Harvest Time
In the Market
September 1, 2018
By Robin Fendya
I’m really only here for the food
Saturday at the market marked the 1st of September, and the traditional beginning of Harvest time here in the Delaware Valley. As usual, the market was bursting with an abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade baked goods, and other delectable delights for sampling on the spot, and to purchase to take home and enjoy with my family.
First up, I decided to begin the morning on a healthy note, and sample some of the wares that Herb and his daughter Eva whip up at Seashore Smoothies. I sampled three different concoctions, their signature “Strawbango”, a delightful mix of strawberry, banana and mango. Always a kid favorite and I can see why. It was delicious! Next up was the “Eva Original”, a secret recipe that had the zest of lime, the coolness of fresh fruit and a healthy serving of spinach. A tasty and nutritious treat for any time of day. Finally, I tried “The Duffield”, featuring fruit from fellow Haddonfield Farmers Market vendor Duffield’s Farm. It was chock full of blueberries, blackberries, peaches and pineapple. So fruity and refreshing!
Speaking of Duffield’s and farmer Matt, who is always a friendly and knowledgeable presence at the market, it was their last time to be here for the season, so I snapped up some of their delicious sweet corn, peaches, and of course, their famous apple cider doughnuts. We are sad to see them go, but Matt is needed back at the farm as it is their busiest time of the year. If you’re in the Sewell area, be sure to stop by to say hello and pick up a few of your favorites. We look forward to seeing them again next year!
Next was a stop at Muth Flower Farm for my weekly bouquet. The variety is ever changing and the colors of the flowers this time of year, are deeper and more jewel like, than earlier in the season. The vibrant yellows, oranges, reds, fuschias, and purples, are the perfect accent at home, as we move toward the end of Summer.
No Saturday would be complete without a stop at Sorbello Girls, for their luscious Jersey tomatoes, peppery arugula to add to both sandwiches and salads, and an amazing variety of other fresh local produce. I picked up some fresh green beans, more pickling cucumbers (I’ve been making quick refrigerator pickles lately), some early season Gala apples and a beautiful bright yellow Canary melon that caught my eye. I can’t wait to try it!
Then it was off to Blenheim Natural Produce for some fresh picked herbs, beautiful rainbow colored beets and carrots, and some okra. I thought I’d try my hand at making Gumbo, which of course meant that I needed to get some of Chef Kendall’s, best I ever tasted, cornbread from Respond Bakery.
Avocados are a staple in my household (avocado toast!), as are sweet potatoes, so a stop at Sara’s Produce’s tent is a necessity. This week they also had yellow mangoes, which are sometimes hard to find, so I snapped a couple of those up, as well. Owner Lucio told me that beginning next Saturday, he will be bringing pots of mums to the market, to brighten up our gardens and doorsteps.
All of this shopping had made me hungry again, so before I headed home, I swung by to see Susan at Café Fiore, to check out her latest new offerings. A beautiful lemon cupcake, topped with fresh lemon and blueberries made it into my bag, and an oatmeal cookie filled with craisins, coconut, and white chocolate, was devoured before I even made it out of the market. Full confession here: I also had a hot dog with the works from Hot Dog Man, a Haddonfield Farmers Market regular. It is a holiday weekend after all.
As always, it was delightful to stop and chat with friends and neighbors and enjoy the sweet sound of music coming from the gazebo. See you next week at the market, where there’s always more to explore!