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 The Market Beet
News You Can Really Sink your Teeth Into ...
Collegeville Farmers' Market,
460 E. Main Street
Every Saturday, 9a.m. - 1p.m.
August 25, 2012
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Summer is in full swing! This week, don't miss:
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Who Says Barbecue
...is not for Breakfast?
Labor Day weekend doesn't have to mark the end of all the things that make summer fun!
Collegeville Farmers' Market is rolling out the welcome mat and firing up the grill for a Welcome Back Breakfast and Barbecue Bash on Saturday, Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
 It doesn't matter if you are an early-riser or a late-sleeper, fantastic specialties featuring the best local, late-summer fruits and vegetables and gourmet delights from our vendors will be served, hot-off-the-grill from opening to close.
Photo credit: http://wrighttimeforaschnack.wordpress.com
Grilled and Granola: Perfect Together
On the menu will be sausage served with eggs and farm-fresh peppers, onions and tomatoes. Plus satisfy your sweet tooth the healthy way sugar-sweet apples and pears grilled with sugar and topped with wholesome and delicious granola from Marcy's Granola.
 | | A market fundraiser, sponsored by Marcy's Granola |
Marcy is sponsoring the event and donating the granola, which is a fundraiser to support the operation and promotion of our market.
(Thanks, Marcy!)
Marcy's Granola begins with raw, all natural ingredients. It is made with oats, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, using only the finest oils and sweeteners such as honey, or vegan-friendly maple syrup or blue agave to give it a "touch" of sweetness.
Speaking of sweetness, market-favorite, Christine and Company will help us usher in the new season together with her popular and original folk and rock sounds.
Tell all your friends and come by to support our market and to try something new next Saturday.
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Pick of the Week:
Fresh from our Farms
Down Home Acres
Down Home Goodness, Grown Naturally
Get your peppers - green bell and cubanelles! Plus zucchini, sweet Basil, onions, beets, heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, Swiss chard, ocra, potatoes, carrots and a variety of heirloom cucumbers. Plus, stop by to see what surprises are fresh from the field this week!
Frecon Farms
Fresh from Frecon Farms this week:
Apples...including Gala, Ginger Gold, Ozark Gold, Paula Red Apples!
Pears...including Red Bartlett, Bartlett and Seckle Pears
Flaming Fury Peaches
Red Gold Nectarines.
Plus Josh Smith of Frecon Farms reports they'll begin pressing SWEET apple and pear cider next week! He says, "Fall is beginning to settle in, so get ready for a great apple and pear harvest from Frecon Farms."
Frecon, in Boyertown, has been growing some of Pennsylvania's finest tree fruits since 1944. on the season, they bring us: cherries, peaches, plums, blueberries, apricots, nectarines, raspberries, apples, pears, pumpkins, squash and more.
PV Produce
The tomatoes have finally arrived, and they are worth the wait!
They are grown organically at Perkiomen Valley High School by the "Take Action!" environmental group, who has been carefully tending the garden and waiting for them to turn deliciously red! Stop by to talk to them about the work they do and to see what's fresh from their garden. This great group of high school students is dedicated to making the world a healthier, happier place!
North Star Orchard in Cochranville, PA, will have Thunder grapes , plus apples, peaches, a (few) early Asian pears, garlic, rainbow chard, and a number of other specialty and heirloom goodies, grown using organic practices in the vegetable garden! They specialize in growing unique and heritage varieties of tree fruits and a wide variety of vegetables.
Not here this week:
Yellow Springs Farm Native Plant Nursery and Artisanal Goat Cheese Dairy, founded by Catherine and Al Renzi, is located in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. The farm and nursery consists of an historic farmhouse, dairy barn, a springhouse with pond on 8 acres of land. Al and Catherine raise goats on site and make fresh cheese every day.
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Today's Supermarket Special:
Chicken a la Bacteria or Bleach?
Corrie Mast of Bendy Brook Farm forwarded me some alarming information this week from the website eatwild.com.
Did you know that the European Union refuses to allow chickens from the United States into their food supply because of health concerns? In fact, they've banned the import of all US poultry since 1997 in spite of aggressive diplomatic pressure from the United States.
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Factory- Farmed Chickens,
Photo Credit: http://stienster.blogspot.com
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Why?
Well, it seems most US poultry takes a dip in a chlorinated pool before it is shipped to the supermarket. A 2008 article from Meatprocess.com reports that it is "standard practice in the US poultry industry...to wash the carcasses in chlorinated water to kill bacteria."
What kind of bacteria?
According to research published in the scientific journal, Clinical Infectious Diseases, 47 percent of meat and poultry, on US supermarket shelves is likely to be contaminated by staphylococcus aureus ("Staph"), which is not among the four bacteria-Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, and Enterococcus-routinely tested in meat by the US government.
The prevalence of Staph aside, it is the chlorine on the meat that has European officials concerned. They concluded that U.S. poultry would "threaten the community's entire set of food production standards."
Why are Bendy Brook Farms chickens different?
Well, first, they are pastured, which is vastly different from poultry mass-produced in factory farms and even different from"free range." Generally free-range chickens live on dirt and are fed grain.
Bendy Brook chickens live in portable pens which are moved two times each day in a pasture to give them access to fresh grass and insects. The inclusion of grass and insects in their diet gives them superior nutritional value over exclusively grain-fed, commercial poultry. They do need some grain however, and we give them organically grown, soy- free grain.
As a result of their more natural lifestyle, they are not as susceptible to diseases that are easily spread in cramped conditions.
They are not bleached and they receive no synthetic hormones or antibiotics.
A Special Price this Week
As always, Farmer Nevin Mast will be at our market again this week. He is running a special on pastured chicken legs and thighs - a $.25/lb. discount. He will also have a wonderful, easy new recipe to share that uses the legs and thighs.
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Do you "Like" Collegeville?
The Collegevillle Economic Development Corporation giving you lots of reasons to with a full slate of fun community activities planned for this fall. "Like" them on Facebook and keep up with the latest happenings. So far, the list includes:
The Great Cleanout: Collegeville's First Community-wide Yard Sale (Sat. Sept. 22)
Collegeville Art Festival (Sat., Oct. 6)
Jingle Jog and Oh Christmas Tree Holiday event: (Sat. Dec. 1)
Collegeville's First Holiday House Tour: (Sat., Dec. 15)
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Thunder at our market Saturday?
Don't miss it!
Lisa Kerschner of North Star Orchard reported this week that we can expect Thunder at our market this Saturday.
But leave your raincoat at home.
Big, Dark and Impressive
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Photo: North Star Farm
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Thunder is a grape variety that is big, dark and impressive in many ways - but don't expect it to boom.
Instead, you can expect a rich, juicy burst of grape flavor. Lisa says some folks think this unique grape variety looks like a Concord, but one taste blows that notion out of the water.
"Thunder is a taste explosion!" she says. The fruit does have tiny seeds, but according to Lisa, folks at the farm usually just eat them right along with the grape.
Not in Supermarkets
Like so many of the varieties of fresh fruit and veggies at North Star Orchard, you can't get Thunder at a local supermarket. North Star Orchard specializes in growing unique and heritage varieties of tree fruits and a wide variety of vegetables.
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Photo: North Star Farm
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Last week, I brought home North Star's beets to share with my family. They were unlike any other I've seen or tasted - brilliant orange and red in color, as big as a softball and sweet and meaty. Lisa said they were bred right at North Star Orchard. (I planned to take a picture, but they disappeared too fast!)
According to Lisa, Thunder was acquired by the farm many years ago. It was part of a table grape breeding program but faced extinction after the breeder died. Since then, this beauty has had a new home just down the road from us on Lisa and Ike Kerscher's farm in Chester County, PA.
Passing Storm
Just like a summer storm, however, Thunder will pass by quickly. It will only be at our market this Saturday, so stop by to see why this grape is destined to take the fruit world by storm.
While you are there, talk to the folks from North Star about their work, developing and growing a rainbow of unusually delicious produce on their farm in Cochranville, PA.
They plan to "flavor the future" one tree, vine or plant at a time.
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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 - Allergen-free, gluten-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.
Down Home Acres - small-scale, sustainable and organically-based farm.
Fat Head Peppers- Peppers stuffed with quality Italian ingredients like sharp provolone and prosciutto, made in North Wales, PA.
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!
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.
Little Lost Creek Alpaca Farm - Fine yarns and woven products.
Longview Center for Agriculture - 120 acres of preserved farmland carefully managed using organic and sustainable farming practices.
Marcy's Granola- Natural and delicious.
North Star Orchard - specializes in growing unique and heritage varieties of tree fruits and a wide variety of vegetables.
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.
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 .
See Ya Real Soon...
Annie Pod Press - original etchings and linocuts
Bigg Dutt - Go Bigg at the grill!
Earth Energy Herbs - Home-grown, and locally-produced, chemical-free apothecary creates herbal products traditionally used for healing both mind and body
ICED by Betsy- Gourmet cupcakes for every occasion.
Kay Bryant - One-of-a-kind, handmade and hand-sewn clothing, bags and jewelry.
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.
Neil's Sharpening Service - Sharpen knives, scissors, garden tools, and shop for hand-crafted gifts like pens and bottle stoppers. Neil is unable to attend the market this week.
Old Mill Gourmet - gourmet jellies, jams and other products made from farm-fresh ingredients.
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
Yellow Springs Farm- Al and Catherine Renzi make Yellow Springs Farm cheeses using age-old processes borrowed from both French and Italian traditions.
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On Stage this Week:
Tungsten Trio
If you love that crazy 60s close-harmony folk sound, or if you'd just like to tap your feet and see a great group of "old-folkies" having fun, stop by Saturday.
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Fuzzy Fun for Summer and Fall!
 Flip Flop season never needs to end. Little Lost Creek Alpaca Farm will be at the market Saturday with crazy-soft fleece flops, perfect for warm days and cool nights! They are on sale for $14 or two for $25.
Alex and Sandy Frazier have had a busy summer with lost of new babies; puppies, Chester and Molly and Alpaca babies (called Cria). Colbert, Monroe and Bailey. Plus they've hosted a full slate of 4-H activities. Alex and Sandy look forward to seeing everybody again at our market. Stop by to buy to shop their awesome handmade woven or felted products for a special gift for you or someone special.
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Cool and Sweet
 How about an icey treat?
Jenny and Frank's Artisan Gelato is offering a perfect Saturday wake-up call - creamy, bold and delicious Sunrise Espresso Gelato!
They'll also have Cinnamon Honey, Ginger Peach, Rustic Lemon, and Chocolate Supreme Gelati, plus refreshing SubLIME Sorbet (with tarragon).
John and Kira's
Try their brand new Chocolate Oranges - exquisite creations, filled with a white chocolate ganache and flavored with fresh orange juice, infused orange rind, and a touch of Cointreau. All this is delicately held within a Valrhona 62% dark chocolate shell.
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Gluten-free Goodies
Beth Reed from All Hands in the Cookie Jar is back from vacation and back in the test kitchen. This week, she's working out some new great recipes for gluten-free (GF) goodies, including GF Classic Whoopie Pies, GF Iced Lemon Pound Cake, GF Chocolate Biscotti, and GF Oatmeal Breakfast Squares.
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Make sure to come by the market next Saturday, Sept. 1 to speak with reps from Forgotten Cats about adopting a new companion to share your life! For more info, visit: here
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Our Apologies....
Neil Jacob of Neil's Sharpening Service had to cancel his monthly appearance at the market due to circumstances beyond his control.
Unfortunately that left some disappointed customers wandering around the market with dull knives.
Fortunately, they took them home without incident.
We are happy to announce Neil will make a special appearance at our market on Sept. 8. So prepare to sharpen up!
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Did you say pie?!
Everyone loves pie, and everyone has a favorite.
 Is yours a summer delight with juicy peaches or blueberries?
Or do you crave an autumn treat stuffed with fresh apples or savory pumpkin?
The Collegeville Pie Baking Contest will allow you to show off your favorite recipes...or simply taste the best pies from kitchens all over the county.
Fantastic prizes will be awarded for the best fruit pie and the best specialty, dessert pie. Each contestant will be asked to bake two pies, which will be judged by market visitors throughout the day. It will be a fun day for all with lots of market goodies, fun for the kids, music and of course...pie!
Contact Maureen at farmersmarket@collegevilledevelopment.org for details or to reserve your spot!
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 Over the Fence:
News from the Neighbors
Yeeee....Haw!!!! A Rodeo Right in our Back Yard!
 Mark your calendar and shine up your spurs. Northern Star Farm & Dairy in Trappe, PA is hosting a rodeo on Saturday, Sept. 15. Gates open at 2 p.m. and the show starts at 4 p.m. There will be bull riding, barrel racing, and Western entertainment. Childrens Activites include: pony rides, a moon bounce, face-painting, music & more! Food, drinks, ice cream and beer will be sold at this event.
Ticket prices are: Adults,$15 ;Children (12 yrs and under),$8.
All proceeds benefit the Survival of Northern Star Farm & Dairy in Trappe, PA. Hope to see you there!
Would You Know How Help Someone in Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
This two-hour course could save a life! Everyone in the community is invited to this free course, "Hands-Only CPR for Adults Who Suddenly Collapse" on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ursinus College Field House where the indoor track is located.
This type of CPR, which involves only hands and does not require breathing, is important to know and very easy to learn. The free event is being sponsored by the PA Dept. of Health and being put on by the Montgomery County EMS instructors & the Ursinus College EMS team.
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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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