Aaron Esh, who along with his wife, Rachel, and their family, supplies much of our eye-popping local produce during the summer season. Harvest Market also stocks preserved goods and cheeses (look for the Peaceful Valley Farm label) from the Esh dairy. We also carry their jars of basil tomato sauce, sauerkraut, pickles and pickled vegetables in our local food section.

For Aaron, growing organically was a natural extension of chemical-free farming practices instilled in Aaron by his father. To them, chemicals were unnecessary expenses. Why spray three acres of produce when organic methods work so well? Aaron also saw a strong need in the local marketplace for organic vegetables and fruits, and for eight years has been cultivating potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, broccoli, corn, tomatoes, melons, cucumbers, butternut squash, blueberries, raspberries, and other crops in rich, healthy soil.  Esh strawberries often sell out the day they arrive in the store. 

Aaron's blackberries make perfect pies and a nutritious addition to your morning smoothie.

Aaron and his family reside in Lancaster County, home to many Amish farmers who supply our region with fresh produce, dairy products and poultry. We are fortunate to live so near a place where traditional, low-impact farming practices turn out an abundance of delicious, nutritious foods.  

Harvest Market is proud to offer a wide selection of produce from this gem of the countryside.  Esh Farm meets the "gold standard:" chemical-free and local is about as down-to-earth as food gets. While Aaron does not have a website, you can learn a little bit about Lancaster County sustainable Plain (and not-so-Plain) farmers here.  

1 lb ground turkey or chicken

2 limes

1/2 bottle India Pale Ale Beer

4 Tbsp high-heat oil 

2 Tbsp butter

5 Tbsp cumin powder

2 Tbsp fish sauce

5 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp soy sauce

2 yellow onion, minced

1 yellow bell pepper, minced

3 white bell peppers, minced

2 yellow jalape�o, minced

2 cans Cannellini beans

1 Tbsp cajun seasoning

1 Tbsp cocoa powder

2/3 cup sriracha hot sauce

3 Tbsp paprika

1 block extra sharp white cheddar 

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Have meat of choice in bowl before beginning. Squeeze 1 lime over the top, then add cocoa powder, cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper, to taste. Let sit, covered, in fridge, during first part of recipe.

On medium heat, add butter and oil to a pot. Then add onion and garlic, and let simmer for about 10-15 min. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over mixture, add salt and pepper, to taste. Add soy sauce and fish sauce. Then add peppers, and let simmer for additional 20 min. Add cumin powder, and the India Pale Ale. Allow to simmer for 15 more minutes. 

In a separate smaller pan, cook meat mixture. Add meat and beans to larger pot once cooked. Mix well, then bring to low heat. Shred block of extra sharp cheddar cheese and add to pot. Finally, add sriracha hot sauce. Turn off heat completely, and let sit, covered, for about 5-10 min. Mix well and serve.