Opening Day Delights

In the Market
May 18, 2019

by Robin Fendya

I’m really only here for the food

There was a festive feeling in the air as friends and neighbors ventured out on a picture perfect Saturday, to celebrate opening day of the 13th season of the Haddonfield Farmer’s Market.

Joe Murphy, of Indian King Friends, talking up The Skirmish on June 1.

I for one, was eagerly anticipating enjoying my first breakfast sandwich on a homemade biscuit (with bacon of course!), from Susan of Café Fiore, and resuming my weekly flower habit with one of Maryellen’s beautiful and artful bouquets (it’s Peony season!) from Muth Flower Farms.

I was also excited to visit with farmers and vendors of years’ past and to check out the offerings of our newest ones. It is always such a pleasure to purchase foodstuffs and artisanal goods direct from the growers and producers, who intimately know their products and are always willing to pass on information and helpful tips as to how to best use them.

There were Spring greens, asparagus and juicy red strawberries in abundance at many of the farmer’s tables including Duffield’s, Sara’s, Blenheim Natural Produce and more, so I couldn’t resist picking up some of each for the coming week’s meals.

Everyone’s favorite, Muth Flowers, had beautiful flowers for opening day

I also grabbed a dozen of the prettiest and freshest multicolored eggs from Sorbello Girls Farm, which once I got home, I immediately used for second breakfast and to whip up a batch of deviled eggs for my family. Those bright golden yolks were amazing!

I enjoyed chatting with several of this year’s market newcomers, such as Honey Brook Organic Farm, the oldest certified Organic CSA in New Jersey, with CSA pick-up now available at our weekly Haddonfield Market, and snapped up some fresh herbs and some intriguing little Hakurei turnips that I thought I’d try pickling as a crisp and tangy addition to salads and wraps.

I sampled a refreshing and pleasantly spicy Ginger Lemon Tea at Jjin Jer’s new stand at the market, picked up some Summer Camp information at Haddonfield’s own Mind Body Art table,.

Next, I wandered over to Free Haven Farms from neighboring Lawnside, where owner/farmer Micaiah Hall, had set out a beautiful display of just picked that morning greens of all kinds. The lettuces, collards and Red Russian Kale were so pretty, I was tempted to tuck them into another bouquet, but of course, they are destined to grace my dinner plate instead.

Then, I stopped at new vendor Vibrant Botanicals, to check out their line of CBD products for humans and their equine and canine friends. The CBD infused raw honey sticks definitely made it onto my shopping list.

Last, I perused Stilwell Farm’s colorful display of bedding plants, herb plants and hanging baskets, and purchased a few items to round out my small garden at home. My reusable bags were full and getting heavy, so I reluctantly started for home. But I’ll see you all again on Saturday, at the market!