?" she asked. "Are they edible?"
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Photo credit: Mehdi Entezari
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I was a bit taken aback, until I looked again at the rainbow of oddly shaped tomatoes, lined up on the table, and realized again how drastically different these beauties look from the "perfectly" round, red, tomato clones we have come to expect on grocery store shelves.
"Oh, yes, they are definitely edible," I said. "In fact, they are amazingly delicious."
A long time ago all tomatoes were technically heirloom tomatoes, and seeds were harvested from fruit and passed from farmer to farmer and from generation to generation.
Then hybrid tomatoes came along in the early 1900s. They were genetically designed by scientists by cross-breeding plants to make them more uniform with longer shelf lives, better disease resistance and productivity.
Heirlooms, on the other hand, have been passed down from generation to generation-"flaws" and all.
It's kind of like your granddad's oversized nose or your grannie's endearingly, oversized personality that show up unexpectedly in your own offspring: heirloom tomatoes are full of surprises and appreciated by tomato lovers for their diversity.
They come in all colors (green, yellow, orange, purple, white, black, etc), all shapes, and many bear a healthy dose of lumps, bumps, wrinkles and even stripes. Plus heirloom tomatoes bring unique, sometimes exotic, flavors and personality to your table - just like your favorite relatives!
We are so lucky to have Down Home Acres at our market. They are a small-scale, organically-based farm just up the road in Oley, Pa, run by Paul Crognale and Hana Payne. Paul and Hana are busy farming, bringing their fresh produce to market in Philadelphia, Reading, elsewhere in Montgomery County and even the Andaz Hotel Farmers Market in Lower Manhattan.
In addition, they are busy first-time parents to their new little farmer, Luca.
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Solar Homes in the Collegeville area 1754-2012: Common Sense Building What did farmers know over a century ago that we are still learning today? Sustainable? Green? Passive Solar? Photovoltaic's? These are modern words, but these designs and building practices were just old-fashioned good sense, according to Jon Costanza, President of SunPower Builders. Costanza will be speaking at the Collegeville Farmers Market, Saturday at 10 a.m. about his favorite combination of topics - energy efficient homes and solar energy systems. Pennsylvania farmhouses embody, and are often represented in, much of the sustainable construction movement. Though "green building" may appear to be a complex process, according to Jon, it's simple. What's Old is New. He will discuss the common sense "technologies" of "farmer-dumb" design and the simple details of the Master-builder of yesteryear and how they are being rediscovered and popularized in the "new" sustainable and energy-efficient buildings of today. Local and Sustainable  Jon is a long-time area resident and sustainable energy expert, who built his first solar house in 1972 at the age of 18. He says he "never looked back." His small family business, SunPower Builders has deep roots in Collegeville, calling it home for the last 33 years. They occupy a unique niche, integrating solar technology and energy efficiency into farmhouse renovations, restorations and seamless additions, as many as 50 farmhouses, historic structures, and solar homes within 20 miles of our farmers market. Free Workshop So head out to the market this weekend, enjoy all the fresh, local products and produce and visit Jon as he discusses the SunPower Builders projects of Collegeville, the sustainable movement of "today", and his hopes for the future. This interesting workshop is free and will take place under a shaded tent at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Jon will be available to answer any questions you have about local historic houses and sustainable building practices Read more about Jon Costanza and SunPower Builders here. |
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Yellow Springs Farm is Back!
 Goat cheese is a perfect match for all your favorite supper veggies, and Yellow Springs has lots of varieties. Try them (atop or alongside): tomatoes, fresh or roasted; grilled squash or eggplant, or on green salad with fresh peaches, blueberries or melon.
Yellow Springs will be back at the market this week to help you pick the perfect cheeses for delicious and lite summer cooking.
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Fresh from our Farms
Down Home Acres - Organically-grown heirloom veggies, including a rainbow of tomatoes and lemon cucumber, plus herbs and sweet melons
Frecon Farms - Feelin' peachy with lots of yellow, white and Saturn peaches, plus nectarines and assorted plums. Time to get canning!
Longview Center for Agriculture - Peppers, cukes, squash, and piles of fresh summer corn.
PV Produce - Fresh organic veggies grown at Perkiomen Valley High School by its Take Action environmental group.
Philading - Philading will have large and baby portabella, cremini and shiitake mushrooms, grown at Phillips Mushroom Farm in Kennett Square, PA.
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Vendor Roll Call
Here This Week:
A'dello Vineyard - Fine and fun, local wines, including a new Riesling
All Hands in the Cookie Jar- Treats for everyone, gluten-free, allergen-free baker
Anita's Guacamole - Guacamole made on the spot with the freshest ingredients.
Behmerwald Nursery- Perennials and shrubs, arrangements of garden flowers as well as some fresh cut flowers for making your own arrangements.
Bendy Brook Farm - Chemical and hormone-free, pastured beef, pork, poultry and eggs.
Bigg Dutt - Go Bigg at the grill!
Down Home Acres - small-scale, sustainable and organically-based farm.
Earth Energy Herbs - Home-grown, and locally-produced, chemical-free apothecary creates herbal products traditionally used for healing both mind and body
Frecon Farms- Seasonal fruit, fresh from the fields
Fresh-A-Peel Hummus- Stop by to taste their fresh approach to hummus - savory, spicy or sweet!
ICED by Betsy - Gourmet cupcakes for every occassion
Jenny & Frank's Artisan Gelato- authentic Italian gelato - the finest gelati, made in micro-batches, based on fresh, locally-produced dairy, fruit, and other ingredients.
Joe Paws Dog Bakery - handmade dog treats with no added preservatives, salts or sugars.
John and Kira Chocolates - Artisan Chocolate
Kay Bryant - One-of-a-kind, handmade and hand-sewn clothing, bags and jewelry.
Longview Center for Agriculture - 120 acres of preserved farmland carefully managed using organic and sustainable farming practices.
Marcy's Granola- Natural and delicious
Old Mill Gourmet - gourmet jellies, jams and other products made from farm-fresh ingredients
Philly Bills Dills - Everyone's favorite pickles
Philading - Fantastic chocolate chip and berry scones, plus international food like Lebanese hummus, falafel and baba ganoush.
PV Produce- Produce, grown organically in a Perkiomen Valley High School by the Take Action student group.
Saint Peter's- Artisan Bakery offering Fresh Breads and Pastries baked daily in our French, Steam Injection Ovens.
Soaps Garden- 100 % natural soaps and bath products
Yellow Springs Farm- Al and Catherine Renzi make Yellow Springs Farm cheeses using age-old processes borrowed from both French and Italian traditions.
See Ya Real Soon...
Annie Pod Press - original etchings and linocuts
Fat Head Peppers- Peppers stuffed with quality Italian ingredients like sharp provolone and prosciutto, made in North Wales, PA
Royce Yoder - Hand-thrown pottery pieces, made in Royce Yoder's Lederach studio. His work can be found in galleries and shops all over the United States.
Little Lost Creek Alpaca Farm - Fine yarns and woven products
Neil's Sharpening Service - Sharpen knives, scissors, garden tools, and shop for hand-crafted gifts like pens and bottle stoppers
North Star Orchard- family farm growing unique and heritage varieties of tree fruits and a wide variety of vegetables
Pure Scents Candles- clean burning, beautifully-scented soy candles
Ridge Valley Farm - maple syrup and maple products including: maple sugar, maple cream, maple coated nuts and maple walnut ice cream topping.
Stacie Dale Designs - Hand made keepsake boxes and gifts
Tonya Lov - hand-sculpted, porcelain and beaded jewelry is inspired by nature and created in Collegeville. Each piece is original and hand-made. Contact Tonya for information about custom-made designs
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An Eggs-citing Special on Chicken from Bendy Brook Farm
Farming is a family affair for the Mast clan, and this week three generations will be onsite at Collegeville Farmers' Market: Farmer Nevin, his daughter-in-law, Corrie and her son, Seth.
Seth is starting his own free-range, organic egg business, just like Pop-Pop, and he is bringing his first dozen (or so) eggs to market for sale.
Nevin is bringing his pastured meats (including steak) and chicken along, and for a limited time, he is offering legs and thighs a $.50/lb. discount (limit 10 lbs. per customer).
Bendy Brook chickens chickens are raised in the pasture, in special pens that are made to be moved about twice a day, to keep them on fresh grass all the time. They are also fed soy-free, organically-grown grain.
Their loyal customers often comment that they can see a difference in the coloring and consistency of Bendy Brook meat. It's great on the grill with a nice spice rub or marinade. Corrie sent us this great version of oven-fried chicken (from Betty Crocker) that her family enjoyed earlier this week. Enjoy.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/oven-baked-chicken/faf6d9c9-ee67-4a7b-86ec-8bf0c93a8124
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ICED and Yummy
ICED by Betsy will be featuring our Black & Blue cupcake this week to make the most of the short blueberry season! They will also have: Life by Chocolate, Twisted Lime, PB & C, Mochanut and Pure.
You can pre-order any quantity of cupcakes from the flavors of the week! Place your order via email cupcakes@ICEDbyBetsy.com or phone (610)755-7062. Check out the delicious details in Betsy's newsletter here.
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Marcy's Busy Baking
Marcy's Granola is a versatile, healthy food made from a recipe Marcy's perfected over 30 years of baking it for her family.
No refrigeration necessary! Plus, it is great for packing in a backpack for hiking, bicycling, or picnicking or in a briefcase, lunch box or suitcase. Send it in a care package to someone you love!
Enjoy it with ymilk, (the way Marcy's family has eaten it for years) or with yogurt, on top of ice cream or snacking right out of the container.
Marcy's Granola offers a great fresh-from-the-oven taste, a chewy texture, plus it is baked to perfection to retain as much nutrient value as possible. It is completely unlike hard, dry, overcooked, sugary supermarket products, with scant traces of fruits and nuts.
Stop by the market Saturday for a taste of goodness from Marcy's oven to yours. |
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Cool and Sweet
 This week, Jenny and Frank's celebrates summer with the return of our Cinnamon Honey Gelato, made with local honey from their fellow Farmer's Market vendors.
They will also feature our SubLIME Sorbet (with tarragon) and continue to offer Watermelon Mint Sorbet, as well as Rustic Lemon and Chocolate Gelato.
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On Stage at Collegeville Farmers' Market this Saturday:
 Michael Kropp will be playing a great selection of popular rock and pop favorites to please everyone in the family!
Come hang out and have a great family morning!
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All Hands in the Cookie Jar
This week, everyone can enjoy Gluten Free (GF) Fresh Peach Cobbler, GF Blueberry Cream Cheese Cookies (made with Frecon Farms Blueberries), and GF Zucchini Muffins from All Hands in the Cookie Jar.
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 Over the Fence:
News from the Neighbors
Sunday, Aug. 12 is the Collegeville Fire Company's Annual Car Show
Once again, we are fortunate that the Collegeville Fire Company is hosting their annual car show right here in the Borough. The classic cars and other vehicles parked up and down Main Street are a delight for young and old, and are sure to evoke fond memories from residents of all ages! The event takes on a festival atmosphere, with music, vendors, food and fun. 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. You won't want to miss it!
Our dedicated fire men and women are 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, visit the Fire Company's website, www.collegevillefire.org. Tickets are being sold at the Fire House at Fifth and Main Streets on Monday and Wednesday nights between 7 and 9 p.m., or call the Fire House at (610) 489-4464 and leave a message.
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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
Contact:
Maureen Cawley
Collegeville Farmers' Market Manager
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